Convergent, end-to-end, secured networks are needed to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s industry. Networks that are flexibly scalable, dynamically adaptable, and able to accommodate large numbers of users with extremely fast response times. OPC UA is key component for to achieving these goals.
The open, platform-neutral, and flexibly scalable communication standard OPC UA features a unique information model. With its semantic capabilities, OPC UA supports more than just data transmission. Proven mechanisms like authentication, authorization, and encryption guarantee security. In addition, safety-related mechanisms are being prepared to permit uniform, safety communication with OPC UA. Moreover, OPC UA can run on the existing PROFINET infrastructure without compromising performance. For real-time communication at the field level, Siemens combines OPC UA with PROFINET in a common Industrial Ethernet network. And relies on OPC UA as the interface from the control level to higher-level SCADA, MES, and ERP systems all the way to the cloud.
