There are six design principles in Industry 4.0. These principles support companies in identifying and implementing Industry 4.0 scenarios.[1]
Interoperability: the ability of cyber-physical systems (i.e. workpiece carriers, assembly stations and products), humans and Smart Factories to connect and communicate with each other via the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services
Virtualization: a virtual copy of the Smart Factory which is created by linking sensor data (from monitoring physical processes) with virtual plant models and simulation models
Decentralization: the ability of cyber-physical systems within Smart Factories to make decisions on their own
Real-Time Capability: the capability to collect and analyse data and provide the derived insights immediately
Service Orientation: offering of services (of cyber-physical systems, humans or Smart Factories) viathe Internet of Services
Modularity: flexible adaptation of Smart Factories to changing requirements by replacing or expanding individual modules