This study explores the idea of including the core element of contextual awareness in a communication architecture for Smart Manufacturing. This highlighted characteristic is seen as a core element due to the number of relations of other core elements within the architecture, as well as availing itself to natural advantages in Industry 4.0. The exchange of contextual awareness between Smart Manufacturing Units is used to establish the input/output requirements of the core trait within the architecture whilst allowing for technology inclusions on the machines themselves. This contextual information is then shown to have the advantage of realising other Smart Manufacturing Unit characteristics whilst aiding in the improvement of production monitoring and efficiency.