Exploring IIoT reference architectures and how to use them
The reference architecture can be considered a framework of processes, methods, and tools that aid application building. It provides an abstract starting point based on which specific systems, solutions, and applications evolve. In this section, we would like to present two of the most prominent reference architecture patterns: the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA) from the IIOT consortium and RAMI 4.0.
The IIRA
The IIRA is an architecture framework that encompasses the information, identifies the fundamental architecture constructs, and specifies concerns, stakeholders, viewpoints, models, rules, and conditions of applicability. Viewpoints can be defined as conventions framing one or more concerns. Concerns are any topic of interest about the system while stakeholders are persons or organizations with an interest in or concern for the viewpoint and the system. Figure 9.2 shows the three-dimensional...
