A

AAS Validation  

Also known as: Asset Administration Shell Validation 

AAS validation is the systematic process of checking an Asset Administration Shell for compliance with defined technical and functional requirements. This includes checking data structures, identifiers, references and submodels, for example. Additional checks against submodel templates can determine whether an AAS conforms to the intended data models. 

Further information:
twinfix twinstudio

AASX 

Also known as: AASX Package 

AASX is a standardised package format for exchanging Asset Administration Shells. An AASX package can contain the Asset Administration Shell, its submodels and associated files and documents. The format enables Digital Twins to be exchanged between different applications and platforms. 

Further information:
twinfix twinstudio

Agile Software Development  

Agile software development is an approach to developing software in which requirements and solutions are refined incrementally through short work cycles. Regular feedback, close collaboration and continuous adjustments make it possible to respond to changing requirements and deliver functional software at an early stage. 

Further information: 
Software Development Customer Projects

AI Agent

An AI agent is a software system that uses artificial intelligence to perform tasks in a goal-oriented manner and independently select the steps required to complete them. Depending on its implementation, it can retrieve information, use tools and perform actions. Its degree of autonomy is determined by its technical design and predefined permissions.

Further information: 
AI-Driven Software Development GenAI

AI-Driven Software Development  

AI-driven software development refers to the use of artificial intelligence to support one or more phases of the software development process. AI can be used for requirements analysis, programming, test development, quality assurance and documentation, for example. The aim is to support development workflows and make software creation and maintenance more efficient.

Further information:
AI-driven Software Development GenAI

API  

Also known as: Application Programming Interface 

An API is a defined interface through which software applications can exchange data and functions. It specifies how systems communicate with each other and what information is made available. APIs enable the integration of Asset Administration Shells, enterprise software and digital platforms, for example. 

Further information: 
twinsphere

Artificial Intelligence 

Also known as: AI

Artificial intelligence refers to machine-based systems that can generate predictions, recommendations, decisions or content from inputs, for example. AI uses a range of methods, including machine learning and rule-based approaches. It is used for data analysis, automation and intelligent software functions, among other applications.

Further information:
AI-Driven Software Development GenAI

Asset 

An asset is a physical or intangible item that holds value for an organisation. In industry, machines, components, products and software can all be considered assets. In the context of the Asset Administration Shell, an asset is described through a standardised digital representation. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Asset Administration Shell

Also known as: AAS

An Asset Administration Shell is a standardised digital representation of an asset. It provides structured access to the asset's information and functions and enables interoperable data exchange across system and organisational boundaries. 

Further information:
twinsphere twinstudio Digital Twin

B

Blueprint

A blueprint is a reusable template that defines the structure, specifications and configurations for creating similar objects. In the context of Digital Twins, blueprints can specify which submodels, properties and mandatory fields an Asset Administration Shell should contain. This enables the efficient creation of consistent Digital Twins.

Further information: 
twinstudio

C

CI/CD 

Also known as: Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery 

CI/CD refers to automated processes for integrating, testing and delivering software changes. Continuous Integration regularly merges changes and verifies them through automated tests. Continuous Delivery ensures that tested software can be prepared for release at any time. 

Further information: 
SBOM twinfix Software Development

Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing refers to the provision of IT resources such as computing power, storage and software over a network. Companies can use these resources as required without having to operate all the systems themselves. Cloud computing provides the technical foundation for many scalable platforms and digital services. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Connector 

Also known as: Software Connector 

A connector is a software component that connects different systems and enables data exchange. It can convert data formats, access interfaces and transfer information between applications. In industrial data spaces, specialised connectors also perform functions that enable controlled data exchange. 

Further information: 
twinsphere twinstudio

Custom Software Development

Custom software development refers to the design and implementation of software tailored to the specific requirements of a company or use case. Unlike standardised software products, functions, interfaces and processes can be individually designed and integrated into existing IT environments. 

Further information: 
AI-Driven Software Development

D

Data & AI 

Also known as: Data and Artificial Intelligence 

Data & AI refers to the combined use of data management, data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate information and derive insights or automated decisions. Companies use Data & AI for process optimisation, quality assurance and the development of data-driven applications, for example. 

Further information:
AI-Driven Software Development

Data Space 

Also known as: Industrial Data Space 

A data space is an organisational and technical framework for controlled data exchange between multiple participants. It connects data providers and data users through common rules, standards and technical components. Its aim is to make data usable across organisational boundaries while taking agreed terms of use into account. 

Further information: 
twinsphere 

Data Sovereignty 

Data sovereignty refers to the ability to independently determine how data is provided, shared and used. In industrial data spaces, it is supported by technical and organisational mechanisms that allow data providers to define access rights and terms of use. 

