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10 Key Factors for Tech and Business Teams to Consider during OPC UA Technology Implementation

When integrating OPC UA technology, both the technology and business teams must address several important factors. First and foremost, security is an essential factor to consider. OPC UA contains security features such as encryption and authentication, but it is essential to examine how these will be implemented and managed within the company. The OPC UA implementation must adhere to industry security standards.

Interoperability is a further significant factor to consider. OPC UA is designed to be platform-agnostic and compatible with a vast array of industrial devices and systems. To guarantee smooth functioning, evaluating how existing systems will connect with OPC UA is vital.

Scalability is another important consideration, and OPC UA can manage vast volumes of data and connect numerous devices and systems. Consider how the organization’s needs may alter in the future and whether OPC UA can handle those changes. Consideration should also be given to data modeling, data management, and interaction with IT systems and cloud-based applications.

Additionally, pricing is a consideration. Implementing and maintaining OPC UA is complex, and it is essential to examine whether the benefits of deploying and maintaining OPC UA within the organization exceed the costs.

List of 10 Key Factors for Tech and Business Teams to Consider when Adopting OPC UA:

  • Security: Although OPC UA contains built-in security capabilities like encryption and authentication, it is essential to evaluate how these will be applied and managed within the company. It is essential that the OPC UA implementation adheres to industry security standards.
  • OPC UA is designed to be platform-independent and compatible with a vast array of industrial devices and systems. To guarantee smooth functioning, evaluating how existing systems will connect with OPC UA is vital.
  • Scalability: OPC UA can manage massive data volumes and connect numerous devices and systems. Consider how the organization’s needs may alter in the future and whether OPC UA can handle those changes.
  • Data Modeling: OPC UA employs a semantic data model to define the shared data. It is essential to comprehend how this data model will be utilized throughout the firm.
  • OPC UA contains capabilities for maintaining and processing data, such as data customization and access. Consideration must be given to how this feature will be utilized inside the company.
  • OPC UA is intended to be integrated with IT systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) (MES). Consider how OPC UA will be connected with these systems and what data will be shared.
  • OPC UA can be connected with cloud-based services; nevertheless, it is vital to examine how cloud data will be kept and maintained.
  • Compliance with international standards: Because OPC UA is based on several international standards, it is essential to determine which standards apply to the company and how they will be implemented.
  • Multiple vendors provide support for OPC UA. Consider the amount of assistance vendors offer and how this support will be utilized within the organization.
  • OPC UA can be expensive to implement and maintain. It is essential to examine whether the benefits of deploying and maintaining OPC UA within the organization exceed the costs.

When using OPC UA, technical and business teams must consider the following elements to enable a seamless installation and successful integration with current systems. In addition, the company must thoroughly understand the benefits and limits of OPC UA before deciding whether to employ the technology.

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