With the aim of advancing digitalisation in the form of Industry 4.0 technologies and putting it into practice, manufacturers of components, systems and plant as well as plant operators have joined forces in the “Digital Data Chain Consortium” (DDCC). WIKA is also an elected member of the DDCC.
How can companies speed up manual processes, such as instrument maintenance, by providing digital data? The majority of industrial companies are working on making their infrastructure and processes fit for Industry 4.0. However, only a few are already using digital solutions successfully on a large scale. In order to make further progress, effective collaboration between all stakeholders is required. Whether plant operators, manufacturers of machinery and components or solution providers, a mutual exchange of technical information and data is essential. This can only be done efficiently if data is standardised across manufacturers. It then becomes quickly available information with added value, for example when searching for valid operating instructions and the relevant chapter.
Establishing industry-wide standards
A central prerequisite for smooth cooperation is clearly defined standards and platforms for the exchange of information between all partners. Manufacturers and plant operators in industry have jointly developed such standards and technologies in committees, and are constantly developing them further. One important task is still to convert national standards into internationally valid and recognised IEC standards. This process involves various coordinations within defined deadlines and therefore takes time.
The DDCC is committed to advancing the following three defined technologies of the digital data chain:
- Automatic identification of physical objects (IEC 61406) using a globally unique serial number. The number is scanned using a 2D code, for example a QR code
- Digital manufacturer information in accordance with VDI 2770. The guideline defines a structured and standardised provision of product specifications and documentation. IEC standardisation is also being sought here
- Digital information exchange platforms for providing and easily sharing current data for a clearly defined object, such as a measuring instrument
Digital product passport for easy provision of data
In the long term, these technologies should also lead to the fulfilment of the system requirements of the “Digital Product Passport” (DPP). In accordance with the EU regulation ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation), a DPP is to become mandatory for electronic products in 2027/2028. The DDCC’s activities support the “DPP4.0” system concept of the ZVEI as well as the IDTA with another technology, the “Asset Administration Shell” (AAS) describing a digital twin. This technology, in accordance with IEC 63278, makes it possible to map the data of an asset as a structured information model and to exchange the data across manufacturers during the product life cycle. The DPP4.0 approach is supported by other important industry associations such as VDMA and NAMUR.
The topic of digital product passports is also on the agenda at WIKA. In addition to the roll-out of unique instrument identification including QR code, in accordance with IEC 61406, which has already begun, there are other key topics, for example:
- Calculation of the “Product Carbon Footprint” (PCF) for measuring instruments
- Data management and exchange of product information with suppliers and customers (VDI 2770, information exchange platforms, Asset Administration Shell)
Collaboration opens up new potential
Joining the DDCC allows WIKA to obtain the requirements of the various solution concepts at first hand and to shape their content. Together with others, the standard-compliant implementation can be coordinated as required in order to fulfil the tight schedule of the EU Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR) with the DPP. The topic is relevant for almost all of WIKA’s product areas and production sites, particularly for the European target market as a first step. However, if the members of the DDCC implement the solution concepts well together, this also generates valuable global potential.
The DPP4.0 concept for creating a digital twin of assets with a cross-manufacturer, standardised system for data exchange enables many other use cases – in measurement technology, for example, a paperless process for digital calibration certificates. For this reason, the topic of standardisation of the DPP is initially a hurdle that needs to be overcome together, but then it offers the opportunity for further innovative business models in the course of the digital transformation.
Note
Further details on the work of the DDCC can be found on the DDCC website. An example of the potential that digital usage information can offer, which WIKA has also supported, can be found on the ZVEI website: Digital Accompanying Information: Less Paper, Improved Functionality. Further information about WIKA can be found on the WIKA website.
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