Expertenthemenbeschreibung Interoperability

Interoperability

The networked future of mechanical and plant engineering

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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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Empfehlung Interoperabilität

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  • Quick Guide
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.

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From our articles

From our articles
Call for Papers launched

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.

VDMA launches DPP for Machinery initiative

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. A

Key to the future of mechanical and plant engineering

Industrial production is under increasing competitive pressure.

umati at the WIN EURASIA

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.

Interface standardization in battery production ensures sovereignty an

The production of modern batteries requires complex production lines and therefore presents companies with considerable challenges in production.

Pioneering the Future of mining

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.

Progress of Digitalization and Interoperability in Mining

How can digital technologies and interoperability make mining more efficient and sustainable?

Digital transformation: interoperability plays a central role

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.

Optimized energy savings thanks to innovative standards

A consortium of organizations has published a groundbreaking specification for interoperable and efficient energy management in industrial automation and process automation.

Are you shaping the future of container glass production with OPC UA?!

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.

AKT 2025 with a focus on autonomy and interoperability

This year, the VDMA Technical Working Group (AKT) once again demonstrated how crucial the exchange of ideas within the agricultural machinery industry is.

Data spaces become reality

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.

Interoperability live at bauma!

The VDMA Mining & Minerals OPC UA demonstrator at bauma 2025 - a fascinating example of how modern communication technologies can shape the future of mining.

Smart manufacturing: the path to the future

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.

Focus on interoperability: umati at Hannover Messe 2025

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.

How does VDA 5050 work in detail?

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.

Standardization | Industry 4.0

Ensure safety and interoperability

Technology and research

Imparting technical knowledge – Experts advise you individually

VDMA ART: OPC UA standard for optical sorters

With the aim of establishing an open standard for optical sorters, a kick-off meeting was held at VDMA Frankfurt on November 26, 2024.

Successful Road Show “Open Industry” in Brazil

Interoperability standards and federated data space structures play a crucial role in the context of digital transformation and Industry 4.0. The VDMA and its Brazilian partners organized a roadshow in Brazil on this topic.

Successful highlights and milestones in 2024

2024 was an eventful and successful year for the MII department. We achieved important milestones in various areas with and for our members.

Integration of real measurement data in simulations

Traditionally, simulations of transmission systems are based on idealized models that are based on nominal values.

5 ways in which you can use OPC UA in your production

The OPC UA standard has become an integral part of modern sheet metal production. The universal interface technology enables your machines to communicate securely and in a standardized way with connected IT systems.

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EU Data Act: explained simply!

Events & Trade fairs

Events & Trade fairs

Tue. 10.06.25 Tue. 10.06.25

  • OPC UA
  • Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence and Interoperability are two key technologies that are set to shape the future of digitalization and automation of the mechanical engineering industry. In this Connect2Discover@VDMA event, we would like to show the "connection" between these two topics and report on other VDMA services in this area.

Places available

Thu. 07.05.26 Thu. 07.05.26

  • Industrie 4.0
  • Digitalization & Industrie 4.0
  • Manufacturing-X
  • OPC UA Companion Specifications
  • OPC UA
  • Congresses, conferences, information days

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.

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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Documents & Downloads

More VDMA services

More VDMA services
Database OPC UA Companion Specifications
Companion Specifications are information models created specifically for OPC UA. You can find all Companion Specifications developed by VDMA working groups here.
Our Newsletter
Our regularly published newsletter covers the association's diverse activities in the areas of digitalization, Industry 4.0 and OPC UA.
OPC UA Working groups
The VDMA coordinates the activities of around 40 working groups that are defining a common, cross-industry language between machines and plants in the form of the "OPC UA Companion Specifications".
Q&A on the topic of OPC UA
Our Q&A list provides answers to frequently asked questions about the various subject areas related to the OPC UA interface standard.
Database VDMA-Specifications

More expert and focus topics

More expert and focus topics
Manufacturing-X
Industry 4.0 needs easily available, secure and consistent data networking. Manufacturing-X is designed to make this possible. The goal is to establish a data ecosystem that enables trustworthy data exchange between companies based on open standards and offers companies digital sovereignty.
OPC UA
As an open interface standard, OPC UA is a central prerequisite for the successful introduction of Industrie 4.0 in production. OPC UA ensures the interoperability of machines and systems, which can be linked and redesigned as required via Plug & Work - platform-independent and cross-manufacturer.
EU Data Act
The EU Data Act reorganises data traffic between companies. The aim of the European Commission is to promote the creation of data spaces in Europe and enable new digital business models. The consequences are far-reaching and represent both an opportunity and a risk.
Competitiveness for Europe and Germany
The VDMA is calling for good framework conditions for the mechanical engineering industry to ensure competitiveness. Technological sovereignty and European cooperation are crucial for innovation and independence.

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VDMA partners

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FVA Software & Service
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Labs Network Industrie 4.0

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