OLE for Process Control (OPC) is a set of standards that allows communication between system controllers and plant equipment in automated manufacturing processes. It was developed in 1996 based on Microsoft’s OLE, DCOM, and COM technologies. OPC Foundation manages its maintenance and implementation. Its application allows easy integration of automated manufacturing systems in various industries, and it has become one of the most significant developments in the history of automated process control.
OLE for Process Control is a set of standards related to automated manufacturing process systems that facilitates industry-wide communication between system controllers and plant equipment. The identifier OLE stands for Object Linking and Embedding and the whole term is usually abbreviated to Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control or OPC. The standards are relevant for manufacturing processes based on the Microsoft Windows® operating system (OS) and are governed by the OPC Foundation. OLE for Process Control was developed in 1996 in an effort to create a standardized set of process communication protocols based on Microsoft Corporation’s OLE, DCOM, and COM technologies for their Windows® operating system. The application of the OLE system for process control standards allows easy integration of automated manufacturing systems in a wide range of industries.
Automated manufacturing and industrial processes generally consist of three main sub-processes: flow planning, control, and floor systems. Processes are choreographed in the planning phase of flow, while control processes use scheduling information to tell floor systems what to do and when, and constantly monitor the entire dance to identify and correct anomalies. This is, at least in theory, a perfect system, but it requires that the control and floor systems speak at least the same language. This is especially true when new machinery or controllers are introduced into the process.
The OLE for Process Control System, or OPC as it is more commonly known, has at its core a set of common objects, protocols, and interfaces. Together, these form a standardized communication bridge that ensures that control and execution systems can be moved or added to a process seamlessly. As technologies in manufacturing and industry advance, OPC standards are updated and changed accordingly. This process is managed by a group known as the OPC Foundation, which is responsible for its maintenance and implementation.
Before the advent of OLE for the process control system, it was necessary to write a dedicated application for each new automated process. This was obviously time-consuming and expensive, and created an environment where industry players and equipment manufacturers could not develop or implement common systems. This has led to the development of isolated systems with commensurate losses in terms of rationalization and efficiency. The introduction of OLE for process control standards can therefore be seen as one of the most significant developments in the history of automated process control.
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