Integration of Cyber-Physical Systems for Flexible Systems

Recent production industries are imbued with several intelligent technologies to enhance the performance of the system. However, a mechanism and approach that can act as a bridge between systems and technologies is required to enable smooth production flow according to current industry needs. Industry 4.0 introduced cyber physical systems (CPSs) that have the potential to integrate with systems and technologies amongst several key enabling technologies due to their comprehensive functionalities and properties. In this chapter, we develop and propose an integrated framework and several configurations that can cater to the needs of recent production industries. Later, emphasis is placed on the maintenance management of system-level predictive maintenance. Thereafter, several challenges that affect system efficiency and performance, such as breakdown of machines, maintenance issues, sudden interruptions due to natural characteristics, and so on, are considered, and several realistic flexible configurations and the major components of CPSs, that is, connection, conversion, cyber, cognition, and configuration, are discussed. Moreover, the challenges faced by industries in integrating CPSs with their traditional production planning and control (PPC) and maintenance management (MM) are detailed. Finally, the benefits of integration of CPS in industries are discussed in the context of production planning and control and maintenance management.