Automation Software Architecture in CPPS – Definition, Challenges and Research Potentials

Abstract

The importance of a mature, maintainable design of automation software in Cyber-Physical Production Sys-tems (CPPS) is continuously increasing since a growing propor-tion of the system functionality is implemented via software. As a result, system complexity is shifting more and more towards the software side. Quality characteristics such as flexibility, maintain-ability, and extensibility, whose importance is increasing in the context of Industry 4.0, are thus becoming harder to achieve. These challenges can only be solved through sound architectural design. While there is a common understanding of good software architecture and appropriate methods to achieve it in computer science, a suitable architecture definition for automation software that takes all relevant factors into account is still missing in the field of CPPS. Therefore, based on a workshop with international scientists with different perspectives on CPPS, this paper presents influencing factors on automation software architecture. On this basis, a joint definition for software architecture in CPPS, as well as challenges and future research potentials, are derived.