CMfg integrates enterprise information technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtualization, and service-oriented technologies
Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a modern manufacturing paradigm that evolved from advanced models like ASP, AM, NM, and MGrid. It integrates enterprise information technologies, supported by cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtualization, and service-oriented technologies. CMfg transforms traditional manufacturing resources and capabilities into cloud-based services, enabling intelligent, unified management and operation. This approach ensures full sharing and circulation of manufacturing resources, making them easily accessible and usable on-demand.
In cloud manufacturing, manufacturing services cover the entire lifecycle of a product, including design, simulation, production, testing, and maintenance. CMfg provides safe, reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective manufacturing services that are available on demand. This capability allows businesses to access resources and expertise they might not have in-house, improving flexibility and reducing costs.
The concept of cloud manufacturing was first introduced by Prof. Bo Hu Li and Prof. Lin Zhang in China in 2009. Their research laid the foundation for the development of CMfg. Since then, researchers have explored similar concepts, such as Cloud-Based Design and Manufacturing (CBDM), which builds on the principles of cloud manufacturing.
Cloud manufacturing operates as a parallel, networked, and distributed system. It consists of an integrated and inter-connected virtualized service pool known as the manufacturing cloud. This cloud includes manufacturing resources and capabilities, along with intelligent management tools for on-demand service use. CMfg provides solutions for a wide range of users involved in different stages of the manufacturing process.
By leveraging cloud technologies, CMfg enables companies to scale operations, access specialised resources, and optimise production without heavy upfront investments in infrastructure. This modern approach offers a competitive advantage by streamlining processes and reducing time-to-market, ensuring businesses stay agile in an increasingly digital world.