Interoperability of Industrial Communication Protocols in PLC-Based Automation Systems: A Systematic Literature Review
Interoperability in programmable logic controller (PLC)-based automation is challenging because equipment often uses different communication protocols, integration architectures, and evaluation methods. This systematic literature review examined English-language, Scopus-indexed, open-access primary studies published from 2015 to 2026. Studies were selected using predefined eligibility criteria, with the selection process reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Thirty studies were included in a structured narrative synthesis. OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) was the most frequently identified communication mechanism (n = 14), followed by Modbus TCP/RTU (n = 8). Other mechanisms included PROFINET, OPC Data Access, messaging interfaces, and vendor-specific communication. The most identified dominant integration architecture was gateway/edge/IT bridge (n=9), followed by semantic/information-model integration and OPC server/middleware integration (n=8 each). Three studies focused on cyber-physical/digital twin workflow orchestration. Two studies addressed direct/custom communication adaptation. Reported outcomes included functional data exchange, response time, packet loss, device compatibility, and semantic translation accuracy. By examining communication mechanisms, integration purposes, and validation evidence together, this review identifies limits to cross-study performance comparisons and priorities for more consistent evaluation of PLC interoperability.
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