Vertical data integration in automation based on IEC 61499

Vertical integration is a long-term issue in automation. Bridging the gap between the control systems and the systems at enterprise layers is still not solved completely. There are a number of approaches defining interfaces, but the functional integration is not sufficiently focused on. Function block concepts have been developed to perform this functional integration at the control systems' level. The paper discusses an approach to use the IEC 61499 function block concept to interconnect functions from the control system layer with functions at MES and ERP levels. Concepts and requirements for this integration are discussed. Based on a prototype scenario from the PLANTCockpit project, the motivation and the benefits are shown.