HKI member companies, supported by the OPC Foundation, have developed the DIN/TS 18898 “Commercial Kitchen Equipment – Communication Interface for Professional Kitchen Appliances – OPC Unified Architecture”.

This standard makes it possible to integrate commercial kitchen equipment from different manufacturers into higher-level systems. By providing a unified understanding of device-generated data, it enables standardised, semantically unambiguous, and manufacturer-independent access to equipment information.

The standardised interface eliminates proprietary “island solutions” – a common challenge for operators with mixed-brand kitchens – making it significantly easier to integrate equipment into IT, building, energy, or IoT systems.

Simplified data integration unlocks real-world benefits for digital applications and value-added services, including:

• HACCP data documentation and archiving
• Process monitoring, analysis and visualisation
• Error reporting and alarm functions
• Support for process optimisation and efficiency improvements

By adopting DIN/TS 18898, members ensure their equipment is future-ready, interoperable, and optimised for digital kitchens, giving operators the tools they need to streamline operations, improve safety, and drive innovation.

See the device groups currently defined in DIN/TS 18898.