Synthesis of a mechatronic reference model for engineering processes of production systems

Despite the description of development projects by engineering models and methods the growing complexity of mechatronic engineering processes has not been sufficiently addressed within the research community. Currently a holistic and integrative mechatronic approach is still missing. The paper describes shortcomings of current macroscopic engineering and maturity models. As a consequence mechatronic engineering methods are outlined and synthesized into a holistic macroscopic engineering model the Mechatronic Reference Model (MRM). The model considers the mechatronic engineering process starting from the requirements engineering up to the final acceptance test of the production system. It outlines a three-layer-concept: The top layer consists of process areas along the mechatronic engineering process. The second layer stripes down and details each process area into several activity groups whilst the third layer deduces planning steps per activity group. Finally the MRM represents the basis for further research activities especially in terms of the integration of agile engineering models used for software development and the evaluation of mechatronic integration in engineering tools.