I have worked on OPC for two way communication between clients and servers in real time via LAN only. I have also worked to management in order to enable access to real time process data, enable events monitoring, control alarm and events, enable access to historical data, enable batch automation, increase system security, etc. I have also generate the biometric based security to the SCADA pages. Thanks for recommend a valuable source of OPC.

@Rajeev, it is gonna be easy for You to jump from OPC standard specifications to OPC UA!

Good luck!

Not enough feedback. So, let me suggest that "...the standardized, secure data exchange technologies offered by OPC UA will play a critical role in realizing CPS (Cyber Physical Systems)...".Maybe this will intrigue colleagues!

http://www.opcfoundation.org/opc_connect/Winter_2013/OPC_Connect_Winter_2013.html

The OPC (UA) Technology still lacks an easy to use,

very cheap (possibly free) software,

Rigorous requirements for this type of software

determine systematically staying behind development

of hardware and operating systems.

OPC and SCADA progresses slowly, being very conservative.

It may appears a shock by the emergence of other

technologies that either make both disappear,

either force them to "democratize".

In my opinion, IOT (Internet of Things) may be the "catalyst".

I am free to recommend a white paper on security issue regarding OPC vs OPC UA! It is issued by OPC Foundation recently!

OPC UA – Success Stories of 2014 follow!

http://www.opc-connect.com/tag/december-2014/

Whether you are a tool builder or an application developer – if your software needs to access control automation data, you will want to implement OPC connectivity to ensure your system can access data via the world’s most popular standards based, open connectivity standard. Question is: how to best do this? OPC UA Software Development Kit (SDK)!

http://www.matrikonopc.com/opc-ua/products/ua-client-software-development-kit-sdk.aspx?utm_campaign=Blast&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MatrikonOPC&utm_content=EN-EMEA-Marcom-UA-SDK-04-28-2015

At the Vienna University of Technology we developed and implemented OPC UA Servers for indusrial robots and for machine tools. Long term goal is service orchestration for a flexible manufacturing cell.

For implementation we also used a SDK from Unified Automation.

For further Information have a look at the attachments

Conference Paper Prototype OPC UA Server for Remote Control of Machine Tools

Conference Paper OPC UA for machine tending industrial robots - Prototypic de...

Thanks dear @Florian for valuable success stories of OPC UA!

@Flrian has fine publications related to this thread, I do recommend to visit his page, link is attached.

Beside, I do recommend Industry 4.0 - The Role of OPC UA in a Smart Factory! Download free, just join.Different Languages available. "This whitepaper explains the meaning behind the term Industry 4.0, outlines the operation mode of the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) and sheds light on how both are connected. Readers will also learn what challenges can be mastered with OPC to use the pioneering – but also complex – technology, which is part of Industry 4.0. "

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Florian_Pauker/contributions

https://www.matrikonopc.com/downloads/1310/whitepapers/index.aspx?utm_campaign=Blast&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MatrikonOPC&utm_content=EN-EMEA-Marcom-Industry4-Whitepaper1310-05-27-2015

Dear friends, these are the latest: "Matrikon has announced the major release of its popular OPC UA Proxy application. The OPC UA Proxy enables software applications based on classic OPC client connectivity to seamlessly communicate with next generation OPC UA based devices and applications. With a simplified user interface, improved workflow, and enhanced performance – the new Matrikon OPC UA Proxy is the easiest, most convenient way for people to combine their existing classic OPC infrastructures with the growing number of next generation OPC UA based products.

Key features include:

Streamlined setup workflow allows for connection in minutes;

Easy to use, the smart defaults require minimal user knowledge of OPC UA;

Eliminates traditional DCOM or firewall issues;

Operates on Windows system server..."

http://www.matrikonopc.com/opc-ua/products/ua-proxy.aspx?utm_campaign=Blast&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MatrikonOPC&utm_content=EN-EMEA-Marcom-UAProxy-05-20-2015

OPC Foundation announces Interoperability insights for the Internet of Things and Industrie 4.0 – from sensor to cloud - series of meetings!

http://links.pmmimediagroup.mkt4532.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MTIyMjQ2NjQS1&r=Nzg0Nzk2MTIxNgS2&j=NjAxODEwMjM3S0&mt=1&rt=0

OPC UA is powering Industry 4.0 & Industrial IoT!

