Reusing OPC UA information models in the Asset Administration Shell

Abstract

OPC UA and the Asset Administration Shell cover neighboring domains in modern industrial information architectures. Since their meta-models differ fundamentally, correct integration is vital for sustained interoperability. This paper shows how enterprise information systems benefit from using transformed OPC UA information models as a proxy for shopfloor transparency. All transformation rules facilitating this meta-model mapping are motivated and specified. When implemented, a new Submodel mirroring an OPC UA Nodeset can be built up automatically carrying all necessary context from its origins into the realm of cross-company data exchange.