A reference architecture based on Edge and Cloud Computing for Smart Manufacturing

The paper examines the development of production systems from automated to data analysis-supported process control. In current concepts, process optimization is carried out by data analysis with the help of a decision support system after the production process. Prescriptive automation envisages controlling the process before and autonomously on the basis of a prescriptive analytics model. The development of an IT architecture is identified as an essential part of the overall concept. On the basis of expert interviews and current literature reviews, the question is answered, which requirements an IT architecture for prescriptive automation has to fulfill. These requirements are opposed to solution components with the goal of a modular architectural concept. On basis of the requirements and therefore needed solution components, a reference architecture is identified on the assumption of the data processing resources. The main processing components of this architecture are a combination of edge and cloud computing.