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This chapter contains a summary of the current state of the ISO data model ISO14649 for Numerical Controller also known as STEP-NC. It details the reasons and need for an industrial STEP-NC paradigm shift by showing the benefits that would be immediately realizable using currently available tools and knowledge. Specific focus is given to the SPAIM application as it is one of the most advanced STEP-NC enabling applications available today that allows realizing those benefits. In considering the future possibilities of STEP-NC and the need for continued implementation, four important and complex topics are addressed. These topics would enable an increase in: interoperability through hybrid manufacturing environments, manufacturing supervision and traceability, flexibility and efficiency with high knowledge and information transfer as well as production optimization and simulation in multi-process …