Skip to main content
Search Close

Modular Automation

Industrial Automation Solutions

Standardized Integration of Process Modules into Control Technology

Increasing modularization in the process industry presents operators and manufacturers of plant technology with the challenge of integrating heterogeneous systems quickly, flexibly, and independently of manufacturers into a higher-level control technology.
The Module Type Package (MTP) offers a promising approach to drastically reducing this integration effort.

Basic Principle of MTP Integration

The MTP concept describes a standardized exchange format that can be used to integrate process equipment assemblies (PEA) – i.e., sub-systems, modules, or even complex systems – into a process orchestration layer (POL) independently of the manufacturer:

  • A MTP is essentially an XML-based file that describes function calls, communication interfaces, as well as operator and monitoring screens.
  • This file acts as a „driver“ similar to that of a printer: The PEA provides the MTP file, the POL reads it and can then access the PEA functions described therein via OPC UA services. The visual representation of the PEA, alarm, process, and reporting values are also contained in the MTP and can be used.

Advantages of the MTP Approach

  • Standardization: Modules can be integrated into the overall plant with minimal engineering effort (“Plug & Produce”).
  • Flexibility: Vendor-independent integration increases the flexibility of modular plants and simplifies the exchange of individual modules.
  • Time and Cost Savings: Fewer consultations and fewer adjustments required from PEA manufacturers; faster project setup.

  • Qualification in Pharmaceutical Environments:
     Prequalification and partial qualification are possible, reducing validation efforts.

  • Scalability:
    Plants can be expanded or adapted efficiently.

  • Communication:
    OPC UA data is transmitted in encrypted form and decrypted by the POL.
Images courtesy of PNO e.V. designed by SpiraTec AG
Get in touch

Take Advantage of the Lead with MTP!

Our experts look forward to answering your questions and working with you to find the right solution—get in touch with us and shape your process automation for the future.

Heiko Kröber

Industrial Automation Services

Contact form
Christian Reinthaler

Industrial Automation Services

Contact form