What is MTConnect^®?

MTConnect is an open, royalty-free standard that is intended to foster greater interoperability between devices and software applications.  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 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.

What is the MTConnect Institute?

The MTConnect Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization established to further the development of the MTConnect standard and publish related materials.  The organization includes a Board of Directors, a Technical Advisory Group that's also called MTCTAG, a Technical Steering Committee, as well as various working groups to further the standard in specific technology areas.

What makes MTConnect unique?

MTConnect is not a proprietary hardware or special-purpose software.  Rather, it is an open, royalty-free communication standard that utilizes Internet communications technology to link machines and systems together. Think of it as a dictionary to enable devices to speak in the same language. To help in this effort, example software has been developed to test the standard's soundness. That software can be downloaded from the MTConnect website and used as a template to create one's own software interface that meets the requirements of the standard.

What is the status of the MTConnect standard?

MTConnect version 1.2 has been approved as the current release of the standard. To declare use of the standard in the sale of compatible products, you need to either join the MTConnect Technical Advisory Group (MTCTAG) or sign the Implementer's agreement, both of which are found on the MTConnect website.

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

To find MTConnect compatible products, you can review the MTConnect Directory of Resources catalogue, which is available on the Member Products section.  The page lists contacts you can call to find out more about available products or assistance in the implementation of MTConnect.

Who can be a member of MTConnect Institute?

Any company or organization can be a member and aid in furthering the development of the MTConnect standard by becoming a member of the MTCTAG. Membership is free and further information can be found on the Join Us page.

Whom do I contact if I have a question about MTConnect?

The MTConnect Forum is is the online MTConnect community, an independant site where those interested in the MTConnect standard are asking questions and having discussions. The website is dynamic and is ever-evolving to include topics and features based on the community's needs. For more information, contact Hilena Hailu at HHailu@MTConnect.org or phone at (703) 827-5293.