V-model based development of cyber-physical systems and cyber-physical production systems

Challenges of the development of mechatronic systems and corresponding production systems have increased steadily. Changes are primarily due to increased product complexity and the connection to the internet of things and services, enabling Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS). Major innovations of the revised VDI guideline 2206 for developing mechatronic systems are systems thinking as a core element and six checkpoints for structuring deliverables along the V-Model. These checkpoints serve for orientation in result progress and thus enable a structured and complete development process. However, tasks and checkpoints of the new guideline focus on the product development itself without integrating the development of related CPPS, enabling optimization simultaneously to system development. Implications are derived by a three-step analysis. The paper at hand contributes fundamental extensions of the checkpoint questions regarding integrated CPPS development. These questions provide methodical support for system developers of CPPS for CPS by enabling the project manager to check the status, schedule further development steps and evaluate the maturity of the whole, integrated development.