Workflow management is implemented in manufacturing at many levels. The nature of processes varies at each level, hindering the use of a standard modeling or implementation solution. The creation of a flexible workflow management framework that overarches the heterogeneous business process levels is challenging. Still, one of the promises of the Industry 4.0 initiative is precisely this: to provide easy-to-use models and solutions that enable efficient execution of enterprise targets. By addressing this challenge, this article proposes a workflow execution model that integrates information and control flows of these levels while keeping their hierarchy. The overall model builds on the business process model and notation (BPMN) for modeling at the enterprise level and recipe modeling based on colored Petri net (CPN) at the production level. Models produced with both alternatives are implemented and executed in a framework supported by an enterprise service bus (ESB). Loosely coupled, late-bound system elements are connected through the Arrowhead framework, which is built upon the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) concept. To prove its feasibility, this article presents the practical application of the model via an automotive production scenario.Note to Practitioners-The methodology detailed in this article can serve as a basis for experts who are dealing with industrial workflows. Reacting to the requirements of Industry 4.0, i.e., the virtualization, decentralization, modularity, real-time capability, and service orientation, this article provides a concept that can answer all the defined criteria. First, it adopts a new two-level approach to workflow management, which makes the understanding and control of workflows easier, enhancing transparency. Furthermore, it demonstrates how-even completely different-applications and modeling languages can be integrated into a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). The presented com-Manuscript
The new paradigm of the Industry 4.0 centers on the digitalization of assets to realize a new industrial revolution. Standardization and interoperability are key for the successful implementation of this digitalization strategy. Among the different standardization and interoperability initiatives, Asset Administration Shell (AAS) proposes a standardized electronic representation of industrial assets enabling Digital Twins and interoperability between automated industrial systems and Cyber Physical System (CPS). In this context, Mondragon Corporation has launched several initiatives to boost the digitalization of its industries. Although implementation of the AAS in real industrial scenarios is not widespread, Mondragon Corporation has identified this initiative as a key enabler for manufacturing companies within its group. This paper presents a case study on the application of the AAS in an industrial context. The AAS initiative is implemented through integrating a Machine Tooling ecosystem with a robotic arm. This implementation facilitates the discovery and integration of grinding machines with other components or machines in a production plant, validating the AAS in a manufacturing scenario.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.