Towards an Engineering Workflow Management System for Asset Administration Shells using BPMN

Abstract

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into engineering workflows is an essential step toward automating and optimizing plant and process engineering processes. The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) serves as a key enabler for creating interoperable Digital Twins that facilitate engineering data exchange and automation. This paper explores the use of AAS within engineering workflows, particularly in combination with Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to define structured and automated processes. We propose a distributed AAS copy-on-write infrastructure that enhances security and scalability while enabling seamless cross organizational collaboration. We also introduce a workflow management prototype automating AAS operations and engineering workflows, improving efficiency and traceability.