- Consortia and alliances
- Digital Data Chain Consortium
Digital Data Chain Consortium
DDCC: more efficient data transfer across the entire process chain
As digitalisation continues, so does the need to exchange information and data more quickly and easily. But this is precisely where a manufacturer-independent standard has been lacking. Different structures, connections and representations between manufacturers’ information, documentation and products often result in a high level of effort and thus also high costs. To meet these challenges, the Digital Data Chain Consortium (DDCC) is working on the development of the digital twin, a virtual image of a real product that will accompany the product throughout its lifecycle.
Together with other companies in the sector, ifm is working within the DDCC to develop a standard for the manufacturer-independent, consistent and automatic identification of physical objects in order to be able to offer customers an efficient exchange of information between devices across the entire value chain. And the exchange of information is beneficial not only to manufacturers: it also enables system operators and service providers to achieve a higher level of automation and a significant improvement in efficiency.
In the past, ifm has been involved with a number of standards. For example, the automatic identification of objects (DIN SPEC 91406) or digital manufacturer information (VDI 2770) is an important basis on which the DDCC is now building.
Digital identification in accordance with standard IEC 61406
The standard for clear product identification – access to all product details at any time and anywhere.
Standardisation in accordance with IEC 61406 enables automatic identification. With an IEC-standardised URL, it is possible to open the detailed product page of the corresponding products. This allows location-independent collection and processing of product information across all process levels. The aim of the standard is to improve the interoperability and security of the identification processes and to ensure the efficient exchange of data.
Efficient processes thanks to VDI 2770
VDI guideline 2770 sets out the requirements for digital manufacturer information and defines the properties, structure and format of the information. This includes technical documentation, drawings, test reports and manufacturer data sheets. Furthermore, the guideline governs the standardised, digital exchange of manufacturer information, facilitating manufacturer-independent interoperability at all levels. The standard makes processes more efficient and minimises the effort required for searches. Staff can also exchange the object data via cloud-based platforms. DDCC is working to develop the VDI guidelines into an IEC standard.
Seamless flow of information with a cloud-based platform
In addition to unique identification and digital manufacturer information, the DDCC is also working on a cloud-based platform for digital exchange of information. Using the latest technology, the platform enables large volumes of data to be exchanged easily and efficiently across the entire spectrum. All paricipants - from manufacturers to service providers and system operators - have access to the information they need. Continuous development of the digital twin means that the digital CV or the entire product lifecycle of an object can be represented. Security and data protection are paramount here.