Considerations and Challenges for Implementing a Unified Namespace in the Life Sciences

Implementing a UNS requires architecture that can seamlessly transmit data across the automation stack. Ideally, software and hardware which support the minimum UNS requirements are used. However, if a 3.0 factory has legacy technology, a hybrid UNS approach can provide a practical entry point to Industry 4.0 while respecting cost and time boundaries.

This paper describes the requirements for an ideal implementation of a Unified Namespace (UNS). It further discusses the MQTT communication standard as a preferred core communication infrastructure, while shedding light on limitations and benefits of the OPC standard. As most 3.0 factories will not meet the minimum requirements for an ideal UNS, a hybrid-UNS approach is proposed along with a hypothetical example.