// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Interoperability
The ability of different systems, devices, applications, or products to connect and communicate in a coordinated way, without special effort from the user. In a factory, it means machines from different vendors can talk to each other.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Interoperability in manufacturing refers to the capability of disparate industrial systems, machines, software applications, and data sources (e.g., ERP, MES, PLCs, sensors) to seamlessly exchange and utilize information, enabling integrated workflows, data consistency, and holistic operational visibility.
BACKGROUND
A digital twin is a computational model of an intended or actual real-world physical product, system, or process that serves as a digital counterpart of it for purposes such as simulation, integration, testing, monitoring, and maintenance.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- System Integration
- Data Exchange
- Connectivity
- Seamless Communication
USAGE NOTE
Achieving interoperability is a major challenge in integrating legacy systems with new smart factory technologies.