Asset Administration Shell: Type Shells vs. Instance Shells
Digital transformation is driving Industry 4.0 forward, and the Asset Administration Shell plays a central role in this. But what is the difference between Type Shells vs. Instance Shells?
Industry 4.0 is a comprehensive concept that refers to the digitalization and networking of industrial processes. But what exactly is behind it? Before we look at the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), the following articles provide a basic introduction to the topic:
- Overview of the Administration Shell
- Historical background on Industry 4.0
- Objectives, current status and future trends of Industry 4.0
- IoT and M2M
What Is The Asset Administration Shell (AAS)?
The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) is the digital image of a physical asset and enables standardized management and interoperability in Industry 4.0. It forms the interface between the physical and digital worlds and facilitates data exchange between machines, systems and companies.
This article deals with the distinction between Type and Instance Shells. See a more detailed explanation of the Asset Administration Shell and its functions.
Type Shells vs. Instance Shells - What's the Difference?
The Administration Shell can be divided into two different types:
| Feature | Type Shell | Instance Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Generic description for a class of assets | Individual digital representation of a specific asset |
| Purpose | Serves as a template/reference for all copies of an asset type | Contains individual data of a specific asset |
| Data type | Master data (e.g. design data, technical specifications) | Dynamic data (e.g., serial number, real-time values, maintenance history) |
| Typical content | Technical data sheets, functional descriptions, normative documents | Specific configuration data, status data, identification numbers |
| Area of application | At the operator of the asset, field service, supply chain tracking | Provided by the manufacturer, commissioning, regulation |
Interaction of the two Shells
The Type Shell serves as the basis, while the Instance Shell supplements individual information. Together, they form a complete digital twin of an asset - from development to operation.
The Type Shell contains general and standardized information on a class of assets, such as design data, technical specifications or standardized documents. This shell is often used by manufacturers or system providers to provide a consistent database for all instances of a specific asset type. In contrast, the Instance Shell contains specific, dynamic data of an individual asset, including serial numbers, real-time values or maintenance history.
CADENAS mainly uses the Type Shell, as the company specializes in providing standardized, digital catalogs for component manufacturers. By using the Type Shell, CADENAS enables efficient management and integration of product data into industrial processes, providing companies with a reliable basis for digital twins and Industry 4.0 applications.
Use Cases and Advantages of Type Shells vs. Instance Shells
When is a Type Shell useful?
A Type Shell is useful when standardizing information and efficiently managing many similar assets. Instead of recording master data multiple times, a Type Shell is created once and used for all copies. This facilitates device integration and data exchange, as manufacturers can provide Type Shells that customers can adopt directly.
When is an Instance Shell useful?
When managing digital assets - for example, in production and maintenance - an Instance Shell is useful. It enables condition-based maintenance, lifecycle management and traceability. Customer-specific adaptations can also be recorded digitally.
Can the two Shells be combined?
Type and Instance Shells are often combined: Manufacturers define the Type Shell while operators create an Instance Shell based on it. This keeps basic data consistent, reduces maintenance efforts and creates a complete product image.
The Challenges
Technical implementation
The introduction of the Administration Shell requires the integration of various systems such as CAD, PLM, ERP and IoT platforms. Having high-quality data and staying up to date is essential to ensure reliable use. In addition, real-time requirements must be met and large volumes of data must be managed over the entire life cycle of an asset.
Interoperability and standardization
In order for the AAS from different manufacturers to work together, standards must be adhered to. This applies to both the data structure and the semantics, e.g., through standardized term libraries. For example, best practices from the Industrial Digital Twin Association help with implementation.
Recommendations for companies
- Gradual introduction: Start with small projects and gain experience.
- Define use cases: Determine clear use cases in order to define the required scope of data.
- Use standards: Use open source or commercial AAS tools to avoid isolated solutions.
- Clarify responsibilities: Establish processes for maintaining the Type and Instance Shells.
- Ensure security: Develop access control policies to protect sensitive data.
- Continuous optimization: Evaluate usage regularly and adapt the model.
Conclusion and Outlook
The Asset Administration Shell is a key technology for Industry 4.0. It creates transparency and enables innovations such as predictive maintenance or plug-and-play. Further standardization is expected in the future to facilitate global use. Automated synchronization, AI-supported analysis and cloud integration are possible developments.
Companies should start investing in AAS early to ensure they stay competitive. A step-by-step introduction with clearly defined projects and strong partners helps to capitalize on the full potential of the Administration Shell as a digital twin.
CADENAS GmbH actively supports companies in the implementation of AAS by providing standardized digital twins and facilitating integration into existing systems. With our expertise in intelligent CAD, PLM and ERP solutions, we help manufacturers and users to apply Administration Shells efficiently. In this way, we help to drive digital transformation and make Industry 4.0 achievable.
