Towards a decision support approach for selecting physical objects in collaborative supply chain processes for cyber physical system-transformation

Facing the challenge of a flexible supply chain, the importance of Cyber Physical Systems has increased. Due to their ability to collaborate via open and global information networks they can support complex planning and control tasks in a supply chain. In this context, a large number of physical objects for potential transformation into Cyber Physical Systems exist. However, due to high implementation costs, companies are hesitant to integrate new systems in their supply chain. A method is needed to support the decision making process for selecting physical objects in order to transform them into Cyber Physical Systems. This paper presents a decision support approach based on a framework with five criteria. Its applicability is presented in a use case of a German steel producer.