1 Scope

This document specifies an OPC UA Information Model to create a device standard for analytical and laboratory instruments. This document provides a manufacturer-independent open standard, which comprehensively addresses the requirements of various branches, disciplines, and business processes, and is sustainable and adaptable to future requirements in the field of digitalization and automation.

This specification has been developed as a collaborative effort among OPC Foundation, Spectaris, and VDMA. More details on these organizations are provided below.

"Part 1: LADS Base System" is the first in a series of planned documents that will collectively form the Laboratory and Analytical Device Standard (LADS). While the exact structure and content of future parts are yet to be fully defined, they are anticipated to cover additional aspects of laboratory and analytical device standardization. Potential topics for future parts could include:

  • Dictionary References - This part would focus on referencing to dictionaries and ontologies (e.g., Allotrope Taxonomies Domain Model) so that the semantics of the OPC UA information are preserved throughout the data lifecycle and between the different levels.
  • Publish-Subscribe (PubSub) - This part would detail the use of the OPC UA PubSub communication model within the context of laboratory and analytical devices.
  • Alias Names - This part would establish standardized (handling of) alias names for common elements.
  • Samples and Consumables - This part would define how samples and consumables are represented and managed within the information model.

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.

SPECTARIS

SPECTARIS is the German industry association for the high-tech midsized business sector and a representative body in the areas of medical technology, consumer optics, analytical, bio and laboratory technology, as well as photonics. Innovation and growth characterize the different industry sectors and their 330,000-strong workforce. Technologies developed here are used in almost all branches of industry, making them an essential motor for the German economy.

SPECTARIS pools the interests of around 400 member companies from Germany, associated into four different sector-specific branches. Through its political activities, campaigns, services and technical support, the association helps its members in overcoming business barriers and opens up new markets.

Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA)

The VDMA represents over 3,200 predominantly small and medium-sized member companies in the engineering industry, making it one of the largest and most important industrial associations in Europe. The VDMA covers the entire process chain of mechanical engineering - everything from components and plant manufacturers, system suppliers and system integrators through to service providers.