A data transport system includes nodes configured to communicate with local devices via independent native protocols and to store a metadata schema that defines a data interface for process variables. The data transport system includes a computing system programmed to communicate with an application and the nodes using a media independent messaging service that is layered over respective communication protocols associated with the application and the nodes. The computing system receives, from the nodes, metadata corresponding to the data interface and dynamically render a web application programming interface (API) that allows users of the application to access the process variables.