OPC Foundation expands certification program with OPC UA FX for enhanced interoperability in automation systems

The OPC Foundation has added OPC UA FX (Field eXchange) capabilities to its certification program. This reportedly marks a significant milestone in supporting manufacturers, system integrators, and end-users in deploying fully interoperable and standardized automation systems for Controller-to-Controller (C2C) communication that enhance connectivity, streamline processes, and reduce the cost of integration.

With this, the OPC UA Certification Program reportedly provides a formal testing and certification process for controllers that implement the OPC UA FX specification series (OPC 10000-80, OPC 10000-81, OPC 10000-82, OPC 10000-83 and OPC 10000-84). The program is based on the OPC UA Compliance Test Tool (UACTT) and has been extended to include now more than 350 test scripts for testing the OPC UA FX functionality in addition to the existing test capabilities for OPC UA and for the companion specifications.

The organization explains in a press statement that through this validation program, participating vendors can certify their controllers as compliant with the OPC UA FX standards, providing confidence to end-users that their devices will operate seamlessly with other OPC UA FX-compliant systems. The validation process includes rigorous testing procedures to ensure that controllers meet the OPC Foundation’s strict requirements for performance, reliability, and interoperability.

Stefan Hoppe, president and CEO of the OPC Foundation, emphasized the importance of this important milestone, saying, “Adding OPC UA FX Controller testing to our Certification Program is a landmark development for the OPC Foundation and the industry as a whole. By certifying controllers that meet the OPC UA FX standards, we are setting a new benchmark for interoperability and enabling a more connected, integrated, and efficient automation landscape for horizontal communication on the shop floor. This program is a testament to our commitment to open standards that empower end-users and strengthen the global industrial automation ecosystem.”