Methodological Framework to Define Connected Machines’ Specifications for Smart Factories

This paper discusses the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing facilities to implement the Smart Factory paradigm exploiting Cyber-Physical Systems, Internet of Things, Big Data and Cloud Computing as key enabling technologies (KET). The study aims to define a methodological framework to design and implement connected machines to realize the Smart Factory model by interconnecting the KETs through the pragmatically implementation of digital twins from design to production. The study fills a literature gap by formalizing an approach for studying and implementing digital twins for value creation from a servitization perspective. The approach is illustrated through a successful case study and represents the first results of a long-term research project funded by the Italian Minister of Economic Development. Future works will expand the approach to more case studies to provide formalized guidelines of general applicability.