CyberSystemConnector

Create and use machine documentation intelligently

Problem situation

The Machinery Directive obliges manufacturers to include standard-compliant documentation when handing over and commissioning plants. Due to the increasing integration of many electronic controls and decentralized computer units, system complexity is steadily increasing. The technical documentation requirements are increasing to the same extent. The documentations are hardly being kept up-to-date after the system has been delivered due to the time and cost pressure. Technical modifications or upgrades are usually only documented with attachments or not at all. Factories with decentralized self-organized production require adapted documentation and maintenance processes. In order to master the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of production facilities, new strategies have to be developed and implemented for these tasks.

Connection project goal

The aim of the CyberSystemConnector (CSC) research project is to ensure up-to-date technical documentation throughout the entire product life cycle. To this end, a virtual image of the plant will be created which can include process flow diagrams, control logics, schematics, 3D models, factory and facility layout, operations instructions, and risk assessments. Every change to the machine and its technical documentation is fed back into the image in order to always keep it equivalent to the real system. The components of the image are provided decentralized to the respective subsystem and combine to form the overall picture of the system. The CSC derives situational and needs-based documentation information from this for the user, thereby ensuring that it is up to date throughout the entire product life cycle. The CSC uses the information content of the technical documentation specifically for error identification and avoidance, resource planning, process support or change tracking of maintenance and technical adjustments. The maintenance processes are critical to success and are therefore the focus of this research project.

Funding:

This research and development project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and supervised by the Project Management Agency Karlsruhe