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SOFLEX FLAMES – OPC Unified Architecture for Flexible Automation and Manufacturing Execution Systems
Interfaces – the central challenge in modern manufacturing
In many production environments, there is a patchwork of machines from different manufacturers, generations, and control technologies. Each machine often “speaks” its own language – making integration, control, and data evaluation difficult. Proprietary interfaces quickly reach their limits: customization is expensive, commissioning is time-consuming, and analyzing production data is complicated. End users face the challenge of making their manufacturing operations efficient, flexible, and future-proof.
Why SOFLEX developed FLAMES
Existing standards do not offer a complete solution. Many current information models provide data only – active machine control is not included. SOFLEX recognized the opportunity to develop a universal information model that not only enables standardized machine data retrieval but also allows active machine control – independent of manufacturer and technology.
FLAMES is an OPC UA information model that intelligently connects machines and production control systems. The machine acts as the server, and the production control system acts as the client. Due to its generic structure, FLAMES can be used for a wide range of machine types, from milling machines and assembly cells to robots. Machine manufacturers receive the type definitions as XML and can implement the interface flexibly.
Benefits for end users in the metalworking industry through a standardized SOFLEX FLAMES interface
- Easy integration into new and existing production control systems
- Full transparency: all relevant data is available for analysis, monitoring, and optimization
- Early testability: interfaces can be validated even before production starts
Future-proof: new functions and requirements can be added without difficulty
Benefits for machine manufacturers through a standardized SOFLEX FLAMES interface
- Faster commissioning thanks to standardized interfaces
- Reduced customization effort for varying customer requirements
- Flexibility: changes to the machine or control system can be mapped via the FLAMES server
- A dedicated “adapter” for automation: different control architectures can operate under one unified master computer interface
More than a standard – active machine control with SOFLEX FLAMES
FLAMES provides active machine management: production control systems can directly control functions such as NC start or pallet changes. At the same time, the model supports bidirectional communication: machines can request data themselves, such as tool information. This creates a universal, manufacturer-independent system for modern production environments.
Practical example – OPC UA machine integration with SOFLEX FLAMES in the smart factory
As early as 2020, an end customer successfully implemented FLAMES: machines from various manufacturers and generations now operate using the same information model. The results: shorter delivery times, lower costs, reduced commissioning effort, and significantly simplified error analysis. Additional machines with FLAMES are already planned, and more and more manufacturers are adopting the model.
SOFLEX FLAMES – a step toward Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory
FLAMES is more than a pilot project – it is an open standard that simplifies the future of manufacturing. SOFLEX makes the information model available free of charge, including to other production control system providers. Through collaboration with VDMA and integration into UMATI, FLAMES is increasingly becoming an industry-wide solution.