CPPS-3D: A Methodology to Support Cyber Physical Production Systems Design, Development and Deployment

Cyber-Physical Production Systems Design, Development and Deployment methodology (CPPS-3D) is a systematic approach in assessing necessities, identifying gaps, and then designing, developing, and deploying solutions to fill such gaps. It aims to support enterprise’s evolution into the industry 4.0 paradigms and technologies, promoting process improvements and enterprise competitiveness. The methodology considers the real context of the enterprise, in terms of its level of organization, competencies and technology. It is a two-phased sequentially stepped process to enable discussion, reflection or reasoning, decision-making and action-taking towards evolution. The first phase assesses an enterprise across its organizational, technological and human dimensions. The second phase establishes a sequence of tasks to successfully deploy solutions to fill previously identified gaps. The methodology was applied at a Portuguese enterprise with the development of a new visual management system on the shop-floor, capable of remote communications. This solution promoted faster decision-making, improved data availability and fostered a more dynamic workplace with enhanced reactivity to unexpected problems.