Method for the automated reconfiguring of an industrial installation, in particular for computer-aided oee optimisation and active instruction of the measures determined

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for the automated reconfiguring of an industrial installation (1), in which components (20) of the industrial installation (1) are connected to one another in order to provide an installation functionality, comprising: - a first provision component for providing (101) an installation specification which specifies at least one design of the industrial installation (1); - a second provision component for providing (102) a use specification and / or application specification by means of which a historical use of the industrial installation (1) and of the components (20) and / or of resources of the industrial installation (1) is documented; and / or which specifies a future application of the industrial installation (1); - a third provision component for providing (103) an availability specification which indicates an availability of resources (20) and / or of at least one of the components (20).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Methods for the automated redesign of an industrial plant, in particular for computer-aided OEE optimization and active guidance of the identified measures

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for the automated redesign of an industrial plant and in particular for the optimization of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) depending on available components, actual machine usage, components actually installed, and production engineering requirements.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The tasks associated with the construction and operation of an industrial plant, such as planning, installing, setting up, maintaining, repairing, and expanding industrial automation technology, are complex. This applies to centralized control cabinet concepts as well as to decentralized concepts in which control modules are installed directly in the field of the plant.

[0006] The success and efficiency of these tasks depend on a multitude of different factors. These can include, for example, changing requirements for the industrial plant, the condition and availability of plant components, the quantity of resources and tools available, and the individual skills of the personnel involved. For instance, the requirements profile may change due to future orders that the industrial plant is intended to process. Furthermore, the provision of spare parts may be delayed, or unexpected maintenance or repair needs may arise. In addition, several people with different specializations and skill sets are typically involved, such as plant planners, electrical planners, installers, and plant programmers, which introduces the potential for maintenance errors and further inefficiencies during implementation.

[0007] Especially in industrial plants with high plant intensity, plant availability is of great importance. For applications such as series production, overall plant effectiveness (OEE) is considered essential. Unplanned downtime, increased quality, and reduced setup times are of particular importance in this context. These aspects are often only inadequately optimized by conventional solutions. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially reduce and / or eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to enable improved optimization of overall equipment effectiveness.

[0009] The invention relates to a method with the features of claim 1, a computer program with the features of the independent computer program claim, a device with the features of the independent device claim, and a system with the features of the independent system claim. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program, the device, and the system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that mutual reference is always possible with regard to the disclosure of the invention.

[0010] The invention relates in particular to a method for the automated redesign of an industrial plant and / or for the optimization of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of the industrial plant, preferably depending on a) available resources and / or components, and / or b) actual plant usage, in particular machine usage, and / or c) actually installed components, and / or d) production-related requirements.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the procedure serves for computer-aided OEE optimization and / or active guidance (of a user) to carry out the at least one or more identified measures, in particular redesign measures.

[0012] An industrial plant can be a system in which components are interconnected to provide plant functionality – preferably decentrally or centrally. In this context, "centralized" means, in particular, that all components are connected to a central controller such as a PLC, enabling centralized monitoring, documentation, and control of plant functions. "Decentralized" means, in particular, that the components may include connection modules located throughout the plant, allowing for decentralized connections to other components. These other components include, for example, devices such as actuators or sensors, and / or may be connected to the connection modules via a point-to-point connection. The connection modules are, for example, fieldbus modules that can be connected to a central controller via a fieldbus.Alternatively or additionally, the connection modules can also have their own decentralized control / control functionality, which allows for flexible adaptation and scaling of the system.

[0013] The components can include devices such as actuators or sensors, which are connected to the connection modules in a decentralized topology and directly to the central controller in a centralized topology. The connection modules can therefore provide effective connectivity and / or control of the devices in the field, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the system.

[0014] Depending on the plant type, the industrial plant may be designed as an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or fluid power and / or mechanical system. Accordingly, the plant functionality can encompass a wide variety of applications, from simple mechanical processing to complex, automated process controls.

[0015] The industrial plant can optionally also be designed as a plant comprising at least one and / or a grouping of several machines. One or more of the machines can further comprise one or more subassemblies.

[0016] It is optionally conceivable that the industrial plant is not yet set up at the beginning of an embodiment of the inventive method, or is only partially or predominantly set up, or is already completely set up, or that one or more further plants are to be set up on the basis of a plant that has already been set up.

[0017] An installation specification may be provided, which specifies the structure of the industrial plant, or preferably in other words "prescribes" it, and thus defines at least one machine or the combination of several machines, possibly also including the assemblies.

[0018] Optionally, the industrial plant, and preferably one, several, or each of its assemblies, can (in turn) include one or more functional units, each performing specific tasks within an automated process. These functional units can include, for example, sensors, actuators, control electronics, and / or mechanical components. Furthermore, each assembly can be structurally designed to be modularly interchangeable, allowing for flexible adaptation or expansion of the plant. Communication between the assemblies and / or machines can be via an industrial-grade bus system, such as a fieldbus system or an industrial Ethernet protocol. This, too, can be specified or predetermined by the installation specifications.

[0019] It is also optional for the industrial plant to include a control cabinet and / or one or more decentralized automation platforms. The latter can at least partially take over the functions of the control cabinet, thus effectively "replacing" it. Whether and to what extent this configuration and / or these components are provided for may be specified or predetermined by the installation specifications.

[0020] Optionally, the installation specification may also include a redesign of the industrial plant, in which the plant is at least partially converted from a centralized to a decentralized topology.

[0021] Centralized topology can refer to an industrial plant layout where the wiring and / or automation components—such as controllers, input / output modules (I / Os), or power supplies—are predominantly located centrally in the control cabinet. In contrast, decentralized topology can refer to an industrial plant structure / layout where one or more decentralized automation platforms and / or one or more fieldbus modules are installed directly in the field. These can therefore at least partially take over the functions of the control cabinet ("at least partially replace the control cabinet"). This means, in particular, that signal processing, control, and / or communication take place closer to the respective machines or assemblies, which, among other things, reduces wiring effort and increases modularity. The automation platforms can, if necessary,The automation platform should provide a common automation function for the plant, preferably synchronized and / or with a data connection for this purpose. Furthermore, the respective automation platform can provide not only signal control but also, if necessary, a power supply for devices such as motors within the plant. These specifications may also be (at least partially) defined by the installation specifications.

[0022] The industrial plant may consist of interconnected components that provide plant functionality. Furthermore, the plant may be configured as at least one of the following types of machines: an automation system, a production plant, a logistics system, a production line, a machining center, an industrial robot, a manufacturing plant, a power unit, or an electrical device. The plant functionality may accordingly include automation, production, logistics, conveying, transport, processing, manufacturing, or similar processes.

[0023] Furthermore, an installation specification may be provided, which may include, for example, installation instructions and / or a digital circuit diagram and / or a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid power, or similar plan. This specification may at least define the layout of the industrial plant, the connection of the components and / or associated technical requirements and / or properties and / or the plant functionality, thus enabling automated, precise, and efficient installation, maintenance, and expansion.

[0024] The process may include the following steps, which are preferably automated and preferably executed sequentially or in any order and / or at least partially in the cloud, and which may also be executed repeatedly:

[0025] The method according to the invention can initially comprise the provision of an installation specification. This specification can define at least the layout of the industrial plant and / or the connection(s) of the components and / or associated technical requirements and / or properties and / or the plant functionality. In other words, the installation specification can specify what is installed where and to what quality. For this purpose, the installation specification includes, for example, a digital circuit diagram and / or layout diagram and / or ECAD and / or MCAD data. ECAD (Electronic Computer-Aided Design) data is, in particular, digital information used for the planning and design of electrical and fluid systems, circuit diagrams, and printed circuit boards. It contains, for example, specific details about electrical and fluid components, their arrangement and connections, and / or information on signal processing and power distribution.MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) data is primarily digital information used in mechanical design. It includes, for example, details of mechanical components, their dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and / or assembly instructions. Additionally, the installation specification may include interactive 3D models. Furthermore, the installation specification may also include equipment designations and / or identifiers. In addition, it may specify values ​​and / or parameters specific to the operation of the particular system. These include, for example, pressure ranges and / or limits for pneumatic or hydraulic systems, and / or the types and specifications of the valves, pumps, and cylinders used, and / or the layout and dimensions of the piping and hose connections, including their material specifications and fittings, and / or the like.The installation specification may also contain information about deviations that exist in the construction of the system compared to an installation template.

[0026] The method according to the invention can optionally include the following step: providing an installation specification which specifies at least one structure of the industrial plant and the connection of the components and / or associated technical requirements and / or properties and / or the plant functionality.

[0027] The inventive method can then provide for the creation of a usage specification. This usage specification can document the historical use of the system and / or its components and / or resources. In other words, the usage specification can include a usage history for the system and / or its components. For example, the usage specification can also include information on maintenance history, repairs performed, component replacement intervals, and / or system performance data over various operating periods. This information can be used to develop preventive maintenance strategies and optimize the system's service life.

[0028] Furthermore, the usage specification may contain data on the operating conditions under which the system was used, such as operating temperatures, load cycles, and / or environmental conditions. This detailed information allows for a more in-depth analysis of operational efficiency and can contribute to improving system designs. In addition, the usage specification may also document information on the effectiveness, training, and / or certification of users such as operating personnel, which is essential, for example, for evaluating and / or ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the invention can include providing an application specification which specifies a future application of the system.

