A New IT Architecture for the Digital Factory

Abstract

AbstractIn general, current systems for the Digital Factory implement a product-process-resource (PPR) data model in a monolithic rich-client/server architecture with a single database persistence layer. Common data objects are the product bills of material, descriptions of the production processes, or the resource structure, e.g. bill of equipment. The main drawback of the current monolithic architecture is the slow rate of development, which prevents fast adoption of the software to the new production planning process (i.e., due to new technologies for the transformation of the automotive industry with the goal of electrification) is not possible. Furthermore, time-consuming and error-prone export-import operations characterize the collaboration of the engineering supply chain. Mercedes-Benz has created a new IT system architecture for their Digital Factory. The core idea of this architecture is a module-based approach. Each planning step has its own module, e.g. product analysis, layout planning or cost calculation. One single module consists of a server-based business logic, a web-based user interface and its own database. Each module is the source of master data objects that originate from the corresponding planning step and refers to data objects from predecessor planning steps. The single modules communicate mostly via KAFKA. The usage of a model based application engine allows the fast creation of different modules. Best-of-breed third-party systems for specific planning steps can be integrated into the system architecture. Web technologies allow suppliers to access the Mercedes-Benz systems directly for a fully integrated supplier collaboration. Roll-out has started and has already led to significant efficiencies.