The IoT (Internet of Things) requires interoperability.
Interoperability is the ability of systems or organizations to carry out data exchange . This means that the entities in question share protocols, methodologies and standards that enable information to flow and be used by the different parties involved in the process.
It can be said that interoperability implies coordination . Generally, the exchange of information takes place automatically or with limited human intervention.
Importance of interoperability
Interoperability, by favoring the sending, receiving and processing of data between applications or departments, contributes to the development of operations and investigations. When two or more systems can communicate and synchronize data in real time , efficiency increases and it becomes possible to provide more and better services.
Interoperability is understood as compatibility in communication . In interoperable systems there is a common understanding of the information, which facilitates its dissemination and use. Likewise, the fact that communication occurs through the same platform favors data control, protecting your privacy.
The benefits of this interconnectivity include improvements in productivity and reduced costs . It also simplifies scalability: companies have tools to expand their operations since they encounter fewer operational and structural barriers.
An API (Application Programming Interface) contributes to interoperability.
Its operation
To understand how interoperability works, you must first be clear that each system has its specifications . That is, it has its own characteristics in terms of hardware (physical structure), software (computer programs) and its way of operating.
The existence of interoperability, in this framework, demands an agreement between systems : they must establish common rules or guidelines for the possible exchange of data, regardless of their differences. This standardization allows connectivity and integration of systems, which can take place at different levels.
From the first elementary level of interoperability we can move towards greater integration. Key to this progress is the construction of a shared knowledge base to which all interconnected systems can access.
Interoperability is essential in Industry 4.0.
Examples of interoperability
Interoperability is key in multiple sectors. As we already indicated, its use allows us to improve efficiency and productivity, helps advance research and increases the range of services.
At the State level, interoperability contributes to efficient management. We speak of interoperability in e-Government (electronic government) when the transfer of files and data between different ministries and government areas can be carried out, thereby facilitating the procedures that citizens must carry out and optimizing the provision of public services.
Data interoperability, meanwhile, is very important in the health field. When hospital information systems are interconnected, health care improves since doctors have facilities to access the patient's clinical history, share information with other professionals, report the results of studies, etc. Interoperability in telemedicine is another point in favor for the user.
Entities and forces dedicated to emergency response must also have systems with interoperability capacity. In the event of an alert, health services, firefighters and police, for example, must access information instantly to provide assistance. This way the response can be coordinated.
It is also interesting to mention the case of electronic payment systems , which are increasingly popular. Interoperability makes it possible for an individual to pay with their phone regardless of the bank account or virtual wallet used by both they and the recipient. This means that the QR code of any company can be scanned and that the systems are able to exchange data securely and in real time so that there are no delays in the debiting and crediting of money.
The levels
As we have mentioned, it is possible to recognize different levels of interoperability:
- Basic level : Allows information to be shared over a network, but does not allow its interpretation. Usually a person has to act to enter the data manually and thus enable understanding.
- Syntactic level : Also called structural , it provides the data structure that the different systems are able to interpret. Thus, the systems obtain data from external sources and interpret it, allowing it to be processed.
- Semantic level : The various systems work together with a basic but unambiguous interpretation.
- Organizational level : It is the most advanced interoperability, since systems can exchange data that is interpreted transcending the technical framework.
Obstacles to interoperability
Interoperability often faces various obstacles. The lack of open standards is one of the most common as it hinders the free exchange of data: without standards of this type, one is forced to resort to solutions from specific developers or providers, increasing costs and generating captivity.
When there are no common standards and communication protocols differ, interoperability is not achieved. Likewise, compatible file systems are needed so that information can be exchanged.
Data privacy is another barrier to interoperability. Special measures are needed to protect user data, an issue that can be a difficulty for certain organizations.