Agile requirement engineering maturity framework for industry 4.0

Abstract

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is changing business models and processes. I4.0 uses innovative trends such as Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Internet of things (IOT) to maximize economic benefits and return on investments. However, developing an I4.0 project may be costly, complex and risky for some companies. Therefore, careful requirements definition and mature Requirement Engineering (RE) processes are necessary. Undeveloped RE processes and poorly defined business requirements will often result in an inferior or a cancelled project. In addition, to ensure agility and allow for iterative changes in developing projects for I4.0, agile methodologies should be applied and prudently assessed. Unfortunately, most of existing assessment models are narrow focused and lack theoretical foundation and proper validation. This research proposes a comprehensive maturity framework called agile Requirement Engineering Maturity Model for Industry 4.0 (ARE-MMI4.0). The framework provides assessment of the minimum maturity levels to start a project for I4.0. The framework integrates an I4.0 maturity model with RE and agile maturity models to ensure the ultimate maturity assessment for the business processes.