Open data communication

Open data communication in the metrology

As an open interface standard, OPC UA is a key prerequisite for the successful introduction of Industry 4.0 in production. OPC UA ensures the interoperability of machines and systems that can be linked and reconfigured as required via plug & work - regardless of platform and manufacturer.

To make this vision a reality, the VDMA is working with its member companies, including WENZEL, to develop industry-specific OPC UA Companion Specifications and thus create a global language for production.

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We put three questions on this topic to Prof. Dr. Heiko WENZEL (Chief Digital Officer).

‍Mr. Wenzel,what specific benefits do you expect for your customers by integrating OPC UA into your measurement solutions?

The aim is for the introduction of OPC UA to make our customers' day-to-day work significantly easier. Through the uniform language and standardized communication protocols, we want to enable our measurement solutions to interact easily with different machines and systems. This ensures more efficient data integration and makes it easier to diagnose faults and maintain systems, for example.

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What are the benefits of introducing OPC UA as a common standard for integrating measuring devices into the production line and real-time monitoring?

By using OPC UA as a common standard, for example, various measuring machines and systems can be seamlessly integrated into the production line. This enables automated monitoring, control and calibration of the measuring systems in real time.

This makes it possible to react quickly to any deviations or problems. For example, statistical analyses can be used to identify trends or patterns in the data and derive findings for the optimization of production processes.

Another advantage is that potential faults or malfunctions are detected at an early stage. Thanks to improved monitoring and diagnostics, maintenance work can be planned and carried out in a targeted manner, resulting in reduced system downtime.

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A key role in Industry 4.0 is played by metrology. You will be giving a presentation in which you discuss the topic - also with a view to open networking via OPC UA and the umati* interface. Why is this important?

My presentation "Digital twin in quality assurance: the integration of measurement and production technology" will focus on how the digitalization of measurement and production technology simplifies process monitoring and the analysis of product quality. Using practical examples, realistic expectations and current limits of trends such as PMI, Closed Loop, AI and, of course, OPC UA will be demonstrated. 

As a member of the OPC UA working group, WENZEL has been actively involved in the development of the specification. The presentation provides information on the latest standards and solutions that facilitate the integration of machines and devices and further promote interoperability in production.

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*umati (Universal Machine Technology Interface) is a community of the mechanical engineering industry and its customers for the promotion and dissemination of open, standardized interfaces based on OPC UA.

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