Life-cycle-management in automation-models and strategies

The time in use of automation and control systems is typically much longer than technology development cycles. This is especially true with respect to the ongoing integration of IT technologies. In order to ensure the usage of automation systems during their planned time in use, the evolution of such systems need to be considered. This demands for generic models for handling life-cycle related information, and for suitable strategies to manage the life cycles of automation systems and their components. The paper discusses requirements from different industries, presents models for life cycle information and for managing compatibility throughout long periods. Finally, different strategies for life-cycle-management are described and a short outlook to standardization of the models is given.