NAMUR Open Architecture for Smarter Industrial Weighing

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25 Mar, 2026

Seamless Integration for Brownfield and Greenfield Projects

NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) is transforming how process industries access and use device and sensor data. The core principle of NOA is a parallel information channel that provides access to critical diagnostic and condition-monitoring data without interfering with existing deterministic automation and control systems. This approach is fully supported by METTLER TOLEDO. It enables predictive maintenance, smart services, and data-driven insights while maintaining process stability.

NAMUR Open Architecture for Smarter Industrial Weighing

Parallel Access to Diagnostics and Predictive Maintenance Data

Through NOA, users can access standardized information such as sensor health, device status, and performance indicators via a protected, non-intrusive channel. This makes predictive maintenance actionable while ensuring production processes remain unaffected. End-user benefits include:

Reduced downtime

Early detection of sensors or system issues prevents unplanned stoppages.

Improved decision-making

Standardized diagnostic data provides clear insights into asset health.

Simplified integration

Parallel data access allows monitoring without modifying existing control systems.

Lower operational costs

Proactive maintenance reduces repair costs and extends equipment lifetime.

IND360 and Multimount with POWERCELL®: Open, Scalable, and Smart-Diagnostics Ready

Bilfinger SE is a consulting, engineering, installation, and service company for users of automation technology in process industries. NAMUR mandated them to validate the NOA concept for weighing. Bilfinger demonstrated the parallel communication using IND360 and POWERCELL:

- PROFINET standard with a Siemens PLC for deterministic OT communication,

- OPC UA Companion Specification Weighing for non-deterministic IT integration into MES.

The IND360 automation weight indicator is designed for open communication and advanced condition monitoring. With OPC UA, including the OPC UA Companion Specification for Weighing, IND360 provides standardized, vendor-neutral access to both measurement and diagnostic data that are key for NOA integration.

IND360 also incorporates METTLER TOLEDO Smart 5 condition monitoring, which is based on a NAMUR norm (NE 107) and provides clear, structured diagnostic information to support predictive maintenance and asset-health monitoring. Smart 5 integrates seamlessly into digital maintenance systems and offers a standardized approach to status reporting.

When combined with POWERCELL load cell technology, IND360 provides:

Rich diagnostics from individual load cells, such as condition, drift, and early fault indicators,
Parallel channel access to diagnostic information for predictive maintenance,
Open communication capabilities for easy integration into IT and OT environments,
A future-ready network architecture supporting modern automation demands,
Plug-and-play cables with connectors, enabling easy replacement and eliminating the need for junction boxes typically required by traditional analog load cells.

When paired with third-party or non-POWERCELL sensors, IND360 still delivers:

Reliable weighing performance with standardized device status information,
Individual load cell monitoring for improved condition assessment and center-of-gravity applications,
Parallel channel access to key application and measurement data,
Detection of critical load-cell issues, such as broken cables, and the ability to monitor individual load cell values to identify negative trends not visible with traditional analog indicators,
Open communication interfaces, including OPC UA and MQTT, for seamless IT/OT integration.

Whether upgrading an operating site or designing a new facility, METTLER TOLEDO solutions integrate smoothly into NOA-compliant architectures:

Brownfield: IND360 can be added to existing systems on a case-by-case basis, providing reliable weighing, individual load cell monitoring, advanced error detection, and open OPC UA/MQTT connectivity,
Greenfield: New installations benefit from open, standardized communication and integrated Smart 5 monitoring from day one.

METTLER TOLEDO Industrial Weighing is prepared to support the increasing expectations for data transparency, predictive maintenance, and open connectivity. With IND360, POWERCELL technology, and Smart 5 condition monitoring based on NAMUR NE107, our solutions deliver reliable, standardized, and scalable NOA-compatible weighing systems that can help your plants operate efficiently today and remain future-ready.

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NAMUR Open Architecture for Smarter Industrial Weighing

Seamless Integration for Brownfield and Greenfield Projects

Seamless Integration for Brownfield and Greenfield Projects