[0030] The application specification can, for example, contain detailed information on how the system is to be used for future orders in various scenarios and / or for different processes. This can include applications in various industries, such as the chemical, packaging, food processing, or pharmaceutical industries. It can also include specific instructions for adjusting the system parameters for different production runs to ensure maximum efficiency and product quality. Furthermore, the application specification can provide guidelines for integrating the system into existing production lines or for expanding the system with additional components or functions. It can also specify future requirements for using the system under specific environmental conditions or for complying with certain regulatory requirements.Ultimately, the application specification can also cover scenarios for emergencies or unexpected events to ensure that the system functions reliably even under difficult conditions.

[0031] For ease of reference, the usage and / or application specification is optionally referred to collectively in the following. The method according to the invention can comprise the following step: providing a usage and / or application specification, preferably digital, which documents the historical use of the industrial plant and its components and / or resources, and / or which specifies a future application of the industrial plant and / or a plant of the same or similar type. The usage specification can optionally be characterized by the fact that it documents the historical use of the industrial plant and its components and / or resources. This is possible, for example, through automated monitoring and storage of monitoring data during the operation of the industrial plant.The application specification can be characterized by the fact that it specifies a future application of the industrial plant. This could be, for example, a change in electrical or production requirements, or similar, which is available in digital form.

[0032] For example, for an industrial system such as a conveyor system, the application specification may include future requirements, particularly requirements for adjusting speeds such as conveyor speed and / or loading capacity and / or integration into automated sorting and packaging systems. These requirements may arise from the need to use the system for transporting different materials with varying weights and volumes that require specific handling. The requirements may also include adapting the system to fluctuating ambient temperatures and complying with safety regulations in the respective industry.

[0033] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can include providing an availability specification which indicates the availability of resources, in particular new and / or resources and / or components and / or tools and / or material, and / or at least one of the components, in particular in terms of time and / or quantity and / or technical and / or logistics.

[0034] The availability specification can advantageously include detailed information about the temporal, quantitative, technical, and / or logistical availability of resources such as components, tools, and materials. It can also specify the availability of specific plant components. This specification ensures that all necessary resources are available at the right time and in the required quantity to guarantee smooth operation and efficient maintenance of the plant. Furthermore, the availability specification can define technical requirements for the resources to ensure compatibility with the plant and compliance with quality standards. It can also include logistical details such as delivery times, storage conditions, and / or transportation methods, which are crucial for planning and executing plant installation and maintenance.

[0035] The inventive method can then include planning at least one modification measure. For this purpose, an analysis of the provided specifications, in particular the installation specification and / or the usage specification and / or the application specification and / or the availability specification, can be carried out, preferably with regard to maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant. The planning can be performed (e.g., by a client) based on the analysis (e.g., by a server). The optimization can, for example, be the optimization of the OEE of the plant. Subsequently, the at least one (planned) modification measure can be initiated.

[0036] Optionally, planning can be carried out taking into account the available resources and / or components (according to the availability specification) versus the historical usage of the resources and / or components and / or the future application (in each case, in particular, according to the usage and / or application specification). For example, a comparison can be made as to whether the available resources and / or components enable the future application or to what extent the historical usage of the resources and / or components falls short of the available resources / components.

[0037] The initiation of a redesign measure can be based on a planning result, in order to propose the redesign measure for optimizing and / or redesigning the industrial plant to a user, or, depending on the analysis result, even to mandate it. The planning and / or analysis can be carried out, for example, by an algorithm, in particular by at least one rule-based algorithm, or by a machine learning system. The result of the analysis and / or planning can be a redesign measure that optimally matches the provided specifications. This can be determined during the runtime of the process, especially with a rule-based algorithm, for example, at least partially using at least one lookup table. In this table, combinations of values ​​and / or value ranges, which may be specified by the specifications, can be assigned to corresponding optimal redesign measures.The allocation may have been carried out beforehand, e.g. through an empirical study, in such a way that the allocated redesign measures optimally fit given specifications.

[0038] A given redesign measure can be defined by values ​​and / or value ranges, or alternatively or additionally by resource designations and / or quantities and / or configurations (e.g., of tools and / or wear parts) and / or installation instructions and / or ordering instructions and / or further instructions for redesigning the plant and / or the like. Preferably, the resource designations and / or quantities and / or configurations and / or installation instructions are defined in such a way that they are suitable for implementing a redesign and preferably a complete redesign of the industrial plant.

[0039] In other words, a result of the planning and / or the planned redesign measure may be suitable to specify and / or enable, at least partially, a redesign and preferably a complete redesign of the industrial plant, which optimizes the industrial plant with regard to the provided specification.

[0040] The modification and preferably redesign of the industrial plant is, in particular, a modification and preferably a redesign of the industrial plant that adapts / optimizes the industrial plant to the provided (given) specifications. For this purpose, the modification measure may, for example, include replacing components with more powerful components and / or using more powerful and / or efficient power supplies and / or changing the topology.

[0041] In the following, the planning of at least one redesign measure described above and the analysis of the respective provided specification will be referred to simply as planning / planning and analysis / analyzing, respectively, to simplify referencing. This process can have the advantage of automatically and reliably improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). It can ensure a high degree of reliability in identifying potential optimizations, particularly by incorporating the plant's historical usage and / or future requirements. This also leads to more efficient identification of redesign needs and / or the planning and execution of redesign measures, which can significantly reduce the effort required for plant maintenance and expansion.

[0042] The process can be implemented using one or more computer programs, particularly those at least partially cloud-based, or using a computer-aided system for the automated reconfiguration of the industrial plant. The computer program and / or system can be configured to output at least one reconfiguration measure. This output can be provided, for example, by issuing one or more installation and / or maintenance instructions, such as by illuminating LEDs at the connection points of the connection modules, via a screen, or via augmented reality (AR). This can simplify the implementation of the reconfiguration measure and reduce installation errors by providing visual, interactive, and / or automated instructions.

[0043] Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) can be defined as the product of availability, performance, and quality. The proposed method enables automated redesign, and preferably complete redesign, of industrial plants, thereby optimizing the OEE. Automation can be achieved, for example, through the automated planning and initiation of at least one redesign measure, particularly by issuing installation and / or maintenance instructions. Furthermore, the redesign measure can be designed to improve, and in particular maximize, availability, performance, and / or quality.

[0044] By providing the specifications, in particular the installation specification and / or the usage specification and / or the application specification and / or the availability specification, a comprehensive specification and / or documentation of the industrial plant can be provided, which enables the automated analysis and planning of modification measures.

[0045] Initiating at least one redesign measure can increase the overall efficiency of operations (OEE), thereby improving the productivity and quality of the industrial plant. Furthermore, OEE can potentially be increased not only by maximizing availability, performance, and / or quality rate, but also alternatively or additionally by implementing data analytics and / or predictive models trained through machine learning. These models can, for example, identify suitable optimization measures based on the historical usage of the plant and its components and / or the availability of resources.

[0046] For example, a predictive model such as a machine learning algorithm can compare the performance and / or quality factors of different components and / or systems and propose a redesign strategy based on this data. This enables companies to make informed decisions based not only on subjective impressions or written documents, but also on empirical data. The proposed redesign strategy can then be used to plan the redesign measures.

[0047] Initiating at least one modification measure can include outputting instructions for executing the respective modification measure to a user. This output can be visual and / or audible, for example. A user can be, for example, an installer, plant mechanic, electrician, worker, planner, mechanical designer, developer, electrical designer, PLC programmer, commissioning engineer, maintenance technician, or machine operator. It is possible for the user to utilize the method according to the invention by having the method provided to them via a computer such as a laptop or tablet. For this purpose, a computer program can be executed, at least partially, by the computer and / or another computer and / or via a cloud service to carry out the process steps according to the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, initiating at least one redesign measure can include automatic control and / or configuration of the provision of resource(s), and in particular tools. For this purpose, the at least one planned redesign measure can, for example, include a configuration for the tools and / or a specification for an installation location and / or a labeling of the resources to be used in the system. It is also possible that the redesign measure includes a modification of an installation plan, in particular the installation specification, and outputs corresponding adjustments such as a modified circuit diagram.

[0049] For the installation, maintenance, servicing, or expansion of an industrial plant, several resources and components may be required. At least some of these resources and components can be assigned an identifier that allows for their unique identification. This identifier can be information that can be processed digitally to enable automated planning and / or analysis. For example, a connecting element such as a cable and / or a connection module can have an identifier by virtue of a physical identification device being provided and / or attached to it. The components can include connecting elements such as cables, fluid lines, or devices / parts that are a functional part of the machine.Furthermore, the components may have connection modules via which devices of the systems such as actuators and / or sensors are connected and / or operated, i.e. preferably controlled and / or read out.

[0050] To enable automated planning and / or analysis according to the inventive method, it can be provided that individual installation steps during the installation, maintenance, expansion, and / or modification of the industrial plant are digitally recorded and documented. This can include, for example, capturing identifiers, e.g., by scanning with a reader, to indicate the use of a resource and / or component with that identifier. Furthermore, various maintenance and / or installation steps can be confirmed on a computer to document the progress of this activity. Deviations during maintenance and / or installation can also be automatically documented based on user input and / or electronic evaluation of the plant. This could, for example, be a deviation from an installation specification.The installation specification can then be defined based on the automated data collection and / or documentation.

