Open Automation is an approach that makes digitalization easy to implement, with a freely expandable cloud platform for the factory. It integrates the open programming interfaces for Smart Manufacturing, allowing for easy embedding of third-party applications for production and weighing technology, such as checkweighing, controller functions or quality control.
The use of smart sensors, load cells and measuring amplifiers is key to implementing Open Automation. Inherently intelligent components are required, for example "open interfaces" or "edge computing”, to enable efficient and targeted data processing. This article discusses the requirements for such systems, with a focus on software integration.