What is the primary function of an OPC UA server when integrating a third-party PLC into a manufacturing execution system?

The primary function of an OPC UA server in this context is to act as a standardized translation layer that bridges the communication gap between a proprietary Programmable Logic Controller and a Manufacturing Execution System. A Programmable Logic Controller, or PLC, is an industrial computer used to control manufacturing processes, but these devices often use vendor-specific languages and protocols that other software cannot read. A Manu....