[0051] For the operation of the components and especially devices, a control device such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or one or more decentralized controllers may be provided, which can control the electrical operation of the components / devices via the connecting elements and / or connection modules. For this purpose, the control device(s) can be electrically connected to the components / devices.

[0052] In a further aspect of the invention, the planning can include the determination of at least one piece of optimization information and / or the initiation of at least one redesign measure, including the output of that at least one piece of optimization information. The optimization information can be based, at least in part, on the analysis and, in particular, on a simulation of one or more redesign measures to determine whether the redesign measure is suitable for optimizing the plant. The output of the optimization information can also be machine-readable or at least include a machine-readable part, preferably containing at least one control instruction and / or a control signal.

[0053] The output of the redesign measure and / or the machine-readable output described above can be configured to at least partially control a technical system or process, for example, a semi-autonomous maintenance and / or installation device such as a workshop trolley or a cobot that feeds components, or an industrial robot. For such devices, for example,

[0054] Automatically determine coordinates and / or motion profiles and transfer them to the device.

[0055] Furthermore, specified by at least one redesign measure, an adjustment of a maintenance and / or installation manual and / or a change in logistics, such as storage locations, can be initiated at least partially automatically.

[0056] Further automated processes to enable analysis and / or planning, and / or which can be specified by at least one redesign measure, may include warehousing, optimization of component availability and costs, integration with an ERP system for recording working time, adjustments to the workshop layout, simulation of alternative components, determination of component-specific times, allocation of qualification levels, automated creation of a work or capacity planning plan, and / or planning of the need for users with special tools or qualifications.

[0057] Furthermore, the inventive method allows for the analysis of various components of the industrial plant during the planning phase and their optimization for future application. This has the advantage of preventing or minimizing unplanned downtime and idle periods. Planning maintenance measures also maximizes the service life of the components. Identifying potential bottlenecks during the planning / analysis of the inventive method, particularly through an analysis of available resources (such as components, tools, and materials), enables early procurement and ensures that sufficient material is available to continue the production process seamlessly.

[0058] Furthermore, automated redesign can lead to improved maintenance planning, thereby increasing plant availability. This has the added benefit of better adherence to maintenance schedules, minimizing downtime. By considering technical and logistical bottlenecks during the planning phase, supply shortages can also be avoided or minimized. Moreover, optimized use of available components is expected to reduce material requirements, which in turn can lower costs. The application of this automated redesign process for industrial plants thus makes it possible, in particular, to ensure optimal plant functionality while simultaneously increasing production efficiency.

[0059] According to a further advantage, the planning can also include: selecting at least one resource(s) for optimization based on the availability of that resource, particularly in terms of time, quantity, logistics, and / or technology. When used in the industrial plant, the resource can optimize the plant, taking into account a) its previous and / or b) its future application (especially according to the application and / or usage specification) and / or use, and / or maintain its plant functionality.

[0060] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the planning may also include: redesigning, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant if the availability of at least one resource is limited and / or non-existent and / or insufficient.

[0061] In this way, when selecting resources for optimization, it can be considered whether the respective resource can contribute to the optimized efficiency or whether other resources or a redesign might be needed to increase OEE. In other words, this adjustment of the redesign measure is based on the available status of resources (such as availability) and ensures that the implementation of the redesign measure is efficient.

[0062] Resource selection during the planning phase is based, for example, on their quantitative and logistical availability. This enables the optimization of the industrial plant, particularly when resource availability is limited. By focusing on available resources, efficient and economically sound decisions can be made.

[0063] Furthermore, it may be possible that the planning includes: selecting at least one (of the) resource(s) for optimization based on a technical parameter, preferably based on a technical requirement and / or a technical function and / or a technical condition, in particular based on plant effectiveness.

[0064] In this context, at least one resource can optimize the industrial plant with regard to the technical parameter and / or based on previous and / or future application and / or use.

[0065] Furthermore, planning can include: redesigning, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant, depending on whether, and especially if, the at least one resource meets the requirement regarding the technical parameter, in particular one of the provided specifications, preferably the installation specification and / or the usage specification and / or the availability specification. The redesign can be dependent on the requirement, e.g., depending on a load case. The redesign can also be dependent on the availability of the resource, e.g., depending on the availability of a tool. This achieves the advantage that the industrial plant can be optimized with regard to the technical parameter. The optimization effect can be applied to the installation location and the use of resources (e.g., components and / or tools).Planning can also be done by selecting a resource.

[0066] The invention can use availability as a measure of the reliability of a technical system. One way to evaluate historical key performance indicators for a component to determine its current availability is, for example, to analyze historical data. This can involve using data from various sources, such as maintenance schedules and reports, or from sensors on the components themselves (using relevant data collection) or data collected during system operation, provided this data is stored historically. After the analysis, an assessment of availability can be performed. This assessment can then be used to plan the necessary modifications.

[0067] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, the initiation of at least one redesign measure comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0068] Initiating the provision of at least one or more resources that are planned for the transformation of the facility,

[0069] Initiating automatic navigation of a means of transport, e.g., a resource cart and preferably a tool cart, to carry out a reconfiguration of the industrial plant, particularly using the means of transport, wherein the navigation is preferably oriented towards a reconfiguration sequence specified by the reconfiguration measure; initiating the output of an installation instruction for the reconfiguration, preferably for using, preferably connecting, the resource, wherein the output is particularly intended for a user.

[0070] Initiating the output of a change notice regarding the update of the installation specification, wherein the output is intended in particular for a user, wherein the installation specification is preferably updated to include and / or in accordance with the redesign measure; initiating the output of a control signal to an implementation unit, preferably to the means of transport, for the implementation and / or support of the or at least one of the redesign measures.

[0071] This approach can increase the efficiency of the optimization process, especially when resource provisioning and transport navigation are automated. This minimizes manual intervention and reduces the potential for errors. Furthermore, installation and modification instructions can be provided to support the user in implementing the redesign. This reduces effort and increases the accuracy of the measures.

[0072] Another possibility is that the procedure may further include: providing information regarding environmental influences, preferably data and / or metadata concerning the environmental influences, which in particular define an influence on the resources, e.g. the influence of solar radiation on consumables.

[0073] Furthermore, the procedure can include: taking into account one or more influences and / or a combination of environmental influences on the resources during planning.

[0074] This enables the planning of industrial plant modifications to take specific environmental influences into account. This leads to precise resource optimization and allows for more effective use of plant components. Furthermore, potential risks can be avoided or minimized, improving the reliability and durability of the components.

[0075] Preferably, the method may further include: providing the application specification, which specifies a future application of the system, e.g., which orders are planned and / or which limits for machine parameters are required and / or which requirements result from future orders, e.g., received via an interface to an ERP system. Furthermore, the method may include: considering the application specification during planning, preferably during resource selection. This has the advantage of allowing for better adaptation to future requirements and orders. In this way, optimal use of available resources can also be ensured. Moreover, potential bottlenecks can be identified and resolved to ensure that sufficient resources are available for order execution.

[0076] The provision of the data can be automated, for example, by means of digital retrieval and / or storage and / or sending and / or receiving and / or uploading.

[0077] Within the scope of the invention, the method may further comprise: detecting an activation trigger, which preferably indicates an impending maintenance requirement, such as planned or predicted maintenance, preferably repair, and / or a deviation in the operating condition of the system and / or a component, and preferably results from a predictive or prescriptive maintenance system. Furthermore, initiating the planning of at least one modification measure and preferably also the further process steps of the method according to the invention may be provided upon detection. This enables an early response to maintenance-required conditions of the system or its components and improves the efficiency of the entire maintenance process. In addition, the risk of unexpected failures is minimized, leading to higher operational reliability.Furthermore, detecting an activation trigger offers the advantage of early intervention in potential plant operation problems, thereby reducing response time to planned or predicted maintenance needs. This leads to more efficient maintenance planning and reduces plant downtime, which in turn contributes to increased effectiveness and availability.

[0078] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the planning also includes: redesigning, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant based on a predefined model, whereby the model is provided as an AI-supported and / or machine learning-based (predictive) model designed to optimize the plant's operational behavior according to the provided specifications. In this way, re-engineering can be optimized with particular reliability using an AI-supported model.

[0079] Within the scope of the invention, the planning may further include: analyzing current data of the industrial plant and / or components by comparing them with corresponding historical data to determine a replacement cycle. The planning may also include: scheduling a modification measure to redesign the industrial plant, preferably the replacement or installation of a resource, in particular a component, tool, and / or consumable, preferably when the determined replacement cycle requires it. This has the advantage of enabling optimal maintenance planning. The replacement of components can thus be identified early. This makes the need for spare parts more predictable and reduces storage costs.

[0080] It can be advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, the analysis of the provided installation specification and / or usage specification and / or application specification and / or availability specification with regard to the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant is carried out for the planning of the at least one modification measure by selecting at least one of the resources and / or by modifying at least one of the components. Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally possible that, when planning the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant, at least one resource is selected from the resources whose availability is specified, in particular by the availability specification, based on the analysis, especially to define the at least one modification measure.The at least one resource can comprise at least one of the following: an actuator, in particular a motor, preferably a servo motor, or a valve; a sensor, in particular a light barrier or a magnetic sensor; a cable, in particular a data exchange and / or power exchange and / or fieldbus cable, preferably an Ethernet cable; a line, in particular a pipeline for fluids, a drag chain; a consumable, in particular packaging and / or a component and / or a secondary part and / or C-parts; a closing part such as a bearing or gear or the like; a light source, preferably a segment light; a raw material, preferably a sheet of steel or a plastic part.

