Background to the joint project

The goal of the BMBF-funded joint project is to enable existing companies to metamorphose into intelligent and networked factories. In line with the vision of cyber-physical systems (CPS), significant increases in productivity and flexibility can be achieved as a result. However, the transformation of an existing factory into an intelligent and networked factory cannot be carried out disruptively, as production interruptions of too large an extent are associated with too high downtime costs. Consequently, the transformation process must proceed step by step so that the desired target state is achieved successively. The aim of the project is therefore to describe steps and find ways to successively integrate cyber-physical systems into existing modernization and development projects, thus enabling companies to undergo the metamorphosis to an intelligent and networked factory.

The research objectives of MetamoFAB

In order to achieve the overall objective, six successive research goals have been delineated within the framework of MetamoFAB.

• The development of case-specific reference models
• The derivation of required capabilities of humans and technology
• The rules of interaction between humans and technology
• The emergence of a transformation cockpit
• General methods and tools for planning, monitoring and implementing the transformation to the future CPS factory
• Validation of the developed approaches and tools in virtual and real laboratory demonstrations

The research goal of the Chair of Information Systems, Processes and Systems at the University of Potsdam

The Chair of Information Systems, Processes and Systems at the University of Potsdam focuses on the second work package for entity development within MetamoFAB. The goal of this work package is to enable the individual entities - people, product, machines, information systems with respect to the entire organization - to become a networked factory. In particular, the following sub-goals are pursued:

• Creation of a functional specification for the entities
• Determination of the qualification of the entities for decision empowerment with special consideration of the employees
• Development of suitable methods to enable the entities
• Development of exemplary reference entities for the use cases

Project results

Among the most important results is the development of process models for the design of change under consideration of acceptance, for the development of employee qualifications as well as for the context-sensitive configuration of learning scenarios. Furthermore, a method for process-related competence profiling and interface modeling with KMDL was developed and applied. Related partial results are also the developed comprehensive competence model for Industrie 4.0 as well as the entity profile for the competence recording of individual entities (machine, employee, intelligent product).

Project partners and funding

The BMBF-funded joint project MetamoFAB is carried out jointly by the Chair of Business Informatics at the university and partners from science and practice. Project partners: University of Stuttgart - Institute of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management (IAT); budatec GmbH, Festo AG & CO. KG, Fraunhofer IPK, infineon, Pickert & Partner GmbH, Siemens AG, Technische Hochschule Wildau.