Interoperability - vdma.eu
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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The digital transformation in mechanical and plant engineering continues to gather pace and is being driven to a large extent by customer requirements.
In an interview with the VDMA, Arnaud Joubel from Pellenc ST talks about interoperability, Industry 4.0 and how far the recycling industry has already come in this context.
The digital transformation in mechanical and plant engineering is progressing - and with it, the need for consistent, standardized communication between machines, components and IT systems is growing.
Interoperability as a prerequisite for Industry 4.0: In the industrial production of the future, data is not just a by-product, but a central production factor.
From calipers to multidimensional coordinate measuring machines: The Companion Specification (CS) for Geometric Measurement Systems (GMS) aims to provide a standardized OPC UA interface for measurement systems in industrial environments.
The umati stand at the SPS - Smart Production Solutions trade fair (Hall 5, Stand 238) will be a showcase for the future of industrial networking.
In the past, a lot of effort had to be made to enable machines to talk to each other. Today, one standard language is enough: OPC UA. Lenze has integrated it into control systems, visualizations and engineering tools.
In 2025, the VDMA and the ZVEI are once again organizing the "Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI" forum at SPS - with exciting presentations and lively panel discussions.
Visit the umati stand at the SPS trade fair from November 25 to November 27, 2025 in Nuremberg. You will find us in hall 5, booth 5-238.
In an interview with VDMA, Prof. Dr. Néstor Fabián Ayala explains how trust in data spaces can be promoted through clear framework conditions for secure data exchange and praises the cooperation with international institutions.
KHVVG changes hospital financing: Service groups control investments. Opportunities for automation in pharmacies, laboratories, logistics, and operating rooms. Providers should align solutions with LG requirements and provide evidence of KPIs.
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.
At BV Flachglas, leading companies presented the advantages of OPC UA, CS 40301, and VDMA Standard Sheet 24124 in a webinar: uniform interfaces for greater efficiency, safety, and future-proofing in glass production.
On this page you will find all publications about OPC UA and interoperability for download.
How do cross-manufacturer OPC UA information models create real added value for the digital transformation? Visit the Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI in Hall 3 on Thursday, November 27, from 11:25 to 12:10.
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.
The Weihenstephan Standards (WS) define a communication interface for the standardized transmission of machine and process data to higher-level IT systems. The WS can be implemented quickly and easily in all machines in the food and beverage industry.
OPC UA for Weihenstephan Standards
Industrial robots are the central components of digital and networked production.
OPC UA for Tightening Systems – Part 1: General
OPC UA for Joining Systems – Part 1: Base
The VDMA accompanies and supports its members on the way to Industrie 4.0. Here you will find an overview of the current publications on the topic.
OPC UA for HPDC Devices - High Pressure Die Casting Devices – Part 1: Machine Identification, Machine Status, Alarms and Warnings
OPC UA for Machinery – Part 4: Energy Management
OPC UA for Wireless Machine Tool Peripheralsiption
OPC UA for Machinery – Part 1: Basic Building Blocks
OPC UA for Surface Technology – Shot Blasting Machinery
OPC UA for Surface Technology - General Types
OPC UA interfaces for plastics and rubber machinery – Peripheral devices – Part 6: Granulate Drying Devices
Interoperability between machines and systems is a decisive factor for the creation of industrial data spaces and digital business models, but also for the implementation of legal requirements such as the EU Data Act.
OPC UA for Woodworking Machines – Part 1: Vertical Interface
OPC UA for Robotics – Part 1 : Vertical Integration
The new guide "Industrie 4.0 Interoperability through OPC UA with Companion Specifications - Added Value for Stakeholders in the Machinery and Plant Engineering Sector" is available for download.
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
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 101: Result Transfer
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.
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
Events & Trade fairs
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.
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