Beckhoff Automation joins open process automation group

Beckhoff Automation has joined The Open Group and its Open Process Automation Forum (OPAF).

OPAF is an international forum of end users, system integrators, suppliers, academia and standards organizations who are working together to develop the specifications for using open process automation technology in next-generation process control systems.

The organization aims to simplify integration, upgrades, maintenance and cybersecurity for industrial manufacturers by replacing current “black box” hardware and software with open solutions.

The goal is to ensure future automation systems meet standards of true heterogeneity and provide security, multi-vendor interoperability and an easy pathway for systems migration.

Beckhoff has always shown a clear commitment to open automation technologies. In 2003, it released the EtherCAT industrial Ethernet system, then made the fieldbus details available to developers through the EtherCAT Technology Group.

The Open Group develops technology standards and has more than 800 member organizations.