[0081] Furthermore, it may be possible that the usage specification includes at least one of the following technical details:

[0082] - Information and / or data on motion cycles, operating time, torque curve, speed, current, and / or vibrations, flow rate, pressure, technical properties, technical requirements and / or technical parameters such as the hardness of a material, especially a metal, surface quality, suitability for environmental conditions, effort regarding a redesign of a topology, a new component or tool, and / or type of communication technology.

[0083] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the availability specification includes at least information regarding stock levels, delivery times, and / or resource costs.

[0084] Furthermore, the installation specification may include at least one of the following: conversion time, usage specification, technical characteristics, product characteristics such as metal hardness, surface finish, suitability for environmental conditions, effort required to change the electrical topology, effort required to use a new component / tool, type of communication technology (preferably fieldbus, especially Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet / IP, and others such as I / O-Link, Single-pair Ethernet, etc.).

[0085] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the components include at least one of the following components:

[0086] Connection modules designed for the, in particular decentralized, connection of devices in the field of the industrial plant in order to enable a central or decentralized topology of the industrial plant and / or to provide automation functions in the industrial plant, preferably via a communication system.

[0087] Connecting elements, preferably in the form of cables or fluid lines, which connect the devices to the connection modules.

[0088] The industrial plant can be designed as an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid power, and / or mechanical system, depending on the plant type. Furthermore, at least one power supply unit can be electrically connected to the connection modules.

[0089] Preferably, at least some of the connection modules can provide decentralized control and / or be connected to a central control system via a fieldbus system in order to perform at least one control programming for the devices.

[0090] Preferably, the connecting element, also referred to as the installation element, can comprise a cable, wherein the cable can, for example, have at least or exactly one connector, and preferably can be terminated at one end, i.e., having a female or male plug at one end and an open end at the other. Alternatively, the cable can also be terminated at both ends, i.e., having a female or male plug at each end.

[0091] Preferably, the connecting element, also referred to as the installation element, can include a fluid line.

[0092] Furthermore, at least one of the redesign measures can include at least one of the following:

[0093] A redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the control programming; a redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the automation functions; a redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the topology; a redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the connections; a replacement of at least one of the devices.

[0094] A replacement of at least one of the connecting elements, a transformation of the plant type, an adjustment of the power supply, preferably with regard to a voltage level and / or current, an adjustment of the communication technology of the communication system, a change of at least one tool in a magazine, a change of at least one consumable, a change of at least one wear part, a change of at least one machine element such as a bearing.

[0095] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that at least one modification measure comprises an automatic configuration of a selected resource, and in particular a component, for integration into and / or use with the industrial plant, preferably a configuration of an electrical and / or mechanical tool, preferably a drill and / or milling head and / or a gauge, in particular a ball gauge. For example, the method can be used to configure a specific piece of equipment (in particular an electrical component) and its installation in the industrial plant. The adjustment can be performed automatically. This simplifies integration into the industrial plant, as existing components can be used more efficiently. In addition, the automated configuration enables faster tool deployment and faster adaptation of resources to the plant environment.

[0096] Within the scope of the invention, availability can be understood in particular as temporal availability, a measure of the reliability of a technical system such as an industrial plant. It is generally defined as the proportion of operating time to total operating time. It indicates how often and to what extent a system is functional and ready for operation for its intended purpose.

[0097] The mathematical definition of availability (V) is:

[0098] Production time

[0099] V = -

[0100] Planned occupancy time

[0101] Availability can also be defined as follows, based on the time a system is available:

[0102] The total time can be comprised of operating time and downtime. Operating time can refer to the period during which the system functions properly and fulfills its intended purpose. Downtime can refer to the period during which the system is unavailable due to malfunctions, maintenance, or repairs.

[0103] Furthermore, a distinction can be made between inherent availability, operational availability, and effective availability. Inherent availability (A) only considers the mean time between failures (MTBF) and the mean time to repair (MTTR):

[0104] MTBF

[0105] A. = _

[0106] 1 MTBF + MTTR'

[0107] Operational availability (A o ) takes into account the actual operating time and all planned and unplanned downtime:

[0108] The effective availability (Ae ) also takes into account logistical and administrative delays:

[0109] MTBM A = _ e MTBM + MLDT ' where MTBM stands for “Mean Time Between Maintenance” and MLDT for “Mean Logistic Delay Time”. In practice, availability is often expressed as a percentage. A high availability value (close to 100%) indicates that the system is very reliable and rarely fails.

[0110] Within the scope of the invention, availability can also be understood as quantitative availability. This further, alternative definition of availability relating to a quantity of elements is, for example:

[0111] Furthermore, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) or Overall Asset Effectiveness (OAE) can be an important key performance indicator, particularly for plant optimization. It allows the measurement of productivity and any losses of technical systems or machines. The higher the achieved OEE of a system, the greater the performance potential made available to the production process. Maximizing OEE is therefore one of the top formal objectives, including in the maintenance and further development of systems.

[0112] Overall equipment effectiveness consists in particular of the factors availability, performance rate and quality rate:

[0113] OEE = VLQ

[0114] Availability is primarily comprised of planned machine downtime, production plan adjustments, malfunctions, and process errors. Scrap and rework play a role in the quality rate. The range of values ​​for overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is between 0 and 1, or between 0% and 100%. Depending on whether a higher than planned production speed is achievable, the actual performance level and thus the resulting overall efficiency can exceed 100%.

[0115] Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is a key performance indicator for unplanned losses of a system. Therefore, the first step involves subtracting planned downtime from the calendar time (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Planned downtime can include, for example, periods of non-occupancy / unmanning, scheduled maintenance, work breaks, strikes, or production stoppages for other reasons. The remaining operating time (usage time) forms the basis for OEE and is thus defined as 100%. From this 100%, losses in performance, availability, and quality are deducted to arrive at the system's OEE.

[0116] The availability factor is, in particular, the ratio of the time until a fault occurs to the time of the functional failure. The availability factor can be defined as follows:

[0117] Here, dA is the average time between failures and dW is the average recovery time. The availability factor is reduced by the recovery time, for example, due to events such as: waiting for maintenance, power outages, or system malfunctions.

[0118] The performance factor is, in particular, a measure of losses due to deviations from the planned cycle time, minor failures (i.e., downtimes that are not included in availability) and idle times.

[0119] The quality factor, in particular, is a measure of the loss due to defective parts requiring rework. It can be defined as follows:

[0120] Quantity of goods P — Pn — Pa Quantity produced P

[0121] In this context, P is the number of parts produced, Pn is the number of reworked parts, and Pa is the number of rejected parts.

[0122] The term Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) can also be used synonymously with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Measures that increase production output but incur disproportionately high costs can be effective, yet simultaneously inefficient and therefore not economically viable. OEE can be defined as the product of the availability factor, the performance factor, and the quality factor. This results in a percentage value that indicates the proportion of the planned machine runtime during which production actually met the quality criteria.

[0123] It is also optional that the planning of at least one redesign measure includes: Determining at least one primary redesign measure that enables the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization and / or efficiency improvement of the industrial plant. The at least one primary redesign measure can specify a primary redesign of the industrial plant, which preferably serves primarily to increase the efficiency of the industrial plant. This can optionally also involve the redesign from a centralized to a decentralized topology. The primary redesign can include a structural change to the plant, such as replacing equipment. Furthermore, it is possible that the primary redesign, and thus the primary redesign measure, serves to redesign the industrial plant for a modified application.However, the preferred approach is to use a database, such as the historical usage of the industrial plant, based on an analysis of the usage and / or application specifications, to identify deficiencies or optimization potential. For example, it might be determined that a resource used in the plant, such as a motor, is over- or undersized for the specific application and should therefore be replaced for efficiency reasons. In this case, the primary redesign measure would be replacing the equipment.

[0124] It is also optionally possible for the planning of at least one modification measure to include: analyzing the provided installation specification and / or usage specification and / or application specification and / or availability specification with regard to the impact of the primary modification measure on the structure of the industrial plant and / or on the connection of the components and / or on the control of the industrial plant, and preferably on the associated technical requirements and / or characteristics and / or plant functionality. For ease of reference, this can also be referred to as an "impact analysis".This analysis primarily serves to answer the following question: If the primary redesign measure is implemented, what impact will this have on the industrial plant, and will it necessitate further redesign of the plant? The plant design may also include the sizing of other resources and potentially involve changes to the control system.

[0125] It is also optionally possible for the planning of at least one redesign measure to include: Determining, preferably based on the preceding impact analysis, at least one secondary redesign measure, which specifies at least one secondary redesign of the industrial plant resulting from the primary redesign, in order to prepare and / or adapt the industrial plant for the primary redesign measure. This is the aforementioned further redesign that becomes necessary due to the impact of the primary redesign measure on the plant. The secondary redesign measure thus does not primarily serve to increase the efficiency of the industrial plant, but is only secondarily necessitated by the primary redesign measure. In the case of a device replacement, this could, for example, be a changed requirement for the supply line to the device. For example, if...If a motor is replaced with a more energy-efficient one, the power supply and / or power supply unit can also be dimensioned to be smaller / more efficient. Conversely, if a motor with higher energy consumption were to be installed as the primary modification, the power supply unit would also need to be dimensioned accordingly. Furthermore, secondary modifications could include changes to the topology of the industrial plant or modifications to the control system, preferably the control programming. From a structural perspective, secondary modifications can affect parts of the industrial plant that are functionally and / or physically directly connected to the part modified by the primary modification.

