Members of the Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) Packaging Working Group’s PackML and PackSpec committees met in December at B&R Industrial Automation’s facility in Atlanta to develop a universal controls specification for packaging machinery based on OMAC packaging guidelines, and to simplify PackML. According to B&R, simplified PackML will benefit small and mid-market companies by making productivity-enhancing practices like OEE more accessible. The committees clarified and simplified ISA TR88.00.02 language, and identified the most frequently used PackTags to facilitate the fastest returns on investment for users and developers. PackSpec harmonized its specification document with the PackML revisions to beta test the specification with an end user and OEM, and to develop a test protocol. The teams outlined a five-year plan to present to OMAC Packaging Group leadership that covers TR88 revisions, educational activities, a modular programming template and harmonization with the Weihenstephan protocol.