Further information: 
twinsphere

Digital Battery Passport 

Also known as: DBP

The Digital Battery Passport is a digital data record that makes information about a battery accessible throughout its lifecycle. This includes information about its origin, composition, carbon footprint, performance and recycling, for example. It is intended to support transparency and the exchange of battery information along the value chain.

Further information: 
Digital Battery Passport Digital Product Passport

Digital Data Chain 

Also known as: DDC

A digital data chain connects information and processes across multiple systems and organisations. It enables data to be exchanged in a structured, machine-readable format, minimising manual processes and media discontinuities wherever possible. In industry, it supports the automated transfer of product information from manufacturers to operators, for example. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Digital Nameplate

Also known as: DNP

A Digital Nameplate provides identification and product information in digital form. A machine-readable identifier, such as a QR code, allows users to access further information. It enables the digital provision of manufacturer information, technical data and documentation. 

Further information:
twinsphere Customer Project DNP

Digital Product Passport 

Also known as: DPP

The Digital Product Passport is a digitally accessible data record containing information about a product. Depending on the product category and applicable requirements, it may include information about materials, technical properties, repair, reuse and recycling, for example. It is intended to support transparency and information exchange throughout the product lifecycle. 

Further information: 
Digital Product Passport

Digital Twin 

Also known as: DT

A Digital Twin is a digital representation of a physical or logical object, system or process. It represents relevant properties, states and relationships and can be linked to data from different sources. In industry, it supports the monitoring, maintenance and optimisation of machinery and equipment, for example. 

Further information:
Digital Twin

E

ECLASS 

ECLASS is an internationally used standard for the classification and unambiguous description of products and services. It defines product classes, properties and property values. In industry, ECLASS supports the consistent exchange of product information and semantic interoperability between different IT systems. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Eclipse Dataspace Components 

Also known as: EDC 

Eclipse Dataspace Components is an open-source project for developing components that enable sovereign data exchange in data spaces. The software supports the negotiation of data usage agreements and the technical execution of data transfers between participating organisations, among other functions. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Edge Computing 

Edge computing refers to the processing of data close to where it is generated, for example directly on a machine or an IoT device. This allows information to be analysed locally without having to transfer all data to a central cloud. Among other benefits, it enables short response times and reduces data traffic.

Further information: 
omnect

Embedded Linux 

Embedded Linux refers to the use of the Linux operating system in embedded devices and systems. It is adapted to specific hardware requirements and provides the foundation for applications in industrial controllers, IoT devices and other connected products. 

Further information: 
omnect Secure OS Customer Project Embedded Linux

F

Firmware 

Firmware is software that controls the basic functions of an electronic device and is closely integrated with its hardware. It handles tasks such as initialisation, device control and communication with other systems. Firmware can be updated to improve functionality or address security vulnerabilities. 

Further information: 
omnect Remote Updates

G

Generative AI  

Also known as: Generative Artificial Intelligence, GenAI

Generative AI refers to AI systems that can create new content based on learned patterns. This includes text, images, program code and structured data, for example. In software development, generative AI can support code generation, documentation, analysis and test development, among other tasks. 

Further information: 
AI-Driven Software Development GenAI

H

Hyperautomation

Hyperautomation refers to an approach in which companies combine multiple technologies to automate business processes as comprehensively as possible. These technologies include process analysis, conventional automation, artificial intelligence and software integration. The aim is to automate interconnected workflows across individual tasks and system boundaries. 

I

ID Link 

Also known as: Identification Link, IEC 61406 Identification Link 

An ID Link is a standardised identification link used to uniquely identify a physical object digitally. It can be provided on a product via a QR code, for example. Scanning the code gives users or systems access to digital information associated with the respective object. 

Further information:
twinsphere

Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 refers to the intelligent networking of industrial production systems using digital technologies. Machines, products, people and IT systems exchange information, enabling flexible, transparent and increasingly automated processes. Key technological foundations include IoT, Digital Twins and interoperable data models.

Further information: 
Digital Twin twinsphere

Internet of Things

Also known as: IoT

The Internet of Things refers to the networking of physical devices and objects via the internet or other networks. Using sensors, software and interfaces, these devices can collect, exchange and process data. In industry, IoT enables the monitoring, remote maintenance and automated control of machinery and equipment, for example. 

Further information: 
Embedded Systems Customer Project IoT

Interoperability 

Interoperability refers to the ability of different systems, applications or organisations to exchange information and use it meaningfully. It requires suitable technical interfaces, common data structures and a shared understanding of the information being exchanged. 

Further information: 
twinsphere

J

K

L

Legacy System 

A legacy system is an existing IT system that continues to support important business processes despite its age or outdated technical architecture. Such systems can be difficult to maintain or offer limited integration capabilities. Software modernisation allows their functionality to be preserved while gradually adapting them to new requirements. 