[0126] Optionally, after determining the primary redesign measure, conducting the aforementioned impact analysis, and identifying the secondary redesign measure, a further iteration of these steps, particularly the impact analysis and the determination of additional secondary redesign measures, is conceivable. This may become necessary because the identified secondary redesign measure may have further impacts that must be considered during the redesign. This iteration can preferably be fully automated, especially if complete data is available. This may require a digitized circuit and / or connection diagram, which may be made available through the installation specification for this algorithm.

[0127] It is also optionally possible for the planning of at least one redesign measure to include: defining at least one overarching optimization measure that provides a target for at least one primary redesign measure. The primary redesign measure can be determined as a dependency and consequence of the at least one overarching optimization measure and the target. Furthermore, the secondary redesign measure can be determined as a dependency and consequence of the at least one primary redesign measure. The overarching optimization measure could, for example, concern the general goal of making the industrial plant more energy-efficient, more powerful, or safer, or of changing an application of the industrial plant, or of redesigning the plant from a centralized to a decentralized topology.In general, both the primary and secondary redesign measures can include re-engineering, while the overarching optimization measure involves setting an objective.

[0128] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the primary redesign measure defines a first structural change to the industrial plant, and the secondary redesign measure also defines at least one further structural change to the industrial plant, which, however, only results as a consequence of the first structural change in order to maintain and / or improve the plant functionality of the industrial plant and / or the fulfillment of requirements for the industrial plant.

[0129] The invention also relates to a data processing device comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention. Thus, the data processing device according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0130] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by at least one computer, i.e., also by a computer system such as a distributed system comprising a server and a client, cause it to execute the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the computer program can be at least partially non-volatile and / or available as downloadable software and / or as a cloud service and / or as an executable program and / or as a configuration file and / or as a program library and / or as source code and / or in compiled and / or encrypted and / or compressed form and / or in a combination thereof.

[0131] The computer can be a data processing device, preferably the data processing device according to the invention.

[0132] The data processing device according to the invention, and preferably the computer, can be configured to execute the computer program according to the invention. For this purpose, the data processing device according to the invention can have at least one processor. A non-volatile data storage medium can also be provided in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0133] It is also conceivable that the data processing device according to the invention comprises at least one integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The data processing device according to the invention, or the computer, can thus also be designed as an electronic circuit. Furthermore, the data processing device according to the invention can have at least one interface for data exchange, e.g., an Ethernet interface, an interface for LAN (Local Area Network), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), another radio interface such as for Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC), or a software interface such as to an ERP system.Furthermore, the data processing device according to the invention can be implemented as one or more control units, i.e., also as a system of control units. The data processing device according to the invention can also be provided wholly or partially in a cloud and / or as a server in order to make data processing available to a local application via the interface. Accordingly, the data processing device according to the invention can also be designed as a distributed system, e.g., comprising at least one server and / or at least one client. It is also possible for the data processing device according to the invention to be implemented as a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0134] The invention may also include a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program according to the invention. The storage medium is, for example, designed as a data storage device such as a hard drive and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer and / or into the data processing device according to the invention.

[0135] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, each or all of the disclosed method steps can optionally be computer-implemented and / or carried out automatically.

[0136] The invention may also optionally include a system preferably configured to execute the method according to the invention. This system offers the same advantages as described in relation to the method according to the invention. The system according to the invention can serve for the automated reconfiguration of an industrial plant, in which components of the industrial plant may be interconnected to provide plant functionality. A first provisioning component of the system may be provided for supplying an installation specification. This installation specification may specify at least one configuration of the industrial plant. A second provisioning component of the system may also be provided for supplying a usage and / or application specification. This usage and / or application specification may, if applicable,Historical use of the industrial plant and / or its components and / or resources must be documented. Alternatively or additionally, the usage and / or application specification can specify a future application of the industrial plant.

[0137] Furthermore, a third provisioning component of the system may be provided for the provision of an availability specification. This availability specification can indicate the availability of resources and / or at least one of the components, thus specifying in particular quantitative terms the extent to which the resources and / or components of the system are currently ready for use, available and / or usable.

[0138] Furthermore, a planning component of the system can be provided for planning at least one modification measure, based on an analysis of the provided installation specification and / or the usage and / or application specification and / or the availability specification with regard to maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant, in particular taking into account the available resources and / or components in relation to the historical use of the resources and / or components and / or the future application. The analysis can be carried out, for example, automatically and / or computer-aided and / or at least partially rule-based by the planning component and / or by a data processing device according to the invention. The objective, such as the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant, can optionally be an input parameter of the analysis and, for example,input is provided by a user. An initiation component of the system can then be used to initiate at least one redesign measure. The above-described (provisioning / planning / initiation) components of the system can be part of, and in particular also include, means or software components of, a device for data processing according to the invention and / or a computer program according to the invention and / or several computer programs (e.g., cloud-based).

[0139] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings show:

[0140] Fig. 1: a schematic visualization of a method, a device, a storage medium and a computer program according to exemplary embodiments of the invention,

[0141] Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an exemplary industrial plant according to embodiments of the invention,

[0142] Fig. 3: a schematic representation of an exemplary process flow according to embodiments of the invention.

[0143] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features even for different embodiments.

[0144] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a method 100, a device 10, a storage medium 15, and a computer program 50 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In particular, Figure 1 shows a method 100 for the automated redesign of an industrial plant 1, in which components 20 of the industrial plant 1 are decentrally interconnected to provide plant functionality. The redesign can include at least a partial redesign of the industrial plant, in which not only components are renewed or repaired, but also functional changes and / or extensions and / or modifications to the topology are made.

[0145] In process or step 101, an installation specification is provided, which specifies at least the structure of the industrial plant 1 and the connection of the components 20 and / or associated technical requirements and / or properties and / or the plant functionality. This can be achieved, for example, by a digital assembly and / or circuit diagram of the plant 1, to which further technical specifications such as equipment identification numbers are assigned.

[0146] The process or step 101 can optionally be performed by an initial deployment component.

[0147] In a process or step 102, a usage specification is provided, which may document a historical use of Plant 1 and Component 20.

[0148] Furthermore, in this process / step 102, an application specification can also be provided, which specifies a future application of Annex 1. The application specification can also be provided as part of the usage specification, and thus the future application of Annex 1 can also be documented through the usage specification.

[0149] The process or step 102 can optionally be performed by a second deployment component.

[0150] In a process or step 103, an availability specification is then provided. The availability specification indicates the availability of resources 20, preferably in terms of time and / or quantity and / or technical and / or logistical aspects, in particular components and / or tools 24 and / or material 25, and / or at least one of the components 20 of Annex 1.

[0151] The process or step 103 can optionally be performed by a third provisioning component.

[0152] The provisioning of the data can be automated, for example, through digital retrieval, storage, transmission, receipt, and / or uploading. The specifications can be retrieved, for example, from a local storage device, a user input interface, and / or a cloud server.

[0153] In process 104, at least one redesign measure can then be planned. For this purpose, an analysis of the provided specifications, in particular the installation specification and / or the usage specification and / or the application specification and / or the availability specification, can be carried out, preferably with regard to maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of industrial plant 1. The analysis can be performed locally or in the cloud, for example. The result of the analysis can then be retrieved and / or evaluated for planning the redesign measure. Furthermore, the result of the analysis can already specify at least one redesign measure.

[0154] The process or step 104 can optionally be carried out by a planning component.

[0155] In process or step 105, at least one redesign action is initiated. This can be achieved, for example, by issuing installation instructions to a user and / or by automatically controlling and / or configuring the provisioning of resources, and especially tools. Process or step 105 can optionally be performed by an initiation component.

[0156] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an automated conveyor system 1 comprising several components 20. In particular, the system 1 has conveyor belts 2 for transporting objects. This system 1 also serves, for example, the transport of objects or goods within a production or storage environment.

[0157] Conveyor system 1 comprises various components:

[0158] The system 1 comprises several conveyor belts 2, which are continuously interconnected and enable the transport of items or goods, e.g., across different levels in the production or storage environment. The conveyor belts 2 are equipped with additional rollers (not shown) as resources 20 or components that ensure the smooth transport of the items.

[0159] Drive motors 3, 4, 5 can be provided at various points in the conveyor system 1, which drive the movement of the conveyor belts 2, in particular the rollers.

[0160] Decentralized control units 11 can be located near the drive motors 3, 4, 5 and are responsible for monitoring and controlling the conveyor belt 2. They regulate the speed and direction of the belt 2 and ensure that it runs smoothly.

[0161] Sensors 21 are installed along the conveyor belt 2 and serve to detect various parameters, such as the presence of goods / objects on the belt, their speed, and position. The sensors 21 supply important data to the control units 11 and to the central control system 10, which can then make appropriate adjustments.

[0162] Actuators 22 on system 1 are responsible for performing specific actions on conveyor belt 2, such as stopping the belt, diverting goods / objects, or redirecting the transport flow. They respond to signals from the control units 11, the central control system 10, or sensors 21.

