Third Indo-German exchange on Global Production Language

International standards for smart manufacturing

Uniform standards are essential for Industrie 4.0. The Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC UA) enables data exchange between machines in the field of industrial automation. Security mechanisms such as authentication, authorisation and encryption ensure a secure connection. As an open interface standard, OPC UA plays an important role in the introduction of Industrie 4.0 in manufacturing. On this basis, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau - VDMA) is working on cross-industry, international standardisation for M2M communication.

Experts discussed the advancement of M2M communication  

German and Indian experts from the industry and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) presented current standardisation approaches and activities for the interoperability of machines and equipment. They discussed challenges and framework conditions for the successful introduction of Industrie 4.0. They also exchanged views on the implementation of automation processes through OPC UA by SMEs in India. And gained insights into security aspects from the software industry. The discussions raised awareness on the relevance of OPC UA among the participants. In addition, the exchange also enhanced the understanding about the parties’ respective activities in the field of M2M communication or Industrie 4.0.  

Industrie 4.0 for innovation and green growth

Christoph Mönnigmann, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz - BMWK) highlighted opportunities arising from Industrie 4.0. Connected machines can increase efficiency, save resources and thereby promote green and sustainable growth. Gaurav Joshi (Ministry of Heavy Industries - MHI) emphasised that digital technology has made significant inroads into people’s everyday lives as well as in industry. Its responsible use is therefore important for the common good, he said. Both underlined the importance of the Indo-German cooperation within the framework of the Industrie 4.0 standardisation dialogue.

Next steps for Indo-German cooperation

The expert exchange on 15 November 2022 marked the conclusion of a series of three online exchanges on GPL. The series has been organised in cooperation with VDMA and the Indo-German Digital Dialogue. Industrie 4.0 is an important topic for the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure. Further events are therefore planned for the coming months.

We would especially like to thank the experts for their contribution to this event: Prof Amaresh Chakrabarti, Lavanya Nupur, Smitha Rao, Rajkiran Patil and Andreas Faath.