Further information: 
AI-Driven Software Development Customer Project Legacy System

M

Machine Learning 

Also known as: ML 

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence in which models learn patterns and relationships from data. Once trained, these models can make predictions, classify information or detect anomalies, for example, without every decision rule having to be programmed individually. 

Further information: 
Embedded Systems

N

O

Over-the-Air Update

Also known as: OTA Update 

An over-the-air update is the wireless or network-based updating of software or firmware on a device. Updates can be provided centrally and installed without direct physical access to the device. This method enables the distribution of new features, bug fixes and security updates to connected devices. 

Further information: 
omnect Remote Updates for Embedded Linux Customer Project OTA Update

P

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance refers to a maintenance strategy in which condition and operating data from machines is analysed to identify potential failures at an early stage. This information allows maintenance activities to be planned according to actual needs. The aim is to reduce unplanned downtime and optimise equipment utilisation.

Further information: 
twinsphere Digital Twin

Product Carbon Footprint 

Also known as: PCF

The product carbon footprint describes the greenhouse gas emissions attributable to a product within defined system boundaries. Depending on the calculation, it may include raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, use and disposal, for example. The result is usually expressed in CO₂ equivalents. 

Further information: 
Digital Product Passport twinsphere 

Q

R

Retrieval-Augmented Generation  

Also known as: RAG 

Retrieval-Augmented Generation is a method in which a generative AI model retrieves relevant information from external knowledge sources before generating a response. The retrieved content is used as additional context. This allows responses to be grounded in up-to-date or company-specific information without having to retrain the model. 

Further information: 
GenAI

S

SBOM

Also known as: Software Bill of Materials

An SBOM is a structured list of the software components and their dependencies contained in an application or device. It provides transparency about the libraries and other software components used and helps companies identify known security vulnerabilities, licensing risks and affected components. 

Further information: 
SBOM

Secure Operating System 

Also known as: Secure OS

A secure operating system is an operating system whose architecture and functions are designed to protect device operation. Possible security mechanisms include access controls, protected system components, secure boot processes and signed updates. It is used in connected and industrial devices, among other applications. 

Further information: 
omnect Secure OS Customer Project Secure OS

Semantic Identifier 

Also known as: Semantic ID

A semantic identifier is a unique reference to the defined meaning of a data element. In Asset Administration Shells, it can link a property to a standardised semantic description, for example. This allows different systems to recognise that data has the same meaning.

Further information: 
twinstudio

Semantic Interoperability 

Semantic interoperability refers to the ability of different systems not only to process exchanged data technically, but also to interpret its meaning consistently. It requires unambiguous definitions of terms, semantic identifiers and shared information models. This enables data to be correctly understood and used across different systems. 

Further information: 
twinstudio

Software as a Service 

Also known as: SaaS 

Software as a Service is a delivery model in which software is provided as a service over a network. The provider typically takes responsibility for operating, maintaining and delivering the application. Users access the software via a web browser or an interface, for example. 

Further information: 
twinsphere

Software Localisation 

Software localisation refers to adapting software to the linguistic, cultural and regional requirements of a target market. This includes translating user interfaces, adapting date and number formats and taking local conventions into account, for example. 

Further information: 
calinga

Software Modernisation 

Also known as: Application Modernisation, Legacy Modernisation 

Software modernisation refers to the technical and functional development of existing software to meet current requirements. This includes revising the architecture, replacing outdated technologies, integrating new interfaces and improving maintainability, security and scalability, for example. 

Further information: 
AI-Driven Software Development Customer Project Software Modernisation

Submodel 

Also known as: AAS Submodel

A submodel is a component of an Asset Administration Shell that brings together information and, where applicable, functions relating to a specific aspect of an asset in a structured way. Submodels can describe technical data, documentation or maintenance information, for example. Standardised submodel templates enable this information to be modelled and exchanged consistently. 

Further information: 
twinstudio

Submodel Template 

Also known as: SMT

A submodel template is a standardised template that defines the structure and functional requirements of a submodel within an Asset Administration Shell. It specifies properties, data types and semantic references, for example. Submodel templates enable the consistent creation and interoperable exchange of information between different systems.

Further information: 
twinstudio twinfix

T

U

V

Value Chain

A value chain comprises the interconnected activities through which a product or service is created and value is added. In industry, it extends from development and procurement through production to use and recycling, for example. Digital data chains support information exchange between the companies involved.

Further information: 
twinsphere

VDI 2770 

VDI 2770 is a series of guidelines for the standardised provision of digital manufacturer information for the process industry. It defines requirements for the structure, classification and machine-readable provision of technical documentation. This enables manufacturer information to be automatically exchanged and processed between suppliers, plant operators and IT systems. 

Further information: 
VDI 2770 Checklist VDI 2770

W

X

Y

Z