A Communication Architecture Approach for Mitigating Complexities in Smart Manufacturing Units by Means of Information Appropriateness

Industry 4.0 is a hailed inclusion in the manufacturing scene. The breath of new technology gives insight to industry pioneers on the possibilities of flexible manufacturing with integrated networks and human–machine production to improve product delivery. The use of smart manufacturing units in collaboration with attached networks and communication protocols pose great synergies in alleviating modern manufacturing complexities. With numerous scenarios of manufacturing complexity existing, this paper reviews the current role of Industry 4.0 in modern manufacturing scene for a step transition to a complete I4.0 environment. This paper delves into the applicable literature of I4.0 with smart manufacturing and where best to implement methods for appropriate data transmission. This paper then discusses a theoretical implementation within a smart manufacturing case study and proposed communication standards for alleviation of manufacturing complexities. The benefits of the communication protocol with a expansion into use of an architecture is then outlined for discussion against other architecture implementation.