Essentially a ‘flattening’ of the traditional CMM globe, this model can be used to help visualize the impact of the dynamic requirements of Digital Manufacturing and Operations Management on the organization.  For example, when creating a new product, the design, manufacturing process, controls and equipment, and quality and data tracking must all be created and validated, and all three of the key domains must work together in order to quickly and efficiently introduce the new product into the marketplace. 

 
Of course, the application of the model will vary by industry.  In the process industries, for example, the role of manufacturing engineering is not as great when it comes to introducing new products.  The CPS model is not intended to suggest that a system from one vendor, covering the three key domains, is the optimum solution for manufacturers.  It does suggest that collaboration among the three domains is increasingly important, and may lead to performance gains and competitive advantage.