It provides a common language for the manufacturing shop floor
Automated equipment must speak the same language, to enable the automated decision making and intelligence every modern factory is striving towards.
Previous shop-floor protocols and communication standards are aging rapidly, and specifications and concepts have become fragmented over the years. As technology changes, it is clear a new breed of protocols and standards are needed, building on wider IoT best practice, but also ensuring the specific needs of the electronics industry are met.
ODB++Manufacturing has already been adopted and implemented in many factories around the world, but this does not mean the job is complete. It will continue to evolve to ensure that it continues to meet ever changing expectations in the industry, and provide a true Internet of Manufacturing environment, smart factories can rely on for the future.
WHY ODB++Manufacturing?
The ODB++Manufacturing standard, the specification of which is available free of charge to website members, has been initially contributed to the industry by Mentor Graphics based on many years of PCB assembly shop-floor communication experience, where information from production processes has been gathered in real-time and applied to real-world manufacturing shop-floor solutions such as finite production planning, Lean material management, quality management, and full materials and production traceability. This represents a high-value working starting point that is available for use right here, right now.
WHY ADOPT ODB++Manufacturing?
Unlike previous standards, ODB++Manufacturing features bi-directional data flows for shop-floor data creation as well as process control, all through a single standard format, language, and protocol. Any creator or consumer of ODB++Manufacturing data will require the development and support of just one standard interface, rather than the current need for many different interfaces. Development cost and lead-time for PCB assembly shop-floor projects for advanced manufacturing computerization can be significantly reduced using ODB++Manufacturing, removing the barriers for entry for many companies and allowing them to respond to evolving industry business demands.
FAQ
Who owns ODB++Manufacturing Specification?
Siemens owns the ODB++Manufacturing format. Siemens assumed the stewardship of the specification the acquisition of Mentor Graphics, the original creator of the format.
What is the aim and scope of ODB++Manufacturing?
The aim is to establish, for the first time in PCB assembly industry, a true high-specification complete standard for the exchange of information between all production processes and IT systems. Driven by the need for computerization of factories following such initiatives as Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory 1.0, ODB++Manufacturing allows the interconnectivity of any production process to any other production or business process, including SMT machines, automated inspection, test, repair, assembly, re-work, warehouse, and engineering.
How does ODB++Manufacturing compared to other standards in the industry such as CFX, SECS/GEM, CAMX and so forth?
We believe ODB++ M is very strong in comparison to other options. Technically several standards have similar concepts such as a message based, event driven philosophy. A key differentiator for ODB++M is having the backing and investment support from Siemens, while keeping ODB++M fully available at no cost for partners. Siemen’s stewardship also involves ensuring support is developed for ODB++M, that also extends into adapting older equipment and interfaces. While the newest equipment is preferable, Siemens understands that a standard that does not cover the past, makes adoption unrealistic for many users.
Is ODB++Manufacturing an open standard?
Interpretation of open standard varies with usage. Siemens considers ODB++Manufacturing an open standard it is publicly available, free for use, and open to participation by all interested parties.
Is ODB++Manufacturing focused only on electronics industry or can I use it for other areas?
Yes, ODB++Manufacturing is currently focused on electronics manufacturing, and by being focused we believe it provides a stronger standard.
Is there an SDK to help with ODB++Manufacturing Applications?
Yes, you can download a free ODB++Manufacturing SDK developed by Siemens. This currently supports .NET and Java languages.
How is ODB++Manufacturing maintained?
Siemens is committed to maintain and further advance the capabilities available through the ODB++M specification based on the industry’s requirements. You can track the changes with the specification itself, or more generally through the blog and updates on this website.
Gain free access to ODB++Manufacturing specification and documentation, and resources such as white papers, datasheets and more.