International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

The IEC-62541 (OPC UA) standard is an important part of the Industry 4.0 reference architecture and is recommended as the only possible communication standard. A particularly important issue that is being addressed is the issue of security. Cyber security is one of the most important challenges for achieving the objectives of the Industry 4.0 initiative and of the associated cyber-physical systems (CPS). The paper analyzes the vulnerability of cyber-attacks and the main threats that threaten the security of OPC UA-based CPS and defines proven and sustainable recommendations for increasing the security of these applications.

The strategic initiative Industry 4.0 implies integration of Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS), Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, leading to what is called “smart factory”. The lack of theoretical foundation and methodologies for development of CPPS creates barriers that may hamper the adoption, commercialization, and market success of the new CPPS applications. Standardization and digitalization are at the heart of the methodologies for developing intelligent cyber-physical production systems. OPC UA is the only recommended communication standard within the RAMI reference architecture. Here comes the main purpose of the paper to analyze OPC UA in respect to the information model creation and measures to ensure security of applications. An important place in the paper is devoted to the specification of standardized information models of other organizations, such as those of the ISA-95 (IEC-62264).

The Industry 4.0 initiative imposes new requirements on cyber-physical systems in terms of interoperability, response time, communication capabilities, and more. A major approach to addressing these requirements is through the development and use of standard reference frameworks, architectures and models as well as the widespread and joint application of open industry standards. The aim of the article is to analyze the use of standards under the Fourth Industrial Revolution as well as to present and analyze some of the most applied standards in the field of monitoring and control of cyber-physical systems, such as AutomationML, OPC-UA, IEC-61449, IEC-61512. The reference architecture RAMI 4.0 was used to establish relationships and interactions between them.

Industry 4.0 offers an unprecedented opportunity for transformational success, but companies must have plant floor software that is ready for that journey. The fact that Industry 4.0 is already predicted means companies can prepare themselves now. This paper helped companies understand what they need to drive manufacturing in an IIoT world and the new role of manufacturing operations in the enterprise. It also discussed what Smart Manufacturing means and why companies should start the journey now, actions executives should take to address the convergence of IT and automation, and key criteria for selecting a MOM partner to support next-generation business solutions.