An analysis of interoperability in materials and manufacturing: Definitions, classifications, requirements, and recommendations

In this paper, we analyze the interoperability landscape for materials and manufacturing in a broad sense and with a particular focus in the context of data. To set the stage and give an overview of the various facets of this topic, we collect and compare existing definitions and classifications of interoperability (its types, layers, levels) and summarize recommendations from various entities and communities. After this, we carry out an analysis on a set of interoperability scenarios, propose a broad structure of requirements for interoperability, and list some key components that can be used to meet these requirements, with a particular emphasis on the role of semantic technologies and knowledge representation. Finally, we highlight future challenges and suggest directions for best practices. Throughout the paper, we emphasize common points and differences in the landscape. Through this process, relevant dimensions are identified, and various tables are provided with useful syntheses and structured categorizations that can serve as a base for future theoretical work, as well as immediate practical guidance (e.g., for requirements gathering, literature navigation).