Shop floor data integration

Concepts like NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) define a framework how “stranded data” can be accessed at different levels of the automation pyramid, thus bypassing classical data bottlenecks such as PLCs or the DCS, however with security built in. At Bayer the ever closer collaboration between IT and OT functions lead to the development of a Data Integration Layer for Manufacturing IT (DIL4MIT) that follows the NOA architecture and leverages tools, solutions and service provisioning concepts of third party IT providers in the OT world to allow sites and plants across the globe to order shop floor connectivity in an efficient way with full cost transparency like any other IT service. This article describes the DIL4MIT concept in detail, highlights analogies to NOA and gives an outlook to future developments. The usage of shop floor data is illustrated in a few examples.