The modern IT landscape of organizations relies on a patchwork of software systems working together as a cohesive ecosystem. Each system does its job well, but rarely speaks the same language. Data is stored in various formats, in different locations, with different rules. The result? Data silo’s, manual work, and slow collaboration, especially when information needs to move across teams or between partners. This is exactly why interoperability has become such a critical topic. But what does it actually mean, and why should you care?

What Interoperability really means

In simple terms, interoperability means the ability [of systems] to connect, understand, and exchange information effortlessly. It’s not just about sending files back and forth; it’s about making sure that data can flow freely between systems. However, for data sharing to be successful, we must ensure that all systems and/or databases involved can interpret and use each other’s data correctly. 

Think of it this way: If two people want to communicate but one speaks Chinese and the other Spanish, nothing meaningful happens without a shared language. The same applies to software. Without shared structures and semantics, data loses its meaning the moment it crosses a system boundary. 

To make systems interoperable, three layers need to work together:

1. System level: Basic connectivity allows systems to technically exchange data. 
2. Structural level: The data follows a consistent format and syntax, allowing the receiving system to read it. 
3. Semantic level: Shared meaning, using standard vocabularies, schemas, and definitions so systems interpret data the same way.

What Interoperability looks like in real life

Interoperability benefits both individual organizations and those that work together. Precisely what happens in supply chains, long-term asset lifecycles, and project-driven environments.

Take the AECO industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations). It depends on cooperation between asset owners, engineers, contractors, and operators. Every company uses different tools, such as those used in Systems Engineering or BIM. Every discipline produces different data. And every project requires that information can be exchanged without barriers. Yet today, data gets lost between project phases, teams spend hours manually re-entering data, software migrations become expensive, and tools share files but not the meaning. 

As projects become more complex and timelines shrink, this lack of interoperability makes it harder to maintain control and quality. It is therefore essential to shape future-proof information management and data exchange based on interoperability. If this data were interoperable, different software systems could interpret and read it, allowing for intelligent sharing. 

Why Interoperability Is Becoming a Must-Have

Interoperability is no longer just a ‘nice to have.’ It is becoming a strategic requirement for organizations that must collaborate to achieve desired results. In fact, it allows organizations to:

• Enhance efficiency by eliminating repetitive and manual data handling tasks. 
• Improve collaboration with partners and clients.
• Automate workflows and reduce error-prone handovers. 

And not to forget: interoperability removes the time-consuming, frustrating data translations and ‘copy-paste jobs’ that you’re used to today. 

If you want to learn more about how Semmtech supports you in driving interoperability and sharing information easily between different systems? Then schedule an inspirational session with Herman Hoekman.