Unlocking Productivity and Security: Key Standards for Industrial Process Measurement and Control
- Valentina Bosenko
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
In an era where every second of production counts and cyber threats are ever-present, the industrial sector relies on robust standards to safeguard processes, ensure interoperability, and drive competitive advantage. For professionals in industrial process measurement and control, understanding and implementing the latest OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) standards is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a strategic imperative.
This guide demystifies four crucial standards at the core of digital transformation in industry: SIST EN IEC 62541-100:2026, SIST EN IEC 62541-13:2026, SIST EN IEC 62541-24:2026, and SIST EN IEC 62541-7:2026. Together, these standards form the backbone of modern, integrated, and secure industrial automation systems. Learn why these standards are a must-have for any business seeking productivity, enhanced security, and scalable operations.
Overview / Introduction
The industrial process measurement and control sector is at a critical juncture, shaped by rapid digitalization and increasing operational complexity. Processes now extend far beyond simple mechanical controls, integrating sophisticated IT systems, cloud connectivity, and analytics—all demanding seamless communication and uncompromised security.
International standards such as the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) series play a pivotal role in harmonizing industrial automation. These standards provide the language, security foundations, and data models needed for diverse devices and systems to effortlessly interact—regardless of vendor or protocol differences.
In this article, you’ll discover:
What the four featured standards cover
Key requirements and practical takeaways for businesses
Their impact on productivity, security, and industry scaling
Best practices for adoption and compliance
Real-world value for organizations, whether starting digital transformation or enhancing legacy systems
Detailed Standards Coverage
SIST EN IEC 62541-100:2026 - Devices
OPC Unified Architecture - Part 100: Devices (IEC 62541-100:2025)
This standard establishes a comprehensive, unified information model for industrial devices, regardless of their underlying communication protocols. It introduces three layered models to address device configuration, communication, and integration into host systems.
Key scope:
The Device Model enables a consistent view of devices, including their hardware and software, across all types and brands.
The Device Communication Model adds critical network and connection details, allowing precise mapping of plant communication topology.
The Device Integration Host Model incorporates additional rules and metadata, helping central systems manage and represent entire automation networks.
Notably, this edition introduces AddIns like the Locking model (for managing device access), Software update model (supporting secure firmware changes), and expanded data entry points for documents and device lifetime tracking.
Who is it for?
Manufacturers of industrial automation devices and software
System integrators seeking scalable and future-proof architectures
Plant operators seeking streamlined device management and enhanced security
Implementation gains:
Uniform device representation, making asset management, diagnostics, and integration far more efficient
Improved lifecycle visibility and predictive maintenance through lifetime modeling
Enhanced cybersecurity for software updates and device access
Key highlights:
Comprehensive device, network, and system modeling
New interfaces for device health, identification, and support info
Secure, structured software and firmware update processes
Access the full standard: View SIST EN IEC 62541-100:2026 on iTeh Standards
SIST EN IEC 62541-13:2026 - Aggregates
OPC Unified Architecture - Part 13: Aggregates (IEC 62541-13:2025)
This standard lays out the information model for “aggregates,” or programmatically produced values such as averages, totals, minimums, and counts derived from time-series or event-based measurements. Historical data is at the heart of process optimization, and this standard ensures consistent, accurate, and auditable computation across all platforms.
Key scope:
Defines how to create, read, and manage aggregate data (e.g., calculating averages over a shift or total production volume)
Details technical requirements for status codes, handling data gaps or uncertainties, and documenting aggregate results
Includes support for a broad suite of aggregate functions (like Interpolative, Maximum, MinimumActualTime) and their correct usage
Who is it for?
Automation engineers leveraging industrial data analytics
SCADA and historian software developers
Quality and compliance teams requiring traceability of automated calculations
Implementation gains:
Reliable and interoperable analytics across multi-vendor environments
Reduced risk of data misinterpretation and reporting errors
Enhanced traceability and compliance with audit-ready records
Key highlights:
Rich library of standard aggregate functions
Robust handling of uncertain/missing data
Strict rules for aggregates computation and status reporting
Access the full standard: View SIST EN IEC 62541-13:2026 on iTeh Standards
SIST EN IEC 62541-24:2026 - Scheduler
OPC Unified Architecture - Part 24: Scheduler (IEC 62541-24:2026)
Scheduling is central to automated process control, whether for routine maintenance, batch starts, or production rollovers. This standard defines a flexible, extensible information model for representing and managing schedules and calendars within OPC UA-enabled environments.
