Data Standardization Communication
Data standardization in the area of communication describes the harmonization of protocols, data formats, and semantic models that enable machines, controllers, and IT systems to communicate with each other. It creates the common language without which industrial IoT architectures cannot scale.
This building block covers industrial communication standards such as OPC UA, OPC UA over MQTT, MQTT, CC-Link IE, and mioty – all standards that define how data is structured, semantically enriched, and securely transmitted. It deliberately distinguishes itself from product-level data standardization (ECLASS, AAS, digital product passport), which is covered by a separate building block.
Companies that adopt open standards early reduce integration costs, shorten project timelines, and create the foundation for new data-driven business models – from predictive maintenance to digital twins.
Which standards are used in industrial practice?
These communication standards are deployed in real IIoT projects from our network – proven for a wide range of requirements.
OPC UA
The industrial standard for semantically enriched, secure data transmission and structuring between OT and IT. Enables cross-vendor interoperability and unified data models.
OPC UA over MQTT
Combination of OPC UA's semantic strength with MQTT's efficient publish/subscribe architecture – the de facto standard for scalable OT/IT convergence and cloud connectivity.
MQTT
Lightweight publish/subscribe protocol for the efficient transmission of large data volumes. Minimal bandwidth requirements, ideal for sensor networks, mobile devices, and cloud integration.
CC-Link IE
Open Ethernet-based fieldbus network for deterministic real-time communication in manufacturing automation. Supports motion control, safety, and standard I/O in a single network.
mioty
European LPWAN standard (ETSI TS 103 357) for scalable, interference-resistant sensor networks in industry. Particularly suited to environments with high interference and large device densities.
IO-Link & IO-Link Wireless
Standardized, bidirectional communication between sensors, actuators, and higher-level systems – also wireless. Enables remote parameterization and status information directly from the field.
Does this sound familiar? When all systems talk, but nobody understands each other
In many companies, valuable data sits unused – not because it is missing, but because it cannot be used across systems.
Heterogeneous system landscapes
Historically grown production environments consist of devices with different communication protocols. The result: data silos, integration gaps, and high engineering effort.
Communication problems and data inconsistency
Systems do not speak the same language. Data must be manually transferred, converted, or maintained multiple times – reducing data quality and complicating OT/IT integration.
Lack of scalability
Without standardized interfaces, digital projects quickly reach their limits – especially when connecting multiple sites, plants, or external partners.
High integration costs
Custom interfaces for legacy systems result in high effort for development, testing, and maintenance – turning projects into expensive patchworks rather than scalable infrastructure.
Lack of real-time capability
Fast, reliable data streams are essential for data-driven services such as predictive maintenance or live monitoring. Incompatible systems make this impossible.
Semantic gap between OT and IT
Machines deliver measurements, but without semantic context – without unit, meaning, or relationship to other data. IT systems cannot directly interpret these raw values.
What does consistent data standardization deliver strategically?
Companies that adopt open standards early benefit sustainably – in cost, scalability, and competitiveness.
Sustainably reduce costs
Less hardware thanks to efficient protocols, lower telecommunications costs, and reduced integration effort through open, interoperable standards – measurable and lasting.
Increase operational efficiency
Consistent, structured data enables informed decisions, optimized processes through AI/ML, and rapid commissioning of new systems, machines, or cloud applications.
Ensure security and compliance
NIS2, GDPR, and the Cyber Resilience Act are easier to implement with standardized protocols and data models that have built-in security mechanisms.
Unlock future-proof business models
Digital twins, pay-per-use, and data-driven services only become possible through structured, standardized data. Open standards create the infrastructure for innovation.
Scalability across sites and partners
Standards defined once work just as well in plant 1 as in plant 20 – and significantly simplify the connection of external partners, suppliers, and customers.
Foundation for interoperability and ecosystems
Open standards like OPC UA enable cross-vendor ecosystems. New solutions can be integrated without vendor lock-in – for maximum flexibility.
Our experts for Data Standardization Communication
These companies successfully use Data Standardization Communication.
