How and Where Is Automation Technology Deployed? Exploring System Topologies and IT Architectures

This chapter explores the application of automation technology and its widespread adoption in various industries. The discussion will concentrate on the different system topologies and IT architectures commonly used in practice. It should be noted that the use of automation technology is heavily influenced by the specific requirements of each industry, requirements which will be discussed in detail in this chapter. Relevant examples are used to analyze and illustrate how the typical system topologies and IT architectures are used in the automation of industrial production systems, products, and cyber-physical systems. This involves exploring questions that illuminate the contextual conditions within the application areas, thereby fostering an understanding of the structures of automation technology, such as: In this context, we shall present some common explanatory models that describe the mindset of the relevant application areas of the industries in which automation technology is in use.