"The organization believes OPC UA is the enabling technology for the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. OPC UA enables multivendor multiplatform secure reliable interoperability for moving data and information from the embedded world to the enterprise. OPC UA is built on an information model that provides structure and context to information at its source, which is critical to have responsive systems..."

http://www.automation.com/portals/manufacturing-operations-management/opc/powering-industry-40-industrial-iot?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Arrow&utm_content=OPC+%26+OPC+UA+-+OPC+UA+powers+Industry+4.0+%26+IIoT,+Reshape+the+automation+pyramid,+How+OPC+UA+clients+discover+servers,+News,+Products,+more&utm_campaign=OPC+%26+OPC+UA+-+March+2016

OPC UA on the rise from Unified Architecture to Universal Application

"Control readers will be familiar with OPC and the current version of that communication protocol, Unified Architecture (UA). However, as we will see, OPC is doing what it can to become the Universal Application as an engine of the much discussed Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). A few examples of how OPC UA is becoming ubiquitous include: 

• Integrated as a ‘kernel’ within the FDI standards recombining HART, Foundation fieldbus and Profibus PA protocols.
• AutomationML, a neutral data format for storing and exchanging plant engineering information, which when connected with OPC, will enable transfer of engineering data to operating systems.
• PLCOpen, working with IEC 61131 and associated languages for programming PLCs to extend hardware independence from the software code.
• BACnet, bringing OPC to the building automation environment..."

http://www.controlglobal.com/articles/2016/opc-ua-on-the-rise-from-unified-architecture-to-universal-application/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=29795694&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--u3MoXdisZgMivoEtP7RVqexgkYVxrOuxVxO4LTdpf-ekPNb4sbElCw5wikzrTqLTHTJ4o0RV8fepegTxNoYY7FoZs9Q&_hsmi=29795694

Will IT and OT Converge? What is the role of OPC and OPC UA?

"Seamless integration of data protocols is a second requirement for IT / OT convergence. OPC provides a way for the vast array of industrial protocols to be integrated into a single protocol. Converting OPC Classic to OPC UA will be needed to include legacy equipment in the conversation. To fit into the IT world of SQL databases, the ability to convert to ODBC is a must. And let's not forget the IT world's personal tool of choice: Excel. These are some of the more popular data protocols as a starting point; there may be others. The better the integration of OT data into familiar tools for IT, the more likely the IT and OT worlds will get along.

Finally, real-time performance is a big plus, if not an absolute necessity. Real-time data coming directly from the factory floor is one of the primary reasons for the whole project. This is the data that will power the real-time analytical engines and predictive technologies that management envisions, and that IT will be implementing.

Will we ever see IT and OT converge? It is difficult to say at this early stage. The trend right now is to open channels of data communication between the two. Success in these initial endeavors may inspire players on one side or the other to expand beyond their limited domains, and work towards a more fundamental level of integration. For now, professionals in both OT and IT can start by implementing secure, integrated, real-time data communication, and see where that leads."

http://www.automation.com/portals/manufacturing-operations-management/opc/will-it-and-ot-converge?utm_source=bm23&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Image+-+Arrow&utm_content=OPC+%26+OPC+UA+-+Will+IT+and+OT+converge?,+Secure+protection,+Microsoft+partnership+with+OPC+Foundation,+New+OPC+UA+products,+more&utm_campaign=OPC+%26+OPC+UA+-+June+2016

First field device with OPC UA and Pub/Sub

It is the the world's first field device for OPC UA. The new X20 I/O system bus controller makes it possible to implement OPC UA communication from the sensor layer to the ERP layer without any interfaces whatsoever...

http://www.br-automation.com/en-us/company/press-room/first-field-device-with-opc-ua-and-pubsub/

What about OPC UA safety? is there any standard that certifies the OPC UA safety? which level of safety it can support? I read a lot about OPC UA but I could not find anything about its safety level.

Dear @Ali, OPC UA plays an important role in delivering safe and secure solutions. OPC UA Security Model is discussed.

http://www.automationworld.com/communication-protocols-standards/safety-and-security-how-opc-ua-plays-role

There Is No Industry 4.0 without OPC UA!

A central challenge posed by Industrie 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the secure, standardized exchange of data and information between devices, machines and services across different industries. As early as April 2015, the Reference Architecture Model for Industrie 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) recommended only IEC standard 62541 OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) for implementing the communication layer. In November 2016, the Industrie 4.0 Platform published a checklist for classifying and advertising products as Industrie 4.0 “Basic,” “Ready,” or “Full”. To comply with the “Industrie 4.0 communication” criterion, even the lowest category requires the product to be addressable over the network via TCP/UDP or IP and to integrate at least the OPC UA information model. As a result, any product being advertised as “Industrie 4.0-enabled” must be OPC UA-capable (either integrated or via a gateway). The checklist also stresses the information modeling property of OPC UA...

http://opcconnect.opcfoundation.org/2017/06/there-is-no-industrie-4-0-without-opc-ua/

Fine resource- OPC e-book is attached.

OPC UA Users and Experts – Conveying Knowledge and Experience

The OPC Foundation publishes a series of interviews with experts, market leaders and think tanks in communication, automation and industrial IT to highlight the benefits and the potential of the OPC UA technology for end users, system integrators, operators in the world of industrial IoT...

The initially published 2005 international IEC 61499 standard has gathered renewed interest lately, giving a boost to the idea of a multivendor converged IT/OT industrial control system based on open standards. Recent developments, including the 4diac open-source IEC 61499 project, could dramatically accelerate industrial digitalization if all the factors are orchestrated successfully. But it still remains to be seen if IEC 61499 will become a mainstream industrial automation programming method...

