OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is a standardized, platform-independent industrial communication protocol designed to facilitate secure and reliable data exchange between machines, sensors, and enterprise systems. It is widely used in Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing environments.
Unlike its predecessor OPC Classic, OPC UA supports cross-platform compatibility, built-in security, and a service-oriented architecture. It enables seamless interoperability between IT and OT systems, allowing for real-time data transmission and integration with cloud-based applications.
With its ability to work across different operating systems and cloud environments, OPC UA is a critical component of industrial digital transformation, allowing manufacturers to integrate diverse devices and systems into a unified data ecosystem.