WHAT WE
MADE HAPPEN
To demonstrate the potential of open, standardized industrial IoT architectures, the OI4 Alliance and its member companies Endress+Hauser, ifm, and Software AG built an interoperability demonstrator. This setup proves that real-world integration between heterogeneous components is already feasible. It shows how temperature, conductivity, and volume data can flow from sensors through a unified architecture to the cloud enabling efficient Clean-in-Place processes, real-time monitoring, and predictive calibration. The result is improved product quality and minimized downtime.
- Built on IO-Link, HART, and AAS
- Unified data flow for temperature, conductivity, and volume
- Supports both cloud and edge analytics
- Optimizes Clean-in-Place workflows
- Reduces operational cost and maintenance time
- OI4-compliant WAGO gateway with Open Edge Computing
- Integrated with Endress+Hauser Netilion Cloud Platform
THE CHALLENGE
WE SOLVED
Industrial environments often face the challenge of vendor lock-in, fragmented systems, and inconsistent data communication. By developing this demonstrator, the team tackled the fundamental question of how cross-manufacturer interoperability can work in practice without custom integration. The solution leverages established standards like IO-Link, HART, and AAS to bridge device diversity and deliver clean, structured data directly into cloud and edge systems.
THE TEAM
THAT DELIVERED
WHY THE RESULTS
MATTER (AND FOR WHOM)
The demonstrator shows how open, standardized IIoT architectures can directly improve industrial operations. By enabling the exchange of sensor data like temperature, conductivity, and volume with cloud-based services, it supports demand-driven calibration and optimized Clean-in-Place processes. This helps reduce downtime and maintenance costs while improving product quality. Thanks to its use of established standards, it ensures future-proof integration with no vendor lock-in and supports both Greenfield and Brownfield deployment scenarios.
BETTER
TOGETHER
This is a true example of community-driven innovation. The demonstrator showcases what’s possible when members of the OI4 Alliance collaborate toward a shared goal. It serves as a reference setup that others can reuse, build upon, and adapt to their own production environments making interoperability not just a concept, but a practical, scalable reality.
INSIGHTS
AND Q&A
Why is interoperability crucial for the future of industrial automation?
Interoperability ensures that devices and systems from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly without requiring custom integrations. By adopting open standards such as IO-Link, HART, and the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), companies can reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and future-proof their industrial automation systems against vendor lock-in.
What is the goal of the demonstrator developed by OI4 Alliance members?
The demonstrator, developed collaboratively by Endress+Hauser, ifm, and Software AG within the OI4 Alliance, showcases how standardized IIoT architectures enable seamless data exchange across manufacturers. It highlights the benefits of open, manufacturer-independent solutions in optimizing industrial processes, reducing downtime, and enabling real-time monitoring through cloud-based services.