Open Standards for the Intelligent Product Lifecycle: PTC Supports the Asset Administration Shell

Product data realizes its full value when it is reliably available, understandable, and usable throughout the entire product lifecycle. This is exactly where the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) comes in.

By signing the joint memorandum of understanding between ZVEI and the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA), PTC reaffirms its commitment to open standards, interoperable digital twins, and the sovereign exchange of industrial data. The signing also supports PTC’s strategy for the Intelligent Product Lifecycle (IPL).

The AAS creates a standardized digital representation of products, components, and equipment. It enables the exchange of information across manufacturers and systems, thereby forming an important foundation for digital twins, data spaces, interoperable supply chains, and the Digital Product Passport. For PTC, the AAS does not replace existing systems. Rather, it complements the Intelligent Product Lifecycle by providing a common language for collaboration across organizational boundaries.

PTC’s strategy connects product development, manufacturing, operations, and service based on consistent product and asset data. Openness and interoperability are central principles here. The AAS supports the standardized exchange of this information throughout the entire value chain.

How the PTC portfolio supports open standards

Windchill: The foundation for AAS-based product data

Windchill forms the backbone of the Intelligent Product Lifecycle. The platform manages product structures, bills of materials, configurations, and changes, thereby laying the foundation for consistent, traceable, and reliable product information.

Windchill PLM-Software

With Windchill, you can quickly add value at any stage of the product lifecycle.

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In the context of AAS, this structured product and engineering data can serve as the foundation for standardized digital twins, digital product passports, and the exchange of engineering information throughout the supply chain. Product structures, configurations, and change information can thus be integrated into AAS-based use cases and industrial data rooms in the future.

Orbit: Connecting product definition and the asset lifecycle

PTC Orbit integrates engineering, operational, and service information to provide transparency across the lifecycle of individual assets. The solution bridges the gap between the original product definition and the actual configuration and use in the field.

PTC Orbit

PTC Orbit is a centralized asset intelligence solution for manufacturers and asset operators.

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In the context of AAS, this approach supports the integration of “as-designed,” “as-built,” and “as-maintained” information. This enables standardized asset data to be utilized across development, operations, and service.

Jetstream: Sharing product data across organizational boundaries

PTC Jetstream expands the possibilities for the secure exchange of product information between companies and partners. In conjunction with AAS-based data models, this approach supports open, interoperable value-creation networks and relevant scenarios related to data rooms, supply chains, and the Digital Product Passport.

PTC Jetstream

Secure, real-time collaboration between teams, suppliers, and systems.

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Together with the ecosystem

The successful adoption of open standards can only be achieved through collaboration. That is why PTC is actively involved with ZVEI and IDTA. As a member of both organizations, PTC contributes to the further development of the Asset Administration Shell and supports its practical application in the industry. Florian Harzenetter represents PTC on the IDTA Board of Directors.

From the IDTA’s perspective, open standards are the foundation for the next generation of industrial digital twins:

Together with users, machine builders, component manufacturers, and software providers, PTC is working to apply the Asset Administration Shell to specific use cases throughout the Intelligent Product Lifecycle. The focus is on standardizing product and asset data, greater interoperability between systems and companies, and laying the groundwork for future digital twins, data rooms, and the Digital Product Passport.

For companies, the focus is not on the standard itself, but on the concrete business benefits. The AAS can simplify data exchange along the supply chain, support requirements such as the Digital Product Passport, and improve interoperability between partners and systems.

When engineering data, product configurations, and information about installed assets are provided in a standardized format, manufacturers, suppliers, and operators can process changes more quickly, exchange regulatory information more consistently, and carry out service processes based on a more reliable data foundation. At the same time, this creates an important foundation for AI-based analyses and new digital business models.

By signing the AAS letter of intent, PTC is sending a clear signal in support of open standards and industrial interoperability. Windchill, Orbit, and Jetstream support the vision of an Intelligent Product Lifecycle, in which product and asset data are available, understandable, and connectable throughout the entire lifecycle.

Together with customers, partners, ZVEI, and IDTA, PTC will continue to drive the industrial adoption of open standards and strengthen interoperability throughout the product lifecycle.

After all, the future of the Intelligent Product Lifecycle emerges where product data becomes secure, standardized, and usable across organizational boundaries—in open, interoperable digital ecosystems.