mtconnect.org

What is MTConnect^®?

MTConnect is a set of open, royalty-free standards intended to foster greater interoperability between controls, devices and software applications by publishing data over networks using the Internet Protocol.

What is the MTConnect Institute?

The MTConnect Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) independent organization established to further the development of MTConnect standards and materials.  The organization includes a Technical Advisory Group (MTCTAG) and a Technical Steering Committee, as well as working groups to further the standards in specific technology areas.

How will the standards address interoperability in the manufacturing arena?

MTConnect is a basic first step in linking shop floor technologies and moving towards the goal of seamless manufacturing operation.  By establishing an open and extensible channel of communication for plug-and-play interconnectivity between devices, equipment and systems, MTConnect allows sources to exchange and understand each other’s data.  That common communication is facilitated by using widely accepted XML and Internet Protocol technology to provide managers with near real-time data from throughout a factory.  This thus empowers them to develop applications aimed at providing more efficient operations, improved production optimization and increased productivity.

How is MTConnect different from previous efforts to provide a standard for data communication protocol between different types of manufacturing equipment?

MTConnect is not a proprietary piece of hardware or special-purpose software to link machines and systems together.  It is an open, royalty-free communication standard that utilizes proven Internet communications technology. To help in this effort, example software has been developed to test the standard’s soundness. That software can be downloaded from the MTConnect.org Web site and used as a template to create one’s own software interface that meets the requirements of the standards. 

What is the status of the MTConnect standards?

MTConnect Version 1.0.1 has been approved and released by the MTConnect Technical Advisory Group.  The standards can be downloaded from the MTConnect Web site and used in commercial product offerings and manufacturing monitoring and control systems.  To declare use of the standard, you need to either join the MTCTAG or sign the Implementer’s agreement. 

Who can be a member of MTConnect Institute?

Any company or organization can be a member and aid in the furthering of the development of the MTConnect open standards.

Those who wish to participate in working group activities and be a member of the MTCTAG must agree, however, to the MTConnect Intellectual Property Policy and Agreement that can be found on www.MTConnect.org in the Agreements and Policy section of “About MTConnect.”

Whom do I contact if I want to find compatible products?

You can download the MTConnect Directory of Resources from the www.MTConnect.org Web site.  This document lists contacts you can call to find out more about available products or assistance in the implementation of MTConnect.

For more information, contact Paul Warndorf at pwarndorf@MTConnect.hyperoffice.com or phone at (703) 827-5291.