A Framework Providing a Basis for Data Integration in Virtual Production

In modern production the complexity of processes increases continuously. Therefore, the virtual planning of these processes simplifies their realisation extensively and decreases their implementation costs. The development of the framework presented in this article allows a holistic, step-by-step simulation of a production process by making use of specialized tools. Both, data losses as well as manual, time-consuming data transmissions from one tool to another are excluded through this approach. The suggested framework facilitates the linking of simulation tools, which were, “until now”, developed independently from each other and which are specialized for certain production processes or methods, too. Furthermore, the integration of data generated in the course of the simulation is realized in a unified and process-oriented way. Apart from the integration of further simulation tools into an application that was already established, it is essential to extend the domain of simulations reflected upon with additional simulations covering the fields of machines and production. In this way, a holistic simulation of production processes is provided. Thereby, a major challenge consists in generating a central data model, which supports the possibility of illustrating data uniformly and in consideration of its significance in the overall context, which, in turn, comprises the levels of process, machines as well as materials. Due to the methodology presented, it is not necessary to adapt applications to the data model aforementioned. On the contrary, this step is realized via the integration application, which is to be developed on the basis of the framework. Because of the unified data view and the particular logging of data at the process level, the framework facilitates a comparison between the results of different simulation processes and simulation tools. Furthermore, conclusions can be drawn much easier from potential sources of error. This is a procedure, which used to be characterized by an immense expenditure of time and costs. In this context, the development of essential data exploration techniques on the one side and of visualization techniques on the other side turns out to be a further challenge.