[0163] Protective devices may be installed in some sections of Annex 1 to protect a worker, operator or person from moving parts of the plant and to ensure workplace safety.

[0164] Various components 20 or resources 20, such as actuators 22, sensors 21, cables 23, decentralized control units 11, and the central control system 10, can be installed near the conveyor belts 2. These components monitor the operation of the system 1 and continuously or at regular intervals collect information or data from the installed or used components and / or from the respective transported items.

[0165] The information collected may include details and / or data on motion cycles, operating time, torque curve, speed, current, and / or vibrations, as well as technical characteristics, technical requirements, and / or technical parameters such as the hardness of a material, especially a metal, surface quality, suitability for environmental conditions, effort regarding a redesign of a topology, a new component or tool, and / or type of communication technology.

[0166] Furthermore, for example, an overview can contain information regarding stock levels, delivery times, and resource costs as an availability specification.

[0167] In an embodiment according to the illustrated Annex 1 in Fig. 2, the central control system 10 and / or operating software of the Annex 1 can detect a deviation in the operating state of a component or resource 20. For example, it can be determined that a sensor 21 is providing or receiving faulty or no measurement data and transmitting it to the control unit 11. This detected anomaly can then trigger the initiation of the method according to the invention, i.e., preferably the planning of a modification measure.

[0168] First, a stored circuit diagram, provided as an installation specification, can be used to check where the faulty resource 20 is installed and, for example, which other components of system 1 it is connected to, or from which power supply module the sensor is powered. Furthermore, it can also be determined how sensor 11 is connected in the topology of system 1.

[0169] Furthermore, the previous operating data of the faulty sensor 21 can be accessed for analysis and planning using a usage specification. This allows the data recorded by sensor 21, including historical data, to be monitored and analyzed for further planning purposes, enabling the early detection of deviations from expected standard values. Based on this analysis, various measures for any necessary modifications can be derived. For example, if a malfunction or drift in the measurement behavior is detected, this may necessitate calibration of sensor 21 as a maintenance measure or even replacement as a modification. In the latter case, it can then be analyzed whether sensor 21 should be replaced with an identical sensor type or with a different sensor type.In addition, further stored or specified information regarding the current and / or future use of system 1 can be taken into account during the analysis and then selected according to the analysis result and planned as a redesign measure for sensor 21 of conveyor system 1.

[0170] When planning further measures, information regarding the availability of sensor 21 or sensor type in the warehouse inventory is also collected via an interface to a warehouse management system (ERP system) to determine whether the replacement sensor is available in the warehouse. If this is not the case, a functionally equivalent sensor can then be searched for and selected as a replacement.

[0171] As part of the planning process, it would also be possible to examine the effects of selecting a different, but functionally equivalent, sensor in plant 1. Relevant planning specifications, technical requirements, and / or technical parameters for plant 1 would be incorporated into the planning to ensure an optimal selection for the plant.

[0172] As a result of such planning, one or more proposals for possible modifications, such as sensor calibration or replacement of sensor 21, could be presented.

[0173] Furthermore, proposals for possible modifications to Plant 1 can be based on a model, which may be an AI-supported and / or machine learning-based model. This model may include algorithms designed to optimize the operational behavior of Plant 1 based on the provided specifications.

[0174] In another embodiment of the conveyor system 1 shown in Fig. 2, a maintenance requirement for a system component, such as a drive motor 3, 4, 5, may be identified as a trigger for planning a redesign. Initially, during the analysis phase, a detailed review of all available technical information regarding the drive motor 3, 4, 5 as component 20 of the system 1 can be conducted to identify, for example, signs of wear, damage, or contamination. Depending on the analysis, cleaning of the drive motor 3, 4, 5 could be proposed to remove dirt, deposits, and foreign matter that could impair its performance. Furthermore, a redesign could propose lubricating the moving parts of the drive motor 3, 4, 5 to minimize friction and wear.For this purpose, appropriate consumables 25 would be provided and transported to Annex 1. Furthermore, a further suggestion could be that during maintenance, electrical connections 23 be checked and, if necessary, secured or renewed to ensure electrical integrity.

[0175] In another embodiment, it could be proposed that wear parts with a limited service life, such as seals, filters, or gaskets, be replaced. Finally, a functional test of the drive motor 3, 4, 5 could be performed, for example, to ensure that it is working properly after the maintenance. All measures taken and observations are documented in a digital maintenance log to ensure complete traceability and facilitate future planning.

[0176] This data can therefore also be used to optimize plant 1 by adjusting its operating parameters. These preventive and reactive measures can increase the reliability and efficiency of industrial plant 1.

[0177] In another embodiment, a transport means 30 for the modification of a conveyor belt system is shown as in Fig. 2.

[0178] The transport means 30, such as a workshop trolley 30, which can be operated remotely or autonomously, can be used to increase efficiency in industrial plants 1. The trolley 30 is equipped with sensors 31, a navigation system 32 and a robot arm 33 to autonomously transport and install required resources 20, components, parts or consumables 25 at the plant 1.

[0179] The conveyor belt system 1 is equipped with sensors 21 that continuously monitor the condition of the components 20. A sensor 21 can thus detect that a specific roller of the conveyor belt 2 is worn and should be replaced (activation trigger).

[0180] The sensor 21 preferably sends a message (maintenance alarm) to the central control and maintenance system 10 or to the control unit 11. This allows the reported need for a new component 20 to be registered and an order for the workshop vehicle 30 to be created and initiated, for example, by a control signal.

[0181] The workshop trolley 30 can be located in a central workshop or warehouse. Upon receiving the maintenance order, it is automatically equipped with the required resource 20, such as a component, a tool 24, or a consumable 25. A robot arm 33 or a warehouse employee loads the necessary resources 20, in particular the specific reel 25 and, if necessary, a required tool 24, onto the trolley 30 as shown in Fig. 2. A brief check can be performed to ensure that the correct component 20 has been loaded and that the trolley 30 is ready for operation. The order is then released, and the trolley 30 begins its autonomous journey to the conveyor system.

[0182] The workshop vehicle 30 uses its integrated navigation system 32 (GPS and LiDAR) together with a pre-programmed map of plant 1 in the production environment to calculate the optimal route to the defective component. It can avoid obstacles and take safety zones into account.

[0183] Car 30 drives autonomously through plant 1, following the designated routes and stopping at all intersections to avoid collisions. It can also continuously send status messages to the central maintenance system 10 or the control center.

[0184] When the workshop trolley 30 reaches the position of the defective roller 25, it can use its sensors 31 and cameras to position itself precisely next to the component 20.

[0185] Using the robot arm 33 of the workshop trolley 30, the defective roller 25 is removed and placed in a special compartment on the trolley 30. The arm 33 then picks up the new roller and installs it in the designated position.

[0186] After installation, the workshop vehicle 30 checks the functionality of the new roller 25 by performing tests. If everything is in order, it sends a completion message to the central control and maintenance system 10. This can then release the system 1 for further use.

[0187] Workshop vehicle 30 navigates autonomously back to the central workshop. Once there, the defective component is unloaded and vehicle 30 is prepared for its next assignment. This may include recharging its power supply, particularly its batteries, or performing a brief maintenance check to ensure it is ready for future transports and orders.

[0188] All steps taken, from identifying the maintenance requirement to the return of the service vehicle 30, are automatically documented. This documentation helps in tracking and analyzing the maintenance processes to enable continuous improvement.

[0189] The use of a remotely controlled and autonomously operating workshop vehicle 30 can significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of maintenance work in industrial plants 1. The entire process, from problem identification and autonomous navigation to component replacement, documentation, and return, is fully automated, minimizing plant downtime and maximizing productivity.

[0190] In another embodiment, if a different operating condition or a maintenance time is detected, the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of the conveyor belt system 1 in Fig. 2 can be optimized as a re-engineering measure.

[0191] As further illustrated in Fig. 3, the OEE can be composed of factors such as a quality factor, a performance factor, and / or a utilization factor. The schematic representation in Fig. 3 depicts the various aspects that influence the calculation of the OEE as an application model.

[0192] Based on the provided or available information from the plant's structure, operating data, and other production parameters, a current overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) can be determined with regard to total time, planning occupancy time, production time, actual output, and defect output.

[0193] The total time, for example, is 7 days x 24 hours, which corresponds to 168 hours per week. This time includes all available hours for operating conveyor belt system 1.

[0194] The planned operating time is the time during which the system can be used as planned. For example, conveyor belt system 1 could be scheduled for 120 hours per week, with 48 hours taken into account as planned downtime (maintenance, breaks, etc.).

[0195] The effective production time would be, for example, the actual operating time of plant 1 minus downtime and setup. Assuming there are 10 hours per week for changeovers and unforeseen disruptions, then the effective production time would be 110 hours.

[0196] The actual output would then be the actual production quantity achieved by plant 1 within the effective production time. Speed ​​losses and unplanned downtimes must be taken into account. If the plant is running at 90% of its maximum capacity, for example, the actual output could be 99 hours.

[0197] This involves measuring the quality of the produced goods. Assuming there is 5% rejects and rework, this reduces the error-free output to 94.05 hours.

