Can older CNC or nonstandard equipment participate in a connected shop?

Direct answer

Often, yes. The useful path might be a native machine protocol, DPRNT or other messages handled through DNC-Max, a serial interface, external I/O, or edge and gateway hardware for isolation or protocol translation. The same approach can extend to equipment that is not a conventional CNC when its file flow or production events matter. Define the required outcome before choosing how to connect it; replacing productive equipment is not automatically required.