Executing model-based software development for embedded I4.0 devices properly

Technical interoperability in “Industrie 4.0” scenarios is currently being achieved by standards such as OPC UA. Such standards allow operators to use a common communication interface for heterogeneous production devices. However, production flexibility (e.g. self-configuration or dynamic self-adaptation) can only be achieved if system structure and engineering processes change. At the moment, traditional engineering processes for embedded systems generate communication interfaces from software. This stands in stark contrast to component-based software engineering approaches. In this paper, we introduce a tool-based software engineering approach that puts models back at the core of embedded system development. This approach enables flexible production scenarios by bringing together process-oriented software development and operator-oriented interface construction.