A radical change is currently taking place in the automation of material flow and production control systems. It starts with the realization that complex processes can be broken down into elementary actions and services. By achieving the highest possible degree of abstraction, individual processes and workflows can be modeled as an interplay of elementary actions.

If you compare this approach with atomism, it quickly becomes clear what is revolutionary about it. In general, atomism states "that the properties of a whole can be traced back to the properties of its parts. [...] The diversity of observable phenomena arises from the different interactions and combinations of simple, not directly perceptible elementary building blocks ('atoms')."(http://www.spektrum.de). Just as atomism as a hypothesis explains the diversity of things, a consistent atomism as a design principle allows the construction of highly flexible, modular systems for automation in production and logistics. This is the only way to master the growing complexity and individuality of such systems with reasonable effort.

This is the approach taken by Factoryware, the control system framework from Eckelmann. At the medium-sized system integrator with a wide range of applications, a ten-strong team has been continuously developing the framework since 2016. It combines ERP and store floor IT. Heterogeneous systems or complex material flow systems are connected in real time using universal solution modules. This allows any number of conveyors, processing centers and production cells from different manufacturers to be networked transparently and consistently.

Thanks to industry-independent core functions, OPC-UA or other interface standards and web technologies, the framework can be easily adapted to specific requirements. For example, the basic system contains a universal module for a distributed process image; this is a key prerequisite for a consistent and closed data flow across all subsystems down to individual actuators and sensors. All data can be accessed system-wide in real time via customer-specific user interfaces - without system interruptions or manual data transfer. This creates a consistent digital image of the system (digital twin), in which information about a workpiece on a conveyor belt can be called up at any time.

Whereas complex material flow systems previously required a very high degree of individual engineering, engineers now do not have to program the "wheel" again and again for each project, but thanks to the modular and object-oriented approach, they can fall back on basic functions that can be parameterized or expanded depending on the application.

J. Stelter/as