The IEC 61499 standard defines a generic model for distributed control systems and builds on the IEC 61131 standard, which defines a generic architecture and presents guidelines for the use of function blocks in distributed Industrial-Process Measurement and Control Systems (IPMCSs)...

https://www.automation.com/en-US/Articles/April-2021/IEC-61499-Programming-Standard-Become-mainstream

New specifications address OPC UA information models and networking services, while the OPC UA Cloud Library provides information model access for applications...

According to the OPC Foundation, this library allows applications to more easily access OPC UA information models and reportedly increases overall ease-of-use for end-users by making the entire collection of OPC UA companion specifications more widely available. While assets at the operations technology level are already able to access these information models from other devices and pieces of equipment, security concerns have limited the degree to which they can be delivered via the cloud. However, through the OPC UA Cloud Library, this difficulty can be surmounted...

https://www.automationworld.com/communication/article/21952993/opc-ua-general-assembly-meeting-2021?utm_source=Newsletters&utm_medium=AW+Process+Automation+NL&utm_term=20220131&oly_enc_id=4913D7559689B1N

Regarding OPC UA security, the OPC UA Specification documentation visualizes the OPC UA security model as having three layers:

1. OPC UA Transport Layer

2. OPC UA Communication Layer

3. OPC UA Application Layer...

With those three security layers in mind, there are several considerations that should be kept in mind when designing a system that implements OPC UA Clients and Servers...

https://www.automation.com/en-us/articles/february-2022/five-considerations-opc-ua-security-architecture

OPC UA Makes IIoT Implementations Possible

OPC UA has emerged as a key technology for smooth data exchange. It predates the IIoT, because it was released as a standard in 2008, built on the success of OPC Classic (DA, A&E, and HDA). Companies implementing IIoT programs are turning to it because it has four critical characteristics necessary to send and receive data securely and efficiently...

A CI server (collaborative information server) must communicate with a huge variety of platforms and networks to be effective. OPC UA makes this possible...

https://www.isa.org/intech-home/2022/february-2022/features/opc-ua-makes-iiot-implementations-possible

Manufacturing Information Integration from Field Devices to Enterprise and Cloud

The OPC Day International 2022, held as a virtual event from April 25-29, 2022, illustrated the broad and growing scope of OPC Foundation standards to achieve manufacturing information integration from field devices to enterprise and cloud...

https://www.automation.com/en-us/articles/may-2022/opc-2022-manufacturing-information-integration

OPC technology is currently installed in over 17 million machines and factories around the world. These case studies span several industries and highlight the real-world savings and benefits from using OPC technology...

https://opcfoundation.org/resources/case-studies/

OPC UA Users and Experts eBook, Sixth Edition

This ebook includes:

Chapter 1: OPC Foundation Report of the Americas

Chapter 2: Miele Optimizes Appliance Production with OPC UA

Chapter 3: OPC UA and the PA-DIM Specification

Chapter 4: OPC UA and Ethernet-APL

Chapter 5: OPC Legal Topics

Chapter 6: OPC UA and Artificial Intelligence...

https://www.automation.com/getmedia/f2f22dbd-a481-41a4-b900-c071f544d52c/OPC_eBook_2022_6th_Edition_lay05b.pdf?ext=.pdf

Taking advantage of OPC required a Windows-based computer or server to exchange operational data from plant floor devices with the software that needed this data. OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) was developed to meet this challenge by making it possible to run OPC at the edge of networks, directly embedded into industrial processors and devices. At the same time, we saw much greater interest in closing the gap between automation and business networks. As a result, automation manufacturers began introducing edgeoriented controllers and input/output (I/O) systems. These devices offer state-of-the-art, powerful CPUs that combine traditional real-time control and sensing functions with the communication, storage, security, and data processing functions previously found only in higher-level systems. Together, OPC UA and these new edge controllers and I/O systems significantly simplify the task of communicating operational data between plant floor systems and the software systems businesses rely on every day...

https://www.automation.com/en-us/articles/november-2022/essential-industrial-communications-getting-edge

Open systems, empowered collaboration and democratized technology are keys to a new way of thinking about control...

The first model of open systems in today’s process industries is one that says everything can talk to everything else. It creates a common language, such as OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA). If everything speaks OPC UA and we have OPC UA databases, then regardless of all of the systems that we have underneath, the challenges of configuring those systems, maintaining the licenses, and getting the proprietary hardware, is open...

https://www.controlglobal.com/events/schneider-electric-innovation-days-2023/article/33005794/schneider-electric-the-value-of-reimagining-process-automation?utm_source=CTRL+Control+Global+eNews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS230608073&o_eid=4175B5775701D0Y&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|4175B5775701D0Y&oly_enc_id=4175B5775701D0Y