MPMaaS: Platform-based system for realizing manufacturing process monitoring in small and medium-sized enterprises

Industry 4.0 aims to enhance machine tool efficiency and reliability by leveraging real-time data acquisition and decision-making for operational health and process monitoring. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges when implementing process monitoring solutions due to limited financial resources, a shortage of skilled personnel, and manual operations. The paper proposes a platform-based system to realize Manufacturing Process Monitoring-as-a-Service (MPMaaS) by offering monitoring-related services to SMEs. The system proposes customizing on-demand monitoring solutions using the philosophy of platform-based manufacturing. A three-layer architecture is presented for effectively customizing and implementing scalable process-monitoring solutions. It systematically enables the selection and sharing of hardware, software, and human resources with technical expertise, allowing for real-time data collection and process monitoring without significant resource commitments. A preliminary pilot study is presented to demonstrate the roles and responsibilities of human experts as shared resources in deriving tool wear state and chatter onset monitoring solutions for legacy manual milling machines. The outcomes of the present work demonstrate the extended utility of platform-based systems in realizing effective monitoring of legacy machines.