Digitalisation in the process industry leads to a multitude of information models and standards for describing plants, devices and processes, such as Asset Administration Shell (AAS), OPC UA Companion Specifications and AutomationML. In parallel, new recommendations and reference models are emerging in the NAMUR environment, such as the lifecycle approach from NA 35 and further NEs related to information and data models. Currently, however, it is only partly apparent how these information models relate, where they complement or overlap, and at which points in the NA 35 steps they can be used sensibly. A systematic overview is missing so far.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of the thesis is to create a "map" of relevant information models, to structure it systematically and to link it to the steps of NA 35 and further NAMUR recommendations. In detail: familiarisation with the context of NAMUR working group AK 1.3, the NA 35 reference process and relevant NAMUR recommendations; systematic research on existing information models; planning, conducting and evaluating interviews with members of NAMUR AK 1.3; structuring of the models by purpose, scope, granularity, lifecycle phase and roles; assignment to AAS submodels, OPC UA information models and AutomationML as well as identification of gaps, overlaps and synergies; preparation of the results as a clear map with graphics, tables and profiles and derivation of recommendations.

HELPFUL PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:

• Motivation to engage with topics of process automation, Industry 4.0 and information models
• Enjoyment of literature, standards and internet research
• Basic knowledge of OPC UA, AAS, UML/SysML or other modelling languages (helpful, not mandatory)
• First contact with NAMUR recommendations or OT/IT topics