Interoperability - vdma.org
Interoperability
The networked future of mechanical and plant engineering
Interoperability is a key pillar of efficient digital transformation and the long-term positioning of every company in the global market, as information can only be shared and utilised easily, securely and at scale through interoperably designed value chains and data ecosystems.
It is particularly important to understand the topic holistically and to identify and implement the right strategy and technologies for the respective company. The VDMA is the central point of contact and is involved in numerous interoperability solutions, such as the development of OPC UA Companion Specifications for the interoperable, standardised transfer of production data.
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Description
In an interview with the VDMA, Ricardo Aloysio e Silva reports on the state of digitalization and interoperability in Brazil
The digitalization of industry is facing a fundamental problem: while marketing brochures often talk about greenfield projects, a lot of all digitalization projects are actually brownfield modernizations of existing systems.
In today's industry, interoperability is a decisive factor that promotes efficiency, cost savings and competitiveness.
With the publication of the new OPC UA Companion Specification "OPC 40092-1", the VDMA has set an important milestone for the digitalization of the PUR foam industry.
The VDMA and Spanish company TRIMEK have been honored with the BAIDATA Excellence Award 2025 in the category "Excellence in the Deployment of Innovative Pilots and Use Cases."
In an interview with the VDMA, Mauricio Finotti from ABINC talks about the future.
Are you ready to shape the future of industrial data and digital transformation?
The Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH (BGE) is using a mobile demonstrator on a model scale to bring the advantages and functionality of OPC UA as a framework for industrial interoperability closer to its own operating personnel.
With the description of abstract types for components, systems and controllers, the Companion Specification OPC 40700 defines the basis of the OPC UA information models in the surface technology areas.
The 3. Interoperability Summit, sponsored by ECLASS, GS1 Germany, Prostep ivip, and VDMA Machine Information Interoperability, will take place on May, 7, 2026 at the Telekom Conference Center in Bonn.
The development of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is progressing rapidly, but the regulatory requirements and practical implementation are still unclear, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
Industrial production is under increasing competitive pressure. In this environment, interoperability - i.e. the ability of different systems to work together smoothly - is becoming a decisive success factor.
From May 28 to 31, 2025, the manufacturing world will gather in Istanbul for WIN EURASIA, one of the leading industrial trade fairs in the Eurasian region.
The production of modern batteries requires complex production lines and therefore presents companies with considerable challenges in production.
At the bauma trade fair in Munich, a groundbreaking demonstrator unveiled the future of mining operations through the integration of the OPC UA Companion Specifications: The OPC 40560 series provides standardized OPC UA information models for mining.
How can digital technologies and interoperability make mining more efficient and sustainable?
In this interview, Rene Hirschmugl reveals the importance of interoperability in the industry and why he sees OPC UA Companion Specifications as a great opportunity.
A consortium of organizations has published a groundbreaking specification for interoperable and efficient energy management in industrial automation and process automation.
The glass industry is undergoing a transformation: Digital connectivity, automation, and data-driven process optimization are no longer future concepts but key factors for competitiveness and efficiency.
This year, the VDMA Technical Working Group (AKT) once again demonstrated how crucial the exchange of ideas within the agricultural machinery industry is.
VDMA and T-Systems, together with the umati initiative, are presenting the first global Manufacturing-X solution with open standards for machine data at this year's Hannover Messe.
The VDMA Mining & Minerals OPC UA demonstrator at bauma 2025 - a fascinating example of how modern communication technologies can shape the future of mining.
The VDMA coordinates the activities of around 40 working groups that define a common, cross-industry language between machines and systems in the form of "OPC UA Companion Specifications". Here is an overview.
OPC UA for Geometric Measurement Systems
FOPC UA for Mining — General
The Industrial Automation Show (IAS) in Shanghai is one of the most important trade fairs for industrial automation in Asia.
The EU Data Act regulates data traffic between companies with far-reaching consequences. With the new Quick Guide, the VDMA focuses on technical requirements using the example of the OPC UA standard with Companion Specifications.
OPC UA interfaces for plastics and rubber machinery – Flexible PUR Foam – Part 1: Cutting Machines
OPC UA interfaces for plastics and rubber machinery – Peripheral devices – Part 6: Granulate Drying Devices
The new newsletter will inform interested parties about the latest results and information on OPC UA from the VDMA community from January 2022.
At automatica 2025, it was demonstrated how machines communicate in a common language via OPC UA. In Hall B5, visitors could experience the latest live demonstrations and practical examples of interoperability!
OPC UA for Machinery – Part 1: Basic Building Blocks
OPC UA for Woodworking Machines – Part 1: Vertical Interface
OPC UA for Surface Technology - General Types
OPC UA for Surface Technology – Shot Blasting Machinery
The Sector Group VDMA Productronics and VDMA Machine Information Interoperability announce the publication of the OPC UA Companion Specification for Wire Harness Manufacturing OPC 40570.
OPC UA for Machinery – Part 4: Energy Management
New release candidate OPC 40505 published. The Joint Working Group "OPC UA for Wireless Machine Tool Peripherals" has developed the OPC UA Companion Specification 40505 and submitted it to the OPC Foundation as a release candidate.
