1 Scope

This document defines the UA companion specification using OPC UA constructs to provide information for data transfer from and to Geometric Measurement Systems (e.g., Manual and Automatic Gauging Systems for Dimensional Tasks, Coordinate Measuring Systems, Form Measuring Systems, Surface Texture Measuring Systems) in various industries. The OPC UA Companion Specification for Geometric Measurement Systems (GMS) aims to provide a unique interface for communication partners from different manufacturers to allow for interoperability.

Among others, the following functionalities are covered:

  • Identification of machines, machine data and status
  • Managing part data (in version 1 only monitoring)
  • Accessing data of measuring results.
  • Job management (in version 1 only monitoring)

OPC Foundation

OPC is the interoperability standard for the secure and reliable exchange of data and information in the industrial automation space and in other industries. It is platform-independent and ensures the seamless flow of information among devices from multiple vendors. The OPC Foundation is responsible for the development and maintenance of this standard.

OPC UA is a platform-independent service-oriented architecture that integrates all the functionality of the individual OPC Classic specifications into one extensible framework. This multi-layered approach accomplishes the original design specification goals of:

Platform independence: from an embedded microcontroller to cloud-based infrastructure

Secure: encryption, authentication, authorization and auditing

Extensible: ability to add new features, including transports, without affecting existing applications

Comprehensive information modelling capabilities: for defining any model from simple to complex

VDMA Measuring and Testing Technology

The VDMA represents over 3.300 mainly small and medium-size member companies in the engineering industry, making it one of the largest and most important industrial associations in Europe. The VDMA Measuring and testing technology represent more than 200 manufacturers of length measurement technology, testing technology and weighing technology. The objective of this industry-driven platform is to support this sector through a wide spectrum of activities and services such as standardization, statistics, marketing, public relations, trade fair policy, networking events and representation of interests.