AIM-D e.V. (AIM for short), is the leading industry association for automatic identification (AutoID), data capture and mobile IT systems. The association promotes the use and standardization of AutoID technologies and procedures. Technologies such as RFID, NFC, barcode, two-dimensional codes, sensors and RTLS (Real-time Locating Systems) are equally promoted. AIM-D represents over 120 members from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. AIM members are companies of all sizes that offer technologies, systems and services. This also includes a number of university and research institutes as well as other associations. Under the umbrella of AIM Global and AIM Europe, AIM supports the global competitiveness of its members.
Position to OPC UA
RFID, but also other AutoID processes, are key technologies for the implementation of the philosophy of industry 4.0. The more important it becomes to integrate these technologies as simple as possible into total solutions. Therefore AIM-D e.V. (Association for Automatic Data Capture, Identification and Mobility), responsible for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, defined standards on the basis of an OPC UA.
Automatic identification and industrial automation go hand in hand
The cooperation between AIM-D and the OPC Foundation is based on a joint risk assessment of the deficits of current system integration in manufacturing, material flow control and logistics. The new OPC AIM Companion Specification unites divergent standardization activities and creates significant added value for user integration projects in numerous industries in terms of acceleration and cost reduction. It is intended to prevent the creation of divergent and competing specifications that would unsettle users.
Peter Altes, Managing Director, AIM-D
The implementation of future concepts like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and Industrie 4.0 as well as increasing automation and autonomous processes requires reliable object identification and data about the trace of moving objects in manufacturing, logistics and beyond. In order to achieve such data systems identifying objects automatically, sensors recording environmental data and real-time locating systems must be installed increasingly. OPC UA provides the right architecture to integrate such systems with the existing IT landscape in the enterprises. The OPC AIM Companion Specification will substantially facilitate these tasks.
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