OPC UA for Robotics – Part 1 : Vertical Integration
OPC UA for HPDC Devices - High Pressure Die Casting Devices – Part 1: Machine Identification, Machine Status, Alarms and Warnings
OPC UA for Textile Testing Devices
In 2024, the VDMA and the ZVEI are once again organizing a forum for the SPS, the "Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI" with many interesting presentations and panel discussions.
Together for Unified, Global Standards – An Insight into the Structure and Working Methods of the New Working Group for Interface Standardization in Battery Cell Manufacturing.
OPC UA interfaces for plastics and rubber machinery – Peripheral devices – Part 3: LSR Dosing Systems
OPC UA for Wireless Machine Tool Peripheralsiption
Here you can find all information of the Robotics + Automation Association about OPC UA and our activities regarding Industry 4.0.
SMARTENANCE aims to harmonize data spaces across different sectors, modernize IoT platforms, demonstrate the performance of multilateral digital value chains and support data space participation.
OPC UA for wire harness manufacturing
Data Spaces enable secure data exchange and unlock untapped potential. Hannover Messe 2025 offers the ideal platform to present the current state of the industry.
OPC UA for Process Air Extraction and Filtration Systems (PAEFS)
OPC UA for Energy Consumption Management
OPC UA for Machinery – Part 101: Result Transfer
Consumer products usually consist of many individual parts assembled together to form a product. IAS ensure that products remain affordable and meet the high-quality demands of the customers, there is the AS. Automation in production is an important pillar of our economic success.
OPC UA for Additive Manufacturing
OPC UA for plasma surface treatment
Digitalization and automation in mining require a language for data exchange. Manufacturers, operators, universities and the OPC Foundation have formed a working group to develop this language.
On this page you will find all publications about OPC UA and interoperability for download.
DescriptionDemonstrator at the VDMA stand – Interoperability between planning systems and machines.
OPC UA interfaces for plastics and rubber machinery – Particle Foam Machines
Digitalization of machines requires standardized language for machine communication – and OPC UA is the perfect choice.
OPC UA for Cranes and Hoists – Part 1: Base Model Motion Devices System
OPC UA for Mining – External Standards – Part 1: IREDES
OPC UA for Weihenstephan Standards
The 12 parts of the VDMA Specification series 40084 "OPC UA Interfaces for Plastics and Rubber Machinery - Extrusion" have been revised and published with issue date 2022-08.
OPC UA for Tightening Systems - Part 1: Asset Management, Results and Basic Events
On 16 and 17 December, the VDW will ignite the next stage for umati - the universal machine technology interface. "This is about nothing less than proving that the open connection of machines through such standards succeeds. Participants will now be able to experience live and up close how data from different machines flow together," says Dr. Alexander Broos, umati project manager and head of research and technology at the VDW.
OPC UA for Machine Tools – Part 1: Machine Monitoring and Job Overview (Replaces VDMA 40501-1:2022-08)
OPC UA for Powertrain – Part 1: Asset Management
OPC UA for the Powertrain stands for a manufacturer-independent information model of the electric drive system. The OPC UA Companion Specification 40400-1 on asset management will be available from November 1, 2024.
OPC UA for Cutting Tools – Part 1: Manufacturing
OPC UA for Machine Tools – Part 1: Machine Monitoring and Job Management
When people talk about the future of production, they can't do so without using the term "smart factory." But what is it? How does a smart factory work? And what does it have to do with OPC UA?
Events & Trade fairs
OPC UA has established itself as the central technology for networked production, earning it the title of the "global language of production". As a manufacturer-independent communication standard, OPC UA enables the structured and secure provision of machine data, which is a decisive factor for interoperability, efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in industry. Given current regulatory requirements, such as the EU Data Act, which will become applicable on 12 September 2025, and the Digital Product Passport (DPP), OPC UA is becoming increasingly important. The standardized provision of data is essential for implementing legal requirements and digital business models. On 9 September 2025, VDMA Austria will hold its third OPC UA experience exchange for mechanical and plant engineering professionals at ENGEL AUSTRIA in Schwertberg. You are cordially invited to attend.
23 - 27 September, 2025 | International Trade Fair for Industrial Automation. The Industrial Automation Show (IAS) is a key exhibition within the China International Industry Fair. This year, IAS will showcase an even broader range of innovative products, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced solutions for the manufacturing industry - promising an impressive and inspiring experience for all attendees.
ITAP 2025 is the leading platform in the region dedicated to advancing the industrial sector through technology and collaboration. Taking place at Singapore EXPO, it will showcase innovative solutions for smart, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing under the theme “Powering the Future with Technology.” Organized by Constellar and Deutsche Messe, ITAP brings together regional and global players to address the current challenges facing the industry.
Be part of the Hannover Messe for Mexico and North America, the most influential event for Industrie 4.0 Boost your sales, build solid business and take the lead in the future of the industry.
The SPS is far more than just a trade fair - it’s the leading industry highlight for smart and digital automation. It’s where vision meets execution. From sensors to fully integrated solutions: experience the entire spectrum - live, hands-on, and ready for the next level. If you want to see automation at its best, this is the place to be. Because the SPS showcases what’s possible today and what will make the difference tomorrow.
The seamless exchange of data across manufacturers, technologies, and industries is the foundation for innovation, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. Take the opportunity to present your latest findings. Submit your contribution by 30 September 2025.
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