The Key to a Networked Future

The goal is to make product information standardised and digitally available along the entire value chain - from material data to energy consumption and maintenance information.

The DPP creates the basis for predictive maintenance, optimised system control and improved traceability. But how can the DPP be integrated into existing systems? What technical standards and organisational requirements are required?

Michael Riester, Head of Research & Development at Endress+Hauser Digital Solutions, answers these questions in an interview with Anuga FoodTec magazine. He sheds light on the current developments surrounding the digital product passport - and explains how companies can lay the foundations for a sustainable and digitally networked industry today through targeted investments.

Michael Riester: The Digital Product Passport is an essential building block for the digitalisation and standardisation of industrial processes. In an increasingly networked world in which data is becoming the most important resource, the DPP creates the conditions for end-to-end transparency along the entire value chain. Product information is provided in a structured, machine-readable and standardised way - regardless of the manufacturer or system. This allows processes to be designed more efficiently, decisions to be made on a more informed basis and legal requirements to be more effectively fulfilled. The DPP is therefore not just a technological innovation, it is also an instrument that makes the industry more sustainable, transparent and fit for the future.

Michael Riester: The advantages lie on several levels. Firstly, the DPP improves efficiency, for example through automated data provision and the option of condition-based maintenance. Real-time information on device statuses makes it possible to specifically avoid failures and optimise the use of resources.
A second key aspect is transparency. The DPP documents the entire life cycle of a product - from manufacture and operation through to disposal. This end-to-end traceability greatly facilitates the exchange of information between manufacturers, operators and suppliers.
Thirdly, the DPP plays an important role in sustainability. It provides data on the carbon footprint, the recyclability of materials or the environmental impact of a product - information that is increasingly required in ESG reporting today.

Michael Riester: The integration of the DPP is technically and organisationally demanding. Companies use a variety of components from different manufacturers that are integrated with different IT and OT systems, making it difficult to introduce standardised data models. Data quality is a central issue: Information must be consistent, complete and in a uniform format - this requires interfaces, clear responsibilities and harmonised standards.
Another topic is interoperability (compatibility). The DPP only works if data can be exchanged across systems. This is where the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) can play a decisive role, as it creates the link between the physical product and digital information as a digital twin.
Nor should the importance of ensuring data security and data protection be underestimated. The DPP contains sensitive product and process data that must be reliably protected against unauthorised access, manipulation or loss. At the same time, it must be clearly regulated which stakeholders have access to which information - especially when interacting with partners along the supply chain. Another technical challenge is automatic identification: Unique object labelling in accordance with IEC 61406 is crucial for reliably linking real components with the digital product passport.

Organisational challenges:

Successful implementation of the Digital Product Passport requires close collaboration across company and industry boundaries - from manufacturers and operators to suppliers and service providers. At the same time, it is important to promote acceptance among employees and provide them with specific training in dealing with digital processes. Furthermore, there are regulatory requirements that companies need to prepare for at an early stage and then develop appropriate strategies for long-term compliance with these legal requirements.

Michael Riester: We have already realised the first steps towards a digital product passport - in particular with our digital identification plates. These are gradually being fitted with QR codes or RFID tags in accordance with IEC 61406 for all products, enabling product-specific information to be retrieved at any time and from anywhere in the world. This includes, for example, documentation, certificates or maintenance instructions. This creates immediate added value for the user - without media disruptions.
We are also working with partners to integrate the DPP in Industry 4.0 environments - for example by linking it with digital twins based on the Asset Administration Shell (IEC 63278). This not only enables end-to-end digital information availability, it also creates the basis for predictive maintenance and more efficient system control.
Another contribution made by Endress+Hauser is our involvement in standardisation committees. As an active member of the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) and the Open Industry 4.0 Alliance, we contribute our expertise to help shape and implement practical and interoperable standards for the DPP. These include digital documentation in accordance with VDI 2770, which enables the structured provision of technical product information.

Michael Riester: There is still some reluctance - particularly with regard to the expense and legal uncertainty. Many companies are taking a wait-and-see approach because the EU directive will not take full effect until 2030. At the same time, there are concerns that the DPP could expose sensitive data or create new security risks.
Another critical point is cooperation along the value chain.Another critical point is cooperation along the value chain. For the DPP to realise its potential, manufacturers, operators and suppliers must all pull together. This is currently still a challenge because not everyone involved has the same priorities or resources.

Michael Riester: These technologies are essential for the next stage of development. Blockchain can help to store data in a decentralised, transparent and therefore tamper-proof manner and create trust between stakeholders - for example when documenting origin or sustainability information. Artificial intelligence can in turn help to automatically analyse large volumes of data and derive decisions from them - for example, for maintenance cycles or efficiency potential.

The digital twin is particularly important: It is the link between the real product and digital information. Only when companies rely on standardised twins will seamless data exchange be possible - across manufacturers and independent of the system and secure.

The exchange of data relating to the Digital Product Passport will also be based on these standards beyond 2030. It is crucial that the focus is on the content, not on the technology behind it. As with the Internet, where different browsers access the same content without any difficulties, industrial data exchange should also function as smoothly as possible. This requires cross-company interoperability based on binding standards.

Michael Riester:

Firstly: Transparency - the DPP creates comprehensible, up-to-date and structured information about products and processes.
Secondly: Future security - companies that invest in the DPP at an early stage are better prepared from a regulatory perspective.
And thirdly: Competitive advantage - those who use data intelligently can optimise processes, provide customers with better information and operate more sustainably.

For additional information:

Michael Riester
Head of Research & Development, Endress+Hauser Digital Solutions
Endress+Hauser Group Services AG, Switzerland
E-mail: michael.riester@endress.com

https://www.ch.endress.com/de