Developed by the OPC Foundation, OPCUA is an information technology standard for sensor to cloud data exchange that features integrated security.
Integrating the Aventics Series Advanced Valve (AV) valve system with Advanced Electronic System (AES) Profinet and Ethernet/IP available with preinstalled OPCUA also helps users access data more easily while the integration of the digital twin is expected to improve efficiency.
A valve system with integrated OPCUA functionality is said to simplify communication with upper systems since data and analytics are received via the valve system and communicated to upper systems, no gateway necessary unless deeper analysis or local dashboards are required. This can result in costs savings for users since it’s more complex to receive analytics from a valve system without OPCUA.
OPCUA functionality also expands the connected capabilities of the valve system itself, making it easier for users in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, packaging, pulp and paper industries to digitally transform. When organisations undergo this change, key protocols such as OPCUA embedded in technologies enable device monitoring and machine connectivity when sending data from a valve system to an upper system. The AES provides access to data and analytics without changing the programmable logic controller (PLC).
Nils Beckmann, senior manager of product marketing, IIoT at Emerson, said: The Aventics Series AV System with OPCUA is a notable leap forward in the flexibility and integration of valve systems because it makes the transition to IIoT significantly simpler for engineers. With OPCUA, engineers don’t need to change a whole system or architecture to access valve data. They now have the flexibility to continue using their own cloud systems and software to gain easy access to data and analytics without disrupting or modifying the PLC.”