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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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 United States is expanding its manufacturing capabilities by investing in a network of institutes, each specializing in a specific area, for example technology or workforce development.
At Hannover Messe (31 March to 4 April 2025), the umati initiative will once again be represented with its own stand in Hall 9, Stand F25.
Here you will find a detailed description of the VDA 5050 communication interface with a detailed example of communication between a master controller and a mobile robot.
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.
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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