[0198] Then, the respective factors regarding performance, quality, and usage would be determined in order to identify sources of error and select and propose optimization measures. For example, if the current quality is determined to be 94.05 hours / 110 hours = 0.855 (85.5%), one optimization or redesign measure that could be proposed is the introduction of a quality assurance system to reduce scrap. This could be achieved, for example, through improved sensor technology and regular maintenance. The goal of this redesign could be, for example, a reduction in scrap to 2%, which would increase the defect-free output to 107.8 hours and raise the quality factor to 0.98 (98%).

[0199] The current output of plant 1 could be 99 hours / 110 hours = 0.9 (90%). As part of planning an optimization measure, one option could be to increase the operating speed by replacing or upgrading the drive motors 3, 4, 5 and the control units 11 in order to maximize the conveying speed. A target speed of 95% of the maximum capacity would, for example, increase the actual output to 104.5 hours and the power factor to 0.95 (95%).

[0200] Current utilization could be 110 hours / 120 hours = 0.917 (91.7%). As part of planning an optimization measure, one option could be to minimize planned downtime through improved planning and preventive maintenance. Reducing changeover times and introducing quick-change devices could increase effective production time to 115 hours and the utilization factor to 0.958 (95.8%).

[0201] Based on these factors, an optimized OEE could then be determined:

[0202] Quality factor: 0.98

[0203] Power factor: 0.95

[0204] Usage factor: 0.958

[0205] Optimized OEE = 0.98 x 0.95 x 0.958 = 0.892 (89.2%)

[0206] Through targeted measures to reduce quality losses, optimize performance, and improve operational efficiency, the OEE of the conveyor system can be significantly increased. This leads to higher productivity, less waste, and overall lower operating costs.

[0207] The following describes a further optional embodiment with regard to various modification measures. Optionally, the planning of at least one modification measure may include: Determining at least one primary modification measure that enables the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization and / or modification of industrial plant 1. The at least one primary modification measure can specify a primary modification of industrial plant 1. This could, for example, be a replacement of equipment carried out as part of a re-engineering project, for instance, at least one of the following:

[0208] - Replacement of an over- or undersized electric, pneumatic or hydraulic drive,

[0209] - Replacement of a device no longer available on the market, preferably a sensor, with a different mechanical mounting,

[0210] - Replacing a tool, for example a gripper with different axis configurations, with a more powerful component to expand its functionality,

[0211] - Replacement of a consumable, for example a film, due to increased or changed requirements and / or environmental conditions and / or legal frameworks,

[0212] - Replacement of a consumable material, for example a tool, due to increased or changed requirements and / or environmental conditions and / or legal frameworks,

[0213] - Replacement and / or addition of components, for example safety and / or security components, due to changed legal frameworks.

[0214] Safety components can include safety-related devices that serve to protect people, machines, and / or the environment. These can include, for example, emergency stop switches, safety switches, light barriers, safety relays, safety controllers, safety door monitoring systems, two-hand controls, and functional safety components. Security components can be devices that protect against unauthorized access or tampering. These can include, for example, access control systems or similar devices.

[0215] It is also optionally possible that the planning 104 of at least one redesign measure includes: analyzing the provided installation specification and / or usage specification and / or application specification and / or availability specification with regard to the impact of the primary redesign measure on the structure of the industrial plant 1 and / or on the connection of the components 20, and preferably on the associated technical requirements and / or properties and / or plant functionality and / or control. This impact analysis may be provided to determine whether the primary redesign measure is possible without further measures or whether further redesign is necessary to enable the primary redesign. In other words, the primary redesign measure may primarily serve to fulfill an objective, such as…Maintenance, expansion, and / or optimization of the industrial plant, such as increasing efficiency, are examples of primary modifications. However, further modifications, in the sense of a secondary modification measure, can create the necessary conditions to enable the primary modification measure.

[0216] Therefore, the planning of at least one redesign measure can also include the determination of at least one secondary redesign measure, preferably based on the preceding impact analysis. The at least one secondary redesign measure can specify at least one secondary redesign of industrial plant 1 resulting from the primary redesign, in order to prepare and / or adapt industrial plant 1 for the primary redesign measure. This can be, in the case of the examples mentioned above:

[0217] - Changes to the electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic topology, for example, the connection sequence, and / or

[0218] - Modification of the components of the electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic topology, for example a connection module, preferably a fieldbus module, and / or

[0219] - Changes to the energy supply and provision, for example by replacing or adding power supplies.

[0220] In other words, these secondary modifications are primarily those that become necessary because the primary modification has been carried out (e.g., if a motor was replaced as the primary modification, a different cable must be used as a secondary modification). These modifications can also be carried out as part of a re-engineering process.

[0221] It is also optionally possible for the planning to include at least one redesign measure: Determining at least one overarching optimization measure that provides a target for the at least one primary redesign measure. The primary redesign measure can be determined as a dependency and consequence of the at least one overarching optimization measure and the target. Furthermore, the secondary redesign measure can be determined as a dependency and consequence of the at least one primary redesign measure. Such an overarching optimization measure and preferably a target could, for example, be that at least one of the following states or properties should be achieved or improved:

[0222] Installation complexity, component standardization, energy requirements, future viability, legal compliance, material / component availability,

[0223] - Adaptation to existing employee skills (e.g. Profinet programmers, Ethernet components), diagnostic capability, ease of assembly or maintenance intensity.

[0224] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the primary redesign measure defines a first structural change to industrial plant 1, and the secondary redesign measure also defines at least one further structural change to industrial plant 1, which, however, only results as a consequence of the first structural change in order to maintain and / or improve the plant functionality of industrial plant 1 and / or the fulfillment of requirements for industrial plant 1.

[0225] For example, using a tool within a consistent speed range reveals that a more cost-effective and specialized tool with a longer service life would be beneficial (a tool for the 300-500 rpm speed range instead of 50-800 rpm). This insight, based on actual usage data, may then necessitate re-engineering to improve plant efficiency. The primary change to the tool necessitates a further primary change to the motor that drives the tool. As part of this automated redesign, the electrical topology can also be adapted. Since the tool may need to be replaced for other applications, the tool cart and tool configuration may also require redesign. The primary redesign measure can primarily serve to improve the overall efficiency of the industrial plant. For such a redesign measure, it may be necessary to...It is necessary to ensure the functionality, compatibility, and safety of the entire system. The secondary modification measure can therefore primarily serve to ensure the functionality, compatibility, and / or safety of the primary modification measure. This will be described below using the example of a device replacement, although the following information and steps naturally also apply to other measures. The following steps can each be automated, for example, by at least one software program. This software can be wholly or partially cloud-based, i.e., provided on one or more servers. For ease of understanding, the steps are described using a device or motor as an example; however, with regard to the disclosure of the invention, they apply equally to all resources of the system.

[0226] The primary redesign measure can also serve to adapt the installation concept from a centralized to a decentralized installation. This change can, for example, be used to respond to altered environmental influences or to switch a system to a different physical control unit or a cloud-based control unit. The secondary redesign corresponds in particular to changing the control unit or the communication protocols used.

[0227] As an optional first step in planning at least one modification measure, it may be necessary to collect the relevant technical data of the existing device to be replaced, such as a motor, and the connected system components. This may include, for example, checking the power, torque, rated current, voltage, frequency, and / or frame size of the device, such as the currently installed motor. The degree of protection, environmental conditions, and connection and control type (e.g., frequency converter operation or direct start) may also be relevant and recorded.

[0228] Subsequently, as an optional step, particularly during the impact analysis and / or to determine at least one secondary modification measure, the new device, such as the new motor, can be evaluated for its mechanical and electrical compatibility with the existing industrial plant. It is essential to ensure that relevant parameters of the new device, such as its design, shaft connection, mounting points, and weight, are compatible with the existing mechanical structure. Furthermore, it can be verified whether the foundation, bearings, and couplings are designed to withstand the additional load from the more powerful motor. This is preferably achieved by comparing data with the installation specifications and, if necessary, other device-specific databases.In cases of significantly increased inertia or altered vibration characteristics, it may be necessary to perform supplementary vibration analyses to rule out resonance problems. This check can be fully automated, for example, during impact analysis, provided the necessary data is available. Otherwise, an automated data query can be initiated, possibly requiring at least one additional user input.

[0229] Thanks to the provided installation specifications, it is also possible to perform an electrical test as a further step. This can, for example, be included in the impact analysis. For a motor, this allows for determining whether the existing power supply, conductor cross-sections, and / or fuses can handle the starting and operating current of the new motor. In principle, depending on the results of this test, further resources such as supply lines, switching devices, motor protection switches, and frequency converters may need to be adapted or replaced as part of the secondary modification. It may also be necessary to check whether the existing control system can correctly control and monitor the new motor and whether protective measures such as overload and short-circuit protection are adequately dimensioned.

[0230] Another optional aspect of this inspection may be the adjustment of the system's safety assessment. For example, it will be examined whether the change in power output creates new hazards or whether existing safety functions, such as emergency stop, overspeed protection, or braking systems, need to be modified.

[0231] Following the completed and automated planning, the modification measures can be implemented, i.e., the mechanical and electrical work can be carried out. This includes, for example, the professional removal of the old motor, the precise assembly and alignment of the new motor, and the adaptation of the electrical connections and control technology. The parameterization of frequency converters and control units is adjusted, for example, according to the specifications of the new motor. These tasks can also be partially automated and preferably guided, according to various embodiments of the invention. This has already been described in connection with the automatic configuration of resources and tools, among other things. This automated support of the modification measure(s) can take place during the initiation of the modification measure(s) and, if necessary,This includes functional tests and / or safety checks and / or the (re)commissioning of the system.

