FieldComm Group and FDT Group have outlined a plan to create a business aimed at advancing integration technology and harmonizing control system applications across multiple protocol topologies supporting process and factory automation.
Subject to the completion of a definitive agreement, this new business will continue to support all existing FieldComm Group and FDT Group technologies, including Field Device Integration (FDI), Field Device Tool/Device Type Manager (FDT/DTM), Process Automation Device Information Model (PA-DIM), HART and Foundation Fieldbus. As part of the agreement, FieldComm Group will acquire all FDT technology and resources. An independent strategic integration committee will be formed to guide future directions for protocol-independent device integration technologies.
Work of the new strategic integration committee will focus on a protocol-agnostic device integration approach to foster alliances with protocol organizations such as CC-Link Partner Association, EtherCAT Technology Group, FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, Modbus, Profibus/Profinet International and others.
Fieldcomm and FDT state that, “within this strategic committee, cutting-edge technologies, tools and certifications will streamline cost-effective adoption for members while providing a single device package compatible with any operating system that will enable effortless data access from field devices to cloud, edge and mobile applications. This initiative promotes comprehensive integration between information technology and operations technology (IT/OT) systems.”
According to the two groups, this move represents “a significant step forward in streamlining process automation and factory manufacturing device management, enhancing interoperability throughout the industry. The unified organization is pioneering a transformative vision where industrial device management seamlessly bridges the present and future, ensuring support for the current installed base while facilitating evolution towards harmonized technologies.”
