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Yokogawa Electric Corporation announces the release of the latest version of OpreX™ Collaborative Information Server, a product in the OpreX Control and Safety Systems lineup, with enhancements that strengthen its usability, multi-vendor integration capabilities, and overall system security, thereby increasing its operability as an integrated human machine interface (HMI).
OpreX Collaborative Information Server provides an information infrastructure that collects and centrally manages the vast amounts of data generated by equipment and systems in plants, wherever they may be located around the world, enabling cross-functional visibility across all production activities. By delivering the necessary information at the right time through integrated and remote operation environments, the system supports efficient plant operations and rapid decision-making. The enhanced version will be released on June 12, 2026.
Development Background
Throughout the process industry, many different kinds of machinery and equipment are in use at manufacturing plants and other types of facilities. This is driving the need for an integrated HMI environment that will enable efficient operation and monitoring while providing an overview of the entire production facility.
At the same time, this demand by field operators for the migration to new systems is accompanied by a desire to retain the same screen layouts and operational look and feel of the control systems they are currently using. Although OpreX Collaborative Information Server is now increasingly used as an integrated HMI, additional engineering has sometimes been required to ensure a familiar operational environment and high compatibility with the human interface station (HIS) of Yokogawa’s CENTUM VP integrated production control system, which is part of the same OpreX Control and Safety Systems lineup.
Furthermore, as the use of devices and software from a variety of vendors has expanded in recent years, reducing the application development workload, improving interoperability, and enhancing security have become key challenges in building a common platform.
In response to these needs, Yokogawa has enhanced the functionality of OpreX Collaborative Information Server.
Main Features
1. Realization of integrated HMI with similar operability and high compatibility with conventional HIS
With OpreX Collaborative Information Server’s integrated operation and monitoring interface, it is now possible to directly access specific operation and monitoring windows of CENTUM VP’s HIS. This enables field operators to use OpreX Collaborative Information Server as an integrated HMI environment while maintaining the same functions, screen configurations, and operability as a conventional HIS.
In addition, screens from connected systems can be displayed via a remote desktop, further enhancing the convenience and usability of the integrated HMI environment.
2. Improved efficiency in application development
OpreX Collaborative Information Server’s OPC UA• server information model function has been enhanced to support the use of multiple information models when connecting to equipment from different vendors. This makes it easier to accommodate differences in device and system configurations, thereby improving the efficiency of application development and achieving high levels of integration and interoperability.
* OPC Unified Architecture（UA）standardized internationally in 2018 under IEC 62541, enhances interoperability through platform independence, robust security features, and comprehensive information modeling.
3. Reduction of IT security risks
OpreX Collaborative Information Server now supports Yokogawa’s IT Security Tool, a security configuration package that is based on the CIS Benchmarks*. Applying this tool enhances the settings of Windows computers with OpreX Collaborative Information Server installed, contributing to a reduction in security risks across the entire platform.
* The CIS Benchmarks (cisecurity.org) are best-practice guidelines for secure system configuration published by the Center for Internet Security (CIS®) in the United States.
Major Target Markets
Oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemicals, renewable energy, power, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, food, mining, iron and steel, water distribution, and wastewater treatment
Applications
Plant monitoring and control; data collection, provision, storage, etc.
About OpreX
OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation and control business. OpreX Collaborative Information Server belongs to the OpreX Control and Safety Systems family in the OpreX Control category. OpreX Control delivers exceptionally reliable technology that responds quickly to changes in management and operations and establishes the foundation needed for high efficiency, high quality, safety, and stability in plant operations.
About Yokogawa
Yokogawa (yokogawa.com) provides advanced solutions in the areas of measurement, control, and information to customers across a broad range of industries, including energy, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, and food. Yokogawa addresses customer issues regarding the optimization of production, assets, and the supply chain with the effective application of digital technologies, enabling the transition to autonomous operations.
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 18,000+ employees in a global network of 135 companies spanning 63 countries.
The names of corporations, organizations, products, services and logos herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, The Open Group, OPC Foundation, or their respective holders.
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