As Global Sales Director Process Plants at AUCOTEC, I experience on a daily basis how crucial standards and vendor-neutral exchange formats are for the success of modern engineering projects. As anyone who works in plant or mechanical engineering today will know, data is the raw material of digitalization – but only if it can flow freely.

This is where Engineering Base comes in. Our data-centric platform is not just a powerful engineering tool; more than anything, it creates an open, future-proof link between disciplines, systems and partners. Engineering Base was developed from the outset to support leading formats and standards – independently of the vendor, flexibly and in real time.

One standard alone is not enough

In practice, it is clear that the digital transformation in engineering is not a one-format-fits-all process. That's why we give equal weighting to all relevant standards – from AutomationML, CFIHOS and OPC UA to DEXPI, IEC 81346, IEC 61850 and JIP 33. Each of these modules helps ensure that planning, operation and maintenance data can be seamlessly exchanged between systems.

AutomationML enables structured, bi-directional data exchange between Engineering Base and 3D design systems or automation tools – ideal for working consistently without any media disruptions.
CFIHOS creates a common language for the process industry and defines which data is required over the entire life cycle of a plant. Engineering Base doesn't just meet this standard, it actually exceeds it in many aspects.
OPC UA provides secure, cross-platform communication between Engineering Base and IoT/Industry 4.0 environments – the basis for a digital twin connecting planning, operation and maintenance.

More than compliance

AUCOTEC is not only a user of these standards, but an active co-creator too, participating in everything from the CFIHOS project and automation initiatives to standardization committees. Our hands-on contribution allows our customers to stay ahead of the competition. Engineering Base integrates all these formats in such a way that they create real added value in day-to-day operations: fewer interface problems, no data silos, faster processes and more transparency.

Digital twin as the target image

Whether it's 3D design, 2D EI&C and P&ID planning, BIM, PLM or ERP – Engineering Base links all disciplines to create a common digital image of the plant. This is not a promise for the future; for our customers in the energy, chemical, hydrogen and oil & gas industries, it is the present-day reality.

Vendor-neutral standards are not merely nice-to-haves, they are the engine of efficiency, quality and sustainability. With Engineering Base and our involvement in leading standardization bodies, we make sure that our customers are playing it safe right from the get-go. After all, only by speaking the same language can we truly work together in engineering.