Klötzer, ChristophChristophKlötzerPflaum, AlexanderAlexanderPflaum0000-0001-7428-9247Jæger, Bjørn2019-09-192016-04-192015978-82-7962-207-9https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/40321Purpose - The emerging technology of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) promises new problem solutions in manufacturing, logistics and SCM. In order to enable a structured scientific discussion, a general definition of such systems is needed. Design/methodology/approach - To deliver such a definition, scientific articles on the relatively young research field of CPS have been identified and analyzed. Methods like literature review and matrix analysis have been applied during research work. Findings - On an abstract level, seven basic functions of CPS have been identified. Besides these functions, several phenomenological characteristics emerged as well. Combining the functional and the phenomenological view, a generally applicable definition has been constructed. Some first application examples from logistics, manufacturing and general Supply Chain Management illustrate the definition. Research limitations/implications - The paper aggregates findings from different research streams. They are application and technology agnostic. It would, in a next step, thus be necessary to identify the specific technologies behind those functions, to describe the state of the art from an application perspective, and to develop a framework for future research. Practical implications - Considering the great potential of CPS within an operational context, this paper aggregates definitional aspects from a consistent scientific perspective. The processing of the literature on hand addresses a tangible demand for economic practice, which seems to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of different terms and definitions. Original/value - The presented study provides strong insights into the emerging subject of CPS gearing towards a prospective research-focus on operational aspects.engCyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Internet-of-Things (IoT), Supply Chain Management, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Literature Reviewconferenceobjecthttp://www.himolde.no/english/conferences/nofoma-2015/Sider/index.aspxhttp://brage.bibsys.no/xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/2359479/1/NOFOMA%202015%20PCP.pdf