Intelligent cloud manufacturing platform for efficient resource sharing in smart manufacturing networks

Abstract Modern manufacturing demands are characterized by high fluctuations with negative impact on resource efficiency. In this framework, Industry 4.0 key enabling technologies such as cloud manufacturing enable the sharing of distributed resources for effective use at industrial network level. In this work, an intelligent cloud manufacturing platform is proposed to increase resource efficiency in a manufacturing network through dynamic sharing of manufacturing services, including computational, software as well as physical manufacturing resources, that can be offered on demand according to a service-oriented paradigm. The cloud-based platform includes a database module where user input data are collected, an intelligent module for data processing, optimization and feasible solutions generation, and a decision support module for solutions evaluation and comparison. A case study demonstrates technical and economic advantages for industrial resource efficiency improvement.