Exploring Reconfigurability in Manufacturing Through IIoT Connected MES/MOM

This paper explores the role of manufacturing execution systems (MES) with ISA 95 functionalities for the reconfigurability in a manufacturing enterprise. The work is aimed at supporting digitalization based on Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts. For this, we use the quality function deployment method to link ISA 95 MES functionalities and reconfigurability needs, based on a case example of a cyber-physical factory (AAU Smart Lab). Accordingly, we present a framework to assess reconfigurability for smart factory development. The paper identifies reconfigurability approaches using IIoT connected MES/MOM for tackling severe market disruptions (e.g. the one caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic).