Resources

Acronym List

1min

While many acronyms have become part of our common language, with their meanings well known to people in the industry, it can be entertaining to review the origin or decoded version of an acronym. The following list includes common acronyms found in the product documentation.
Acronym
Decoded
Description
ACL
Access Control List
Lists the users and permissions for system access.
AES
Advanced Encryption Standard
This security algorithm encrypts and decrypts data using the same encryption key. Software uses this standard to enforce privacy controls on each device and connection.
AMQP
Advanced Message Queuing Protocol
Open standard for business application messaging.
BPM
Business Process Management
This business solution focuses on optimization of business processes and workflows.
CDN
Content Delivery Network
Network nodes and content are located closer to the end user than with typical network configurations.
CIDR
Classless Inter-Domain Routing
The standard for creating unique identifiers for networks and individual devices.
CNC
Computer Numerical Control
This pre-programmed sequences of commands enables automation of machine tools.
CoAP
Constrained Application Protocol
Web-transfer protocol for IoT constrained nodes and networks; designed for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.
CRM
Customer Relationship Management
This software manages a database of interactions with customers and potential customers.
CSR
Certificate Signing Request
Send this encoded file to a certificate authority for creation of an SSL certificate.
DCS
Distributed Control System
A computerized control system for a process in which autonomous controllers are present in the system without a central operator supervisory control.
DTC
Diagnostic Trouble Code
Engine control systems in vehicles issue DTCs for problems and failures. For example, a DTC triggers the check engine light in an automobile.
DTLS
Datagram Transport Layer Security
Protocol for secure communications for datagram-based applications (UDP transport protocol).
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning
This software integrates and manages core business functions/units in a shared database.
ETL
Extract, Transform, and Load
This data warehousing term refers to a process of extracting data from one source, transforming the data, and then storing it in another database.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
A network protocol that is used to transfer files between a client and a server.
HID
Human Interface Device
USB-connected devices, such as barcode scanners. In Manufacturing Connect Edge, an HID remains disconnected because HIDs send data only when there is data to send.
IoT and IIoT
Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things
Communication among a large variety of devices and protocols, along with the collection of data from those devices, enables data analysis and efficient management and planning.
IPC
Industrial PC
PC-based computing platform for industrial applications.
MES

Manufacturing Execution System
This system tracks the processes, data, and outcomes–from raw materials to finished goods–of a manufacturing process. This includes such things as materials tracking, management of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and resource scheduling.
MQTT

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport
This lightweight messaging protocol uses a publish-subscribe method for connecting to sensors and devices.
NATS

Neural Autonomic Transport System

This messaging platform provides a text-based publish-subscribe protocol. This NATS name compares its functions with a central nervous system.

NTP

Network Time Protocol

Devices, including Manufacturing Connect Edge devices, use NTP for time synchronization.
OAuth

Open Authorization

OAuth 2.0, an open standard for authorization and authentication, can be configured in Manufacturing Connect. Other authorization methods supported in Manufacturing Connect, include:
Query Auth (a method of signing API requests with a key)
Header Auth (HTTP authorization header)
OEE

Overall Equipment Effectiveness
The standard for improving manufacturing productivity.

OPC
Open Platform Communications
Standard interface used to communicate with industrial devices. Legacy solutions used this standard for accessing devices. As manufacturing systems evolved, a new interoperability standard, OPC UA, was developed by the OPC Foundation.
OPC DA
Open Platform Communications Data Access
An OPC Foundation specification that defines how real-time data can be transferred between a data source and a data sink (for example: a PLC and an HMI) without either of them having to know each other's native protocol.
OPC UA
Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture
This machine-to-machine protocol for industrial automation supports a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA).
OTA
Over-the-Air
Over-the-Air updates facilitate device software updates. OTA refers to the methods for distributing software, configuration settings, and even updating encryption keys.
PaaS
Platform as a Service
Manufacturing Connect Edge is a cloud platform (PaaS) that provides connectivity with IoT systems to collect data that enables device monitoring and management.
PLC
Programmable Logic Controller
A specialized small computer with a built-in optimized operating system used in industrial machines and sensors.
RBAC
Role-Based Access Control
Enables customization of access control lists, which define who can access data, based on their assigned roles.
REST
Representational State Transfer
REST provides a web service for exchanging messages between devices. Application programming interfaces (APIs) can be used to glean essential information from JSON over HTTP (refer to REST API with JSON). Users can use REST APIs to develop their own interfaces.
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
An architecture for industrial control systems that includes sensors, control relays, PLCs, computers, and applications that directly interface with managed systems. The SCADA HMI (Human-Machine Interface) enables interactivity with devices.
SOA
Service-Oriented Architecture
This approach to building systems focuses on business processes for which services need to be developed and supported. This is a departure from the development of systems that focus on hardware, software, and networking resources.
SOAP
Simple Object Access Protocol
SOAP provides a web service that defines a standard communication protocol for exchanging messages between devices.
SSH
Secure Shell
Protocol for secure communication over a network.
SSL
Secure Socket Layer
Protocol for secure communication over a network.
TFA
Two Factor Authentication
Adds an extra layer of security for user logins.
TLS
Transport Layer Security
Protocol for secure communication over a network.
﻿

Acronym	Decoded	Description
ACL	Access Control List	Lists the users and permissions for system access.
AES	Advanced Encryption Standard	This security algorithm encrypts and decrypts data using the same encryption key. Software uses this standard to enforce privacy controls on each device and connection.
AMQP	Advanced Message Queuing Protocol	Open standard for business application messaging.
BPM	Business Process Management	This business solution focuses on optimization of business processes and workflows.
CDN	Content Delivery Network	Network nodes and content are located closer to the end user than with typical network configurations.
CIDR	Classless Inter-Domain Routing	The standard for creating unique identifiers for networks and individual devices.
CNC	Computer Numerical Control	This pre-programmed sequences of commands enables automation of machine tools.
CoAP	Constrained Application Protocol	Web-transfer protocol for IoT constrained nodes and networks; designed for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.
CRM	Customer Relationship Management	This software manages a database of interactions with customers and potential customers.
CSR	Certificate Signing Request	Send this encoded file to a certificate authority for creation of an SSL certificate.
DCS	Distributed Control System	A computerized control system for a process in which autonomous controllers are present in the system without a central operator supervisory control.
DTC	Diagnostic Trouble Code	Engine control systems in vehicles issue DTCs for problems and failures. For example, a DTC triggers the check engine light in an automobile.
DTLS	Datagram Transport Layer Security	Protocol for secure communications for datagram-based applications (UDP transport protocol).
ERP	Enterprise Resource Planning	This software integrates and manages core business functions/units in a shared database.
ETL	Extract, Transform, and Load	This data warehousing term refers to a process of extracting data from one source, transforming the data, and then storing it in another database.
FTP	File Transfer Protocol	A network protocol that is used to transfer files between a client and a server.
HID	Human Interface Device	USB-connected devices, such as barcode scanners. In Manufacturing Connect Edge, an HID remains disconnected because HIDs send data only when there is data to send.
IoT and IIoT	Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things	Communication among a large variety of devices and protocols, along with the collection of data from those devices, enables data analysis and efficient management and planning.
IPC	Industrial PC	PC-based computing platform for industrial applications.
MES	Manufacturing Execution System	This system tracks the processes, data, and outcomes–from raw materials to finished goods–of a manufacturing process. This includes such things as materials tracking, management of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and resource scheduling.
MQTT	Message Queuing Telemetry Transport	This lightweight messaging protocol uses a publish-subscribe method for connecting to sensors and devices.
NATS	Neural Autonomic Transport System	This messaging platform provides a text-based publish-subscribe protocol. This NATS name compares its functions with a central nervous system.
NTP	Network Time Protocol	Devices, including Manufacturing Connect Edge devices, use NTP for time synchronization.
OAuth	Open Authorization	OAuth 2.0, an open standard for authorization and authentication, can be configured in Manufacturing Connect. Other authorization methods supported in Manufacturing Connect, include: Query Auth (a method of signing API requests with a key) Header Auth (HTTP authorization header)
OEE	Overall Equipment Effectiveness	The standard for improving manufacturing productivity.
OPC	Open Platform Communications	Standard interface used to communicate with industrial devices. Legacy solutions used this standard for accessing devices. As manufacturing systems evolved, a new interoperability standard, OPC UA, was developed by the OPC Foundation.
OPC DA	Open Platform Communications Data Access	An OPC Foundation specification that defines how real-time data can be transferred between a data source and a data sink (for example: a PLC and an HMI) without either of them having to know each other's native protocol.
OPC UA	Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture	This machine-to-machine protocol for industrial automation supports a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA).
OTA	Over-the-Air	Over-the-Air updates facilitate device software updates. OTA refers to the methods for distributing software, configuration settings, and even updating encryption keys.
PaaS	Platform as a Service	Manufacturing Connect Edge is a cloud platform (PaaS) that provides connectivity with IoT systems to collect data that enables device monitoring and management.
PLC	Programmable Logic Controller	A specialized small computer with a built-in optimized operating system used in industrial machines and sensors.
RBAC	Role-Based Access Control	Enables customization of access control lists, which define who can access data, based on their assigned roles.
REST	Representational State Transfer	REST provides a web service for exchanging messages between devices. Application programming interfaces (APIs) can be used to glean essential information from JSON over HTTP (refer to REST API with JSON). Users can use REST APIs to develop their own interfaces.
SCADA	Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition	An architecture for industrial control systems that includes sensors, control relays, PLCs, computers, and applications that directly interface with managed systems. The SCADA HMI (Human-Machine Interface) enables interactivity with devices.
SOA	Service-Oriented Architecture	This approach to building systems focuses on business processes for which services need to be developed and supported. This is a departure from the development of systems that focus on hardware, software, and networking resources.
SOAP	Simple Object Access Protocol	SOAP provides a web service that defines a standard communication protocol for exchanging messages between devices.
SSH	Secure Shell	Protocol for secure communication over a network.
SSL	Secure Socket Layer	Protocol for secure communication over a network.
TFA	Two Factor Authentication	Adds an extra layer of security for user logins.
TLS	Transport Layer Security	Protocol for secure communication over a network.

Updated 02 May 2024

Configure DCOM for OPC DA Connections

Limitations