Transforming Manufacturing through IoT Architecture: A Literature Review and Strategic Roadmap

Abstract

The emergence of Industry 4.0 has revolutionized the global manufacturing landscape by integrating advanced digital technologies into traditional production environments. Central to this transformation is the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables real-time connectivity, automation, and data-driven decision-making through a network of intelligent, interconnected devices. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on the role of IoT architecture in smart manufacturing systems, emphasizing its five-layered structure—perception, network, middleware, application, and business layers. The review identifies key functions, architectural models such as RAMI 4.0 and IIRA, and recent technological advancements including edge computing, AI integration, and blockchain applications.

Despite rapid progress, the study reveals critical research gaps in interoperability, cross-layer security, large-scale implementation, and sustainability. It highlights the need for standardized, scalable, and intelligent frameworks capable of addressing diverse industrial requirements. Furthermore, the paper outlines future research directions, including the development of modular architectures, AI-enhanced decision layers, energy-efficient design, and robust performance evaluation metrics. This work contributes a foundational understanding of IoT architecture in smart manufacturing and proposes strategic insights for advancing industrial innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world industrial validation.