Revisiting the Automation Pyramid for the Industry 4.0

The Industrial Automation Theory emerged during the Third Industrial Revolution to address the new dynamics of a manufacturing process that had changed from manual to automated and it is focused on the idea that technology can be leveraged to improve manufacturing processes and enhance the competitiveness of businesses. It is usually illustrated by a pyramid, displaying technologies and its roles hierarchically and evidencing how should an automated process be structured based on that framework. However, in the second decade of the 21st Century a new industrial revolution started to thrive, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the classical Industrial Automation Theory no longer reflects its particularities. To better reflect the requirements of Industry 4.0, a revised model has been developed that incorporates its core tenets and emphasizes connectivity. This model recognizes various types of information flows, from strategic decision-making to tactical command, and identifies the most appropriate level for digitalizing manufacturing resources.