[0232] This can also include updating the technical documentation and / or circuit diagrams and maintenance records. The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0233] Reference symbol list

[0234] Plant, industrial plant, conveyor belt system

[0235] Conveyor belt with rollers, 4, 5 Drive motor 0 Central control system 1 Decentralized control unit 5 Storage medium 0 Component, resource, part 2 Actuator 3 Cable 4 Tool 5 Consumable 1, 31 Sensor 0 Transport vehicle, conversion unit, workshop trolley 2 Navigation system 3 Robot arm 0 Computer program 00 Procedure 01 First process step 02 Second process step 03 Third process step 04 Fourth process step 05 Fifth process step

Claims

Claims 1. Method (100) for the automated redesign of an industrial plant (1), in which components (20) of the industrial plant (1) are interconnected to provide plant functionality, comprising: Providing (101) an installation specification which specifies at least one setup of the industrial plant (1), Providing (102) a usage and / or application specification documenting a historical use of the industrial plant (1) and its components (20) and / or resources (1), and / or specifying a future application of the industrial plant (1), Providing (103) an availability specification which indicates the availability of resources (20) and / or at least one of the components (20), planning (104) at least one redesign measure, based on an analysis of the provided installation specification and the usage and / or application specification and the availability specification with regard to maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant (1), Initiating (105) at least one transformation measure.

2. Method (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the planning (104) further comprises: - Selection of at least one resource (20) for optimization based on the availability of the at least one resource (20), wherein the at least one resource (20), when used in the industrial plant (1), optimizes the industrial plant (1) taking into account past and / or future application and / or use and / or maintains its plant functionality, Reconstructing, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant (1) where the availability of at least one resource (20) is limited and / or non-existent and / or insufficient.

3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planning (104) further comprises: - Selecting at least one resource (20) for optimization based on a technical parameter, preferably based on a technical requirement and / or a technical function and / or a technical condition, in particular based on plant effectiveness, wherein the at least one resource (20) optimizes the industrial plant (1) with respect to the technical parameter and / or based on previous and / or future application and / or use, Reconstructing, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant (1) if the at least one resource meets the requirement regarding the technical parameter of one of the specifications provided, preferably the installation specification and / or usage specification and / or availability specification.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiation (105) of the at least one modification measure comprises at least one of the following steps: Initiating the provision of at least one or more resources (20) which are planned for the modification of the facility (1), Initiating automatic navigation of a means of transport (30) to carry out a redesign of the industrial plant (1), Initiating the output of an installation instruction for the redesign, preferably for connecting the resource, Initiating the output of a change notice regarding the update of the installation specification, Initiating the output of a control signal to a conversion unit (30), preferably to the means of transport (30), for the implementation or support of the or at least one of the conversion measures.

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: Providing information regarding environmental impacts, preferably data and / or metadata regarding environmental impacts, which in particular define an impact on the resources (20), Consider one or more influences and / or a combination of environmental influences on the resources (20) when planning (104).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: providing the application specification which specifies a future application of the plant (1), Consider the application specification during planning (104), preferably when selecting resources (20).

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises: Detecting (103) an activation trigger, which preferably indicates an upcoming maintenance requirement and / or a different operating state of the plant (1) and / or a component (20), and preferably results from a predictive or prescriptive maintenance system, initiating the planning (104) of the at least one redesign measure in the event of detection of the activation trigger.

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planning (104) further comprises: Redesign, in particular re-engineering, the industrial plant (1) based on a given model, wherein the model is provided as an AI-supported and / or machine learning-based model designed to optimize the operational behavior of the plant (1) depending on the specifications provided.

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planning (104) further comprises: - Analyzing actual data of the industrial plant (1) and / or components (20) by comparing them with relevant historical data to determine a replacement cycle, planning a redesign measure to redesign the industrial plant (1), preferably by replacing or installing a resource (20), in particular a component (20), tool (24), and / or consumable (25), if the determined replacement cycle requires it.

0. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for the planning (104) of the at least one redesign measure, the analysis of the provided installation specification and / or usage specification and / or application specification and / or availability specification with regard to the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant (1) is carried out by selecting at least one of the resources (20) and / or by redesigning with regard to at least one of the components (20), and / or that, in the planning (104) for the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant (1), at least one resource (20) is selected from the resources (20) whose availability is specified by the availability specification, in order to define the redesign measure, wherein the at least one resource (20) may comprise at least one of the following: - an actuator (22), in particular a motor, preferably a servo motor, - a sensor (21,31), in particular a light barrier or a magnetic sensor, - a cable (23), in particular a data exchange and / or power exchange and / or fieldbus cable, preferably an Ethernet cable, - a line, in particular a pipeline for fluids, - a tow chain, - a consumable (25), in particular packaging and / or a component and / or a secondary part and / or C-parts, - a wear part such as a bearing or gear or the like, - a light source, preferably a segment light, - a raw material, preferably a sheet of steel or a plastic part.

1. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the usage specification includes at least one of the following technical information: - Information and / or data on motion cycles, operating time, torque curve, speed, current, and / or vibrations, technical characteristics, technical requirements and / or technical parameters such as the hardness of a material, in particular a metal, surface quality, suitability for environmental conditions, effort regarding a redesign of a topology, a new component (20) or tool (24), and / or type of communication technology, and / or that the availability specification includes at least information regarding stock levels, delivery times, and / or costs of resources (20).

2. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (20) comprise at least one of the following components (20): Connection modules designed for the, in particular decentralized, connection of devices in the field of the industrial plant (1) in order to enable a centralized or decentralized topology of the industrial plant (1) and / or to provide automation functions in the industrial plant, preferably via a communication system, Connecting elements, preferably in the form of cables, which connect the devices to the connection modules, wherein the industrial plant (1) is designed according to a plant type as an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or fluid power and / or mechanical plant (1), wherein preferably at least one power supply unit is electrically connected to the connection modules, wherein preferably at least some of the connection modules provide decentralized control and / or are connected to a central control via a fieldbus system in order to execute at least one control programming for the devices, wherein the at least one modification measure can comprise at least one of the following: A redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the control programming; a redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the automation functions; a redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the topology. A redesign and, in particular, a complete redesign of the connections, An exchange of at least one of the devices, Replacing at least one of the connecting elements, A transformation of the plant type, An adjustment of the power supply, preferably with regard to voltage level and / or current intensity, An adaptation of the communication technology of the communication system, a change to at least one tool in a magazine, a change to at least one consumable, A change to at least one wear part A modification of at least one machine element, such as a bearing.

13. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one modification measure comprises an automatic configuration of a selected resource (20) and in particular component (20) for integration into and / or use with the industrial plant(s), preferably a configuration of an electrical and / or mechanical tool (24), preferably a drill and / or milling head and / or a gauge, in particular a ball gauge.

14. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planning (104) of the at least one redesign measure comprises: determining at least one primary redesign measure which enables the maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization and / or efficiency improvement of the industrial plant (1), and which specifies a primary redesign of the industrial plant (1) for efficiency improvement, - Analyzing the provided installation specification and / or usage specification and / or application specification and / or availability specification with regard to an impact of the primary redesign measure on the structure of the industrial plant (1) and / or on a connection of the components (20) and / or on a control of the industrial plant (1), Determining, based on the analysis, at least one secondary redesign measure which specifies at least one secondary redesign of the industrial plant (1) resulting from the primary redesign in order to prepare and / or adapt the industrial plant (1) for the primary redesign measure.

15. Method (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the planning (104) of the at least one redesign measure comprises: determining at least one higher-level optimization measure which provides a target specification for the at least one primary redesign measure, wherein the primary redesign measure is determined depending on and as a consequence of the at least one higher-level optimization measure and the target specification, and the secondary redesign measure is determined depending on and as a consequence of the at least one primary redesign measure.

16. Method (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the primary redesign measure defines a first structural change of the industrial plant (1), and the secondary redesign measure also defines at least one further structural change of the industrial plant (1) that results solely as a consequence of the first structural change in order to maintain and / or improve the plant functionality of the industrial plant (1) and / or the fulfillment of requirements for the industrial plant (1).

17. Computer program (50) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed by at least one computer (10), cause it to execute the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

18. Device (10) for data processing, which is configured to carry out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

9. System for the automated reconfiguration of an industrial plant (1), in which components (20) of the industrial plant (1) are interconnected to provide plant functionality, comprising: a first provisioning component for providing (101) an installation specification which specifies at least one configuration of the industrial plant (1), a second provisioning component for providing (102) a usage and / or application specification which documents a historical use of the industrial plant (1) and the components (20) and / or resources of the industrial plant (1), and / or which specifies a future application of the industrial plant (1), a third provisioning component for providing (103) an availability specification which indicates an availability of resources (20) and / or at least one of the components (20),a planning component for planning (104) at least one redesign measure, based on an analysis of the provided installation specification and the usage and / or application specification and the availability specification with regard to maintenance and / or expansion and / or optimization of the industrial plant (1), in particular taking into account the available resources and / or components (20) compared to the historical use of the resources and / or components and / or the future application, an initiation component for initiating (105) the at least one redesign measure.

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