Performing a literature review is a critical first step in research to understanding the state-of-the-art and identifying gaps and challenges in the field. A systematic literature review is a method which sets out a series of steps to methodically organize the review. In this paper, we present a guide designed for researchers and in particular early-stage researchers in the computer-science field. The contribution of the article is the following: • Clearly defined strategies to follow for a systematic literature review in computer science research, and • Algorithmic method to tackle a systematic literature review.

The new paradigm of the Industry 4.0 centers on the digitalization of assets to realize a new industrial revolution. Standardization and interoperability are key for the successful implementation of this digitalization strategy. Among the different standardization and interoperability initiatives, Asset Administration Shell (AAS) proposes a standardized electronic representation of industrial assets enabling Digital Twins and interoperability between automated industrial systems and Cyber Physical System (CPS). In this context, Mondragon Corporation has launched several initiatives to boost the digitalization of its industries. Although implementation of the AAS in real industrial scenarios is not widespread, Mondragon Corporation has identified this initiative as a key enabler for manufacturing companies within its group. This paper presents a case study on the application of the AAS in an industrial context. The AAS initiative is implemented through integrating a Machine Tooling ecosystem with a robotic arm. This implementation facilitates the discovery and integration of grinding machines with other components or machines in a production plant, validating the AAS in a manufacturing scenario.

Workflow management is implemented in manufacturing at many levels. The nature of processes varies at each level, hindering the use of a standard modeling or implementation solution. The creation of a flexible workflow management framework that overarches the heterogeneous business process levels is challenging. Still, one of the promises of the Industry 4.0 initiative is precisely this: to provide easy-to-use models and solutions that enable efficient execution of enterprise targets. By addressing this challenge, this article proposes a workflow execution model that integrates information and control flows of these levels while keeping their hierarchy. The overall model builds on the business process model and notation (BPMN) for modeling at the enterprise level and recipe modeling based on colored Petri net (CPN) at the production level. Models produced with both alternatives are implemented and executed in a framework supported by an enterprise service bus (ESB). Loosely coupled, late-bound system elements are connected through the Arrowhead framework, which is built upon the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) concept. To prove its feasibility, this article presents the practical application of the model via an automotive production scenario.

In order to tackle interoperability issues of large-scale automation systems, SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) principles, where information exchange is manifested by systems providing and consuming services, have already been introduced. However, the deployment, operation, and maintenance of an extensive SoS (System of Systems) mean enormous challenges for system integrators as well as network and service operators. The existing lifecycle management approaches do not cover all aspects of SoS management; therefore, an integrated solution is required. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new lifecycle approach, namely the SoSLM (System of Systems Lifecycle Management). This paper first provides an in-depth description and comparison of the most relevant process engineering methodologies and ITSM (Information Technology Service Management) frameworks, and how they affect various lifecycle management strategies. The paper’s novelty strives to introduce an Industry 4.0-compatible PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) model and to extend it to cover SoS management-related issues on well-known process engineering methodologies. The presented methodologies are adapted to the PLM model, thus creating the recommended SoSLM model. This is supported by demonstrations of how the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) applications and services can be developed and handled. Accordingly, complete implementation and integration are presented based on the proposed SoSLM model, using the Arrowhead framework that is available for IIoT SoS.

Cities in the 21st century play a major role in the sustainability and climate impact reduction challenges set by the European agenda. As the population of cities grows and their environmental impact becomes more evident, the European strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—the main cause of climate change. Measures to reduce the impact of climate change include reducing energy consumption, improving mobility, harnessing resources and renewable energies, integrating nature-based solutions and efficiently managing infrastructure. The monitoring and control of all this activity is essential for its proper functioning. In this context, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a key role in the digitisation, monitoring, and managing of these different verticals. Urban data platforms support cities on extracting Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in their efforts to make better decisions. Cities must be transformed by applying efficient urban planning measures and taking into account not only technological aspects, but also by applying a holistic vision in building solutions where citizens are at the centre. In addition, standardisation of platforms where applications are integrated as one is necessary. This requires interoperability between different verticals. This article presents the information platform developed for the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. The platform is based on the UNE 178104 standard to provide a holistic architecture that integrates information from the different urban planning measures implemented in the city. The platform was constructed in the context of the SmartEnCity project following the urban transformation strategy established by the city. The article presents the value-added solutions implemented in the platform. These solutions have been developed by applying co-creation techniques in which stakeholders have been involved throughout the process. The platform proposes a step forward towards standardization, harmonises the integration of data from multiple vertical, provides interoperability between services, and simplifies scalability and replicability due to its microservice architecture.