In today’s smart factories, cyber physical systems monitor physical processes, create a virtual representation of the physical world, and even make decisions. The traditional structure of the automation pyramid and the distinction between information and operations technologies are blurring. Cyber physical systems enable new means of communication and cooperation among devices, production assets and information systems in an orchestrated and decentralized way in real time. Via the Internet of Services, both internal and cross-organizational services are being used throughout the value chain.
Different countries and regions have designed their own programs to achieve this fourth industrial revolution. For example, the German government and the European Union promote the Industry 4.0 program, while in the United States, the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC) is the main initiative. Other countries, such as Japan and Korea, have also established national programs on smart manufacturing.