Module Type Package (MTP) has been evolving into the industry gold standard for several years. Version 2.0 has recently been released, and zenon, the platform of the software manufacturer COPA-DATA, fully supports the new version. This marks a significant step forward in modular automation.
At the beginning of 2026, Profibus & Profinet International (PI), the industry association for industrial communication, released MTP 2.0. "The interaction of our zenon software platform with the updated standard enables reliable plug-and-produce automation," says Bernhard Korten, Director of Process Automation at COPA-DATA. zenon controls and visualizes MTP modules, resulting in faster, more scalable systems.
Shorter time-to-market
MTP 2.0 particularly benefits industries that require flexible and fast production processes, such as the life sciences and food manufacturing sectors. The growing demand for bespoke products and solutions is leading to increasingly shorter product cycles. Thanks to its modular approach, time-to-market is reduced considerably. MTP 2.0 avoids costly custom adaptations through standardized module integration and lowers engineering effort by enabling reusable, standardized modules.
Reduced engineering effort
A further advantage is vendor-independent orchestration: MTP 2.0 is a communication standard that demonstrates its strengths in modular process integration. In addition, control and visualization can scale flexibly with the production system. Korten: "With MTP and zenon, future-proof modular production becomes reality."
COPA-DATA is an independent software manufacturer that specializes in digitalization for the manufacturing industry and energy sector. Its zenon® software platform enables users worldwide to automate, manage, monitor, integrate and optimize machines, equipment, buildings and power grids. COPA-DATA combines decades of experience in automation with the potential of digital transformation and a strong drive for sustainability-enabling solutions. In this way, the company supports its customers to achieve their objectives more easily, faster and more efficiently.
The family-owned business was founded by Thomas Punzenberger in 1987 in Salzburg, Austria. A sales network of international distributors and 14 subsidiaries ensures that the software is marketed worldwide. More than 50 certified partner companies further support end users with the efficient implementation of the software, particularly in the key industries of food & beverage, energy & infrastructure, automotive and pharmaceutical.
