Towards Changeable Production Systems – Integration of the Internal and External Flow of Information as an Enabler for Real-Time Production Planning and Controlling

Abstract

Abstract. In this paper, it will be shown how information and communication technologies (ICT) act as enablers to realize changeable production systems within the German machinery and equipment industry. A cybernetic structure is proposed to design and operate systems that have to cope with a high degree of complexity due to continuously changing environment conditions. The integration of IT-Systems along the order processing of small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SME) is shown to be one of the missing links of changeable production systems in practice. A demonstration case is presented in which standardized interfaces of IT-Systems enhance real-time data exchange between the relevant planning levels of producing companies, their suppliers and customers.