Interoperability and integration are defined by ISO Technical Committee 184, Subcommittee 5 (ISO/TC 184/SC 5), Architecture, Communications and Integration Frameworks as follows:
Interoperability
Two or more entities (devices, equipment, machines, people, processes, applications, software units, systems, enterprises) can exchange items (information, material, energy, control, assets, ideas) in order to perform their respective tasks.
Items exchanged according to a set of rules and mechanisms implemented by an interface in each entity.
Inter-operating entities have a common understanding of the properties of the items exchanged.
Integration
Two or more component entities (each with a distinct structure, behavior and boundary) form a system that exhibits its own distinct structure, behavior, and boundary.
A task is perceived to be accomplished by a system and not by component entities performing individual tasks.
Component entities cooperate, collaborate, coordinate and exchange items as needed to perform a systems task.
Interoperability among component entities is a pre-requisite to system integration.
Why Should End Users Join IICI?
For end users, IICI key benefits include:
Public list of certified products and system integrators
Single unbiased point of compliance testing and certification
IICI certified products save lifecycle integration time & costs
Reduced costs and time in product selection and deployment
Improved system reliability and responsiveness assured by interoperable products out of the box to known high degree
Provides a Voice of the Customer and Voice of the Market
A voice in IICI and into form of adaptive manufacturing for global economic growth
