What is OPC DA?

OPC Data Access (OPC DA) is a standard that enables the exchange of real-time data between industrial automation and control applications and hardware devices. It provides a consistent way for software applications to access data from different hardware devices, regardless of the device manufacturer or communication protocol. It is commonly used to build SCADA systems, HMIs, and other industrial automation applications where data must be aggregated from disparate sources. However, OPC DA is based on Microsoft's COM/DCOM technology, which can be complex to configure and maintain, and it is primarily suitable for Windows-based systems. Newer OPC standards, such as OPC UA, are now preferred for new deployments.