A modular interoperability layer for connecting the business and manufacturing systems

A current challenge in the manufacturing area aims at connecting the business systems with the manufacturing equipment (production devices and machine-tools) to match effectively the production with the individual customers demands. However, with the heterogeneity of industrial communication and information technologies, the interoperability of business systems and manufacturing equipment still remains complex to be achieved. This paper deals with the interoperability of business and manufacturing systems by proposing a modular layer that uses a model-based approach to transport the production information (production orders, workflow, resources capabilities, etc.) from business systems down to manufacturing equipment.