This concept for a platform for digital tracking of process data is based on the use of Asset Administration Shells. You gain access for reading and writing via a generated link that can be read as a QR code from machines or measurement devices. This allows the data to be retrieved and stored in a clearly identifiable manner. The platform architecture was implemented for the use case of laser welding: The monitoring data of a welding process can be stored in the Fraunhofer Edge Cloud by using MQTT and can be accessed with the Asset Administration Shell.

After evaluating the performance of the Asset Administration Shells for data storage purposes, it is clearly possible to further investigate and reuse the developed architecture. The investigated use case regarding the welding process in the battery production is provided as a template for external licensing or internal transfer to other applications.