Key scope:
Provides a robust method for exposing, creating, and modifying schedules via OPC UA
Accommodates recurring schedules, exceptions (like holidays), and ad-hoc events
Specifies how the OPC UA Server documents which actions are executed, their timing, and how to interact with the schedule programmatically
Who is it for?
Operations and plant managers coordinating complex workflows
IT/OT teams wanting to automate downtime, cleaning, or shift changes
Software vendors building advanced production scheduling features
Implementation gains:
Centralized, vendor-neutral schedule management
Prevents conflicts by honoring exceptions and complex calendar logic
Empowers smart systems to adjust in real-time as business needs evolve
Key highlights:
Full calendar and exception schedule modeling
Fine-grained control for recurring or one-time events
Standardized methods for schedule manipulation and integration
Access the full standard: View SIST EN IEC 62541-24:2026 on iTeh Standards
SIST EN IEC 62541-7:2026 - Profiles
OPC Unified Architecture - Part 7: Profiles (IEC 62541-7:2025)
Profiles are essential to OPC UA’s modularity and interoperability. This standard defines and organizes “Profiles” which are standardized collections of features or capabilities. It provides a structure for product testing and certification, enabling companies and customers to quickly identify compatible solutions.
Key scope:
Codifies the meaning and structure of Profiles and ConformanceUnits
Outlines general categories of testable functions for OPC UA implementations
Moves profile maintenance to a managed public database for up-to-date conformance checking
Who is it for?
Automation vendors and integrators seeking product certification
Quality managers ensuring system-wide compliance
Buyers/program managers comparing and specifying industrial software/hardware
Implementation gains:
Easier product selection and vendor qualification based on standardized Profiles
Supports scalable, future-proof automation landscapes
Promotes best practices and higher-quality integrations
Key highlights:
Logical organization of OPC UA features for easier testing and certification
Clear guidance for vendors and end-users on available functionalities
Dynamic profile management for up-to-date compatibility
Access the full standard: View SIST EN IEC 62541-7:2026 on iTeh Standards
Industry Impact & Compliance
Transforming Business Through Standards Adoption
Modern businesses cannot afford downtime, security breaches, or miscommunication between devices. By adopting these OPC UA standards, companies ensure:
Interoperability: Smooth data flow between devices and software from multiple vendors—critical for scaling and upgrading operations
Enhanced Security: Up-to-date models for software/firmware updates, locking, and access management reduce cyber risks
Regulatory Compliance: Standards provide a foundation for consistent, auditable processes—vital for certifications and customer audits
Productivity Gains: Automation of scheduling, aggregation, and device management reduces manual workload
Future-Proofing: Profiles and modular models guarantee investment longevity and easier integration of new technologies
Risks of Non-Compliance
Neglecting these standards can result in:
Communication breakdown between systems/devices
Greater vulnerability to cyber-attacks and operational errors
Increased costs from duplicated efforts or failed integration projects
Missed business opportunities due to poor scalability and reporting
Implementation Guidance
Steps for Effective Adoption
Assessment: Map your existing infrastructure and determine which standards apply
Gap Analysis: Identify compatibility, security, and management shortcomings
Planning: Prioritize implementation timelines, starting with processes critical for interoperability or security
Training: Upskill staff on OPC UA and related standards—make documentation accessible
Integration: Roll out standards-based solutions incrementally, ensuring proper device modeling, scheduling, and aggregate data management
Testing & Certification: Use defined Profiles to validate solution conformance
Best Practices
Choose Vendors Who Support OPC UA Standards: Ensure long-term flexibility and global compatibility
Leverage AddIns and Extension Models: For device locking, firmware updates, and complex scheduling, use built-in or vendor-provided AddIns
Document Schedules and Aggregates: Maintain comprehensive, easily auditable schedules and data aggregation records to speed up troubleshooting and compliance checks
Engage in the Standards Community: Participate in user groups, forums, or standards committees to stay aligned and influence future improvements
Resources
iTeh Standards platform for up-to-date documentation and best-in-class browsing tools
OPC Foundation and IEC for further community resources and guidance
Conclusion / Next Steps
As industrial process measurement and control systems rapidly evolve, adherence to robust OPC UA standards is not just best practice—it’s a necessity for competitive businesses. The SIST EN IEC 62541 standards enable greater productivity, operational security, and scalable architectures, serving as a blueprint for tomorrow’s smart factories.
To remain ahead of the curve:
Stay informed on the latest releases and revisions of these international standards
Make OPC UA-based solutions a cornerstone of your digital transformation strategy
Regularly audit and update your practices to reflect new profiles, requirements, and opportunities for integration
Start your journey by exploring the full standards on iTeh Standards and empower your team to unlock new levels of efficiency, security, and reliability.
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