On the initiative of VDMA the WS Food project  team was established two years ago with the aim of defining a standard data interface for machines in the food processing industry. Now release V1.0 of this WS FOOD interface is available. It is based on the Weihenstephaner Standards for bottling and filling lines.

Part 1 defines the physical interface (by means of a device description file communication may be achieved in a "plug and play" manner), part 2 describes the data contents (provided by the machines themselves), part 3 the data evaluation and the reporting system and part 4 the examination and safe operating. Moreover, an OMAC compliant data basis can be achieved with this communication technology.
The easier independent systems will be able to be integrated into the process chain the easier and faster consitent data can be collected and provided to higher level ERP sytems.

At IFFA, the leading international fair of the meat processing industry, the uniform standard WS FOOD interface is presented at a joint stand of VDMA. Reporting functions for analyzing efficiency (e.g. OEE) and a tracking and tracing concept are also demonstrated.

The IT interface - a joint project of meat processors, machine suppliers, system and consulting companies and the FPI (Food Processing Initiative e.V., Bielefeld) - offers considerable economic benefits to the food industry, since costs for individual engineering, downtimes and commissioning times can be severely reduced.

For more information visit us at IFFA at the joint stand of VDMA in Hall 8.0, Booth C34 .