Users are increasingly relying on machine builders to provide the functionality needed to integrate machines with overall production processes and the enterprise. Research into the OEM machinery market identified four key areas where focus on an open interoperability framework can provide this functionality. These areas include machine optimisation – which includes key application areas related to safety, energy and motion – as well as connectivity; information exchange; and device definition and configuration.
As its first action in its Machinery Initiative, ODVA has formed a task force to identify key milestones to ensure the appropriate input is received from machine builders on the process. The initiative will encompass technical work by the organisation, as well as workshops with its alliance partners to identify initial areas of cross collaboration.