## 1 Introduction  
Virtual commissioning (VC) is changing the manufacturing industry by employing computer simulation to test and optimize production systems ahead of their physical implementation. In the past ten years, learning factories have quickly become a hub for exploring new manufacturing strategies and cutting-edge technologies and acquiring new skills [1]. Nowadays, industrial environments are primarily driven by the worldwide need for the integration of robots and automated systems. The extensive adoption of VC is aimed at quickly authorizing robotic automated cells, leading to cost reductions. The concept of enabling interoperability between software solutions from various suppliers emerged as a response to the constraints imposed by companies, which often require the use of comprehensive software packages. At present, top-rated industrial robotics manufacturers have introduced platforms and software that have resolved many of the major challenges associated with virtual commissioning. Platforms like Process Simulate [2] and Visual Components [3] have addressed the issue of inconsistencies between building the physical model for a virtual device, a solid model with kinematics, and constructing the logical model for a virtual device. Over time, these environments have enhanced their parameterization process, shifting from a slow and labor-intensive manual method to a much faster and simpler approach [4], but other issues remained unsolved, and cost-effective attempts are still awaited. The present research closes a gap in the scientific literature concerning software connection between the systems. The importance of the topic consists of its capacity to bridge the logic control software developed by a company in the automation industry, and the robotic simulation software provided by leading companies within the market segment. This connection is crucial for automation systems and simulation technologies, improving their efficiency, fostering cost savings when implementing industrial robots and automated systems. The study addresses a persistent need in an era marked by the rapid expansion of automated solutions across industries. Currently, industrial robots find extensive application in assembling, handling, and various other industrial sectors [5]. Software integration is important as smart factories experience complex development strategies [6], and one of the main trends in Industry 4.0 is the concept of virtual commissioning of automated lines containing industrial robots [7]. The present approach encompasses the development of advanced tools that in turn are shaped by different stages such as extensive CAD development, testing through virtual implementation, offline simulation, manufacturing, and commissioning. Currently, the major challenge that different industrial equipment suppliers experience represents the development of hardware and software tools that allow compatibility between software solutions, to avoid extensive testing before implementation and to evade non-conformities that lead to exceeding the terms of site commissioning. In order to reach the actual commissioning targets, it is necessary to undergo two main stages such as software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop simulations, but hybrid commissioning can also be considered [8]. This research is focused on improving the compatibility between the software provided by industrial equipment suppliers, which are major competitors in the automotive industry. Challenges encountered when establishing connections between software offered by various providers primarily refer to the limitations within the operational interfaces [8]. These are closely followed by issues related to file formats and communication incompatibilities. The solutions to these problems involve comprehensive, step-by-step parameterization of the software's functions. This also includes categorizing and classifying software based on their capabilities and various levels of complexity in terms of commissioning [8].