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32 SMT007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2018 so-called IIoT solutions into the market with- out the depth to include definition of production environment. The basic requirement is for there to be a true IIoT-orientated MES platform that provides the mechanisms to digitally model prod - ucts, define processes and configurations, and shift patterns, work orders, tools, material flows, etc. The base infrastructure component of MES has never been sexy because it does not seem to create value for many, but it is invaluable in driving and enabling Industry 4.0 features. CFX does a great job by allowing commu- nication and sharing of all of these basic MES requirements through IIoT data exchange, but there needs to be a point of authority. The modern digital MES solution at the factory level is the most effective place from which Indus- try 4.0 functions are orchestrated. For in-house developers, the development of the infrastruc- ture would easily represent a five-year project, and for external customized solutions, a rather intimidating fixed-cost barrier for entry. Therefore, it is not expected that individ- ual manufacturers will develop the core MES software to create their own smart factories from scratch, even with CFX. The smart move is to utilize a CFX-driven digital MES plat- form specifically created for the IIoT-enabled factory. This will provide well in excess of 90% of the immediate smart factory needs. The remaining 10%, which traditionally has been fulfilled by customized development or the need to change the operation, can now be easily provided through extensions to the system based on CFX. Examples include the support for bespoke functional test machines, where the simple integration of the CFX SDK can make the machine a fully functional and operational part of the off-the-shelf MES. Other bespoke requirements, such as integra- tion with specialist processes or practices, can be supported through simple add-on applica- tions, as can irregular requirements coming from specific implementations of ERP. Where the extension of CFX may account for less than 10% of the whole installation, it removes more than 90% of the typical perceived pain of complete MES adoption in terms of cost and lead-time to both operation and value. The Smart Factory of the Future The recommended approach for a new smart factory of the future is very simple. The first choices to make include selecting stan- dard equipment that supports CFX and most satisfies the needs of production in terms of capability, flexibility, and monetary value. For existing factories that intend to become smart factories in the future, it is necessary to check and confirm with existing equipment suppli-