OPC Foundation participated as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2nd ARC Singapore Industry Leadership Forum titled Winning in the Industrial AI Era on August 7, 2025. Addressing a discerning audience of over 190 delegates in the session on Future Automation: Open, Standardized, Software-Defined, William Tanuwijaya, Technical Liaison, OPC Hub ASEAN spoke about how OPC Foundation’s latest cloud initiative and cloud reference architecture are redefining how data flows across the industrial ecosystem — from the shop floor to enterprise systems and beyond. At the end of the session there was an interactive panel discussion. In the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to modernize operations, enhance interoperability, and embrace digital transformation in manufacturing. William’s presentation is available on YouTube and/or here.
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OPC Foundation Enables Secure, Scalable Interoperability
The OPC Foundation is a global organization with over 1,000 members, committed to delivering secure, vendor-neutral interoperability across industrial networks. Its flagship specification, OPC UA (Unified Architecture), is an IEC 62541 standard and a cornerstone of smart manufacturing. Freely available and supported by tools and code examples, OPC UA empowers manufacturers to connect everything from sensors to enterprise systems with robust data modeling and transport capabilities.
From Automation Pyramid to Information Network
Earlier, manufacturing relied on a rigid automation pyramid, where data flowed layer by layer. But today, many manufacturers are transitioning to a more flexible information network. This shift allows for direct data exchange between systems, bypassing traditional layers and enabling real-time insights. OPC UA supports both models, offering seamless data transfer whether you’re maintaining legacy systems or adopting modern architectures.
Real-World Example: MES Integration in Indonesia
An example of this transition comes from a factory in Indonesia. Operators used dual screens — one for machine control and another for MES data collection. Interestingly, the MES gathered production data via a separate sensor, bypassing the machine control system entirely. This setup illustrates the information network model, where data flows directly to where it’s needed, enhancing agility and responsiveness.
Cloud Reference Architecture
The OPC Foundation’s Cloud Reference Architecture is a game changer for manufacturers aiming to scale digital initiatives. It outlines best practices for integrating factory data with cloud platforms, supporting global regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act. Key components include:
* Edge Brokers for local machine-to-machine communication
* Cloud Brokers for centralized data aggregation
* Time Series Databases for storing production data
* AI-Assisted Analytics for predictive insights
* Cloud-to-Edge Messaging for real-time feedback
* Digital Contracts via Data Connectors for secure data sharing
This architecture is already supported by major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, Huawei, Microsoft, and SAP, with open-source projects available for quick adoption.
Connectivity, Governance, and Sustainability
The initiative also introduces data spaces — governance layers that define who can access data, under what conditions, and for how long. This is crucial for supply chain transparency, carbon emission tracking, and certifications. By enabling granular control over data sharing, OPC UA helps manufacturers meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
Join the Movement Toward Smarter Manufacturing
Concluding his presentation, William emphasized that whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to optimize existing systems, the OPC Foundation’s Cloud Initiative offers a robust framework for success. With open-source tools, global community support, and proven interoperability, it’s never been easier to embrace smart manufacturing.
