OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and The Industrial Interoperability Standard

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

[OPC Foundation] provides the Industrial Interoperability Standard (OPC UA) that enables easy and secure data exchange across diverse platforms from multiple vendors and seamless integration without costly, time-consuming software development.

Target Customer

Industrial automation professionals, engineers, system integrators, and organizations seeking interoperable data standards for cross-vendor integration in manufacturing, healthcare/life sciences, automotive, and related sectors.

Key Differentiator

A standards-based ecosystem centered on OPC UA with a broad, active ecosystem of more than 5,200 suppliers and over 42,000 OPC products used in more than 52 million applications, plus a certified product and interoperability framework supported by global collaboration (e.g., with Catena-X, International Data Spaces, ODVA/PI/VDMA partnerships).

Implementation Timeline

Not specified in the provided content

Pain Points

1Incompatible data exchange across diverse platforms and vendors
2High costs and effort required for custom integration and software development
3Need for secure, standardized interoperability and verified implementations

Key Features

1OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and UA Companion Specifications
2Certification overview, policies, and procedures
3Test tools and interoperability workshops
4OPC Marketplace with Certified Products
5Access to specifications and developer resources (via account)

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1President and Executive Director
2Director North America
3Technical Director
4Director Field Level Communications
5Head of OPC Hub Korea
6Head of OPC Hub India
7Head of OPC Hub France

Client Results

1Billions of dollars in engineering resource savings due to standardized interoperability and reduced custom integration
2OPC UA-based data exchange used across tens of millions of applications
3Extensive ecosystem of certified products enabling reliable interoperability

Competitive Advantages

1Cross-vendor interoperability via a single, standardized framework (OPC UA)
2Certified products and formal certification processes to ensure compatibility
3Large and active ecosystem with extensive industry collaboration and partnerships
4Access to specifications, tools, and resources through member accounts

Key Benefits

1Cross-vendor data interoperability

2Reduced engineering and integration effort

3Certified, compatible products and resources

4Access to comprehensive specifications and developer resources

Case Studies & Success Stories

Breakthrough in Smarter Labs: Spectaris LADS Shows OPC UA Integration with Allotrope Standards

Case #1

Spectaris, Allotrope Foundation and the OPC Foundation announced a milestone toward semantic interoperability and structured data standards in laboratory environments, enabling interoperable communications and data in analytical labs.

Catena-X Automotive Network and OPC Foundation Collaboration

Case #2

Strategic collaboration to accelerate standardized, cross-company data sharing across manufacturing to comply with regional regulations like the EU Digital Product Passport, aligning OPC UA standardization with cross-industry data interoperability.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

OPC UA is the cornerstone of the OPC Foundation’s standards for industrial interoperability, enabling secure, cross-vendor data exchange and seamless integration across diverse platforms. The ecosystem includes UA specifications, companion specifications, a certification program, test tools, a marketplace of certified products, and ongoing interoperability workshops.

Target Market

Industrial and manufacturing sectors requiring interoperable, secure data exchange across multiple vendors; organizations in healthcare, automotive, life sciences, and related industrial automation domains seeking standardized solutions.

Unique Value Proposition

A globally collaborated, standards-based interoperability framework (OPC UA) with an extensive ecosystem of certified products and active industry partnerships, reducing integration effort and enabling secure cross-vendor data exchange.

Technical Requirements

Access to OPC specifications requires registration; some downloads and developer resources are available to registered users; membership provides access to specifications, developer resources, and certification programs.

Pricing Model

Not specified in the provided content; there is a membership option referenced (Become a Member) but no pricing details included.

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