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With increasing digitalization, previously largely independent units are being interconnected over large areas, sometimes beyond national borders. For this interconnection to work, it is important that these systems speak a common language. This means that instead of manufacturer- or application-specific communication protocols, the systems must use a common, standardized communication protocol. Another important criterion is that this protocol is open, so that no potential communication partners are excluded.

For the generation and distribution of electrical energy, the IEC 61850 standard already defines such a communication protocol. Originally, this standard was created only for station automation. However, since this standard was designed to be open – open in the sense of being freely accessible, non-proprietary, and manufacturer-independent, and not fixed to a specific application – it is suitable not only for the interregional networking of energy systems. The standard can also be easily supplemented with additional data models, allowing for application purposes outside of energy systems, such as building automation, or, as has already been successfully implemented, the automation of (road) tunnels. Today, standards for other application areas already refer to IEC 61850 and define corresponding data models, such as IEC 61400-25 for communication with wind turbines. This allows individual systems from different application areas to be summarized into an integrated system. The data generated in this system can thus be transmitted and evaluated in a uniform manner. If necessary, control operations can also be executed centrally via this communication standard.

The IEC 61850 standard series also defines criteria by which manufacturers of devices or applications that use the standard can have their products tested for compliance. This ensures that communication works even in a heterogeneous environment, as will be the case with the large-scale interconnection of previously largely isolated and independent systems. Certification for standard compliance is conducted in test laboratories accredited by the responsible organization, UCAIug.