FDT Group™ and International Society of Automation (ISA) today announced that FDT® 2.0 technology has been fully adopted as ISA/ANSI North American standards. The standard will meet demands in the region for open, standardized device integration on an enterprise-wide basis. It will enhance the integration and application of various field buses and devices, in addition to promoting widespread implementation of standards-based automation solutions.
FDT Group is a member-based, international, non-profit corporation that promotes the proliferation of an open standard for network and asset integration, empowering the intelligent enterprise. FDT is recognized as the defacto integration standard established and adopted by millions of automation stakeholders around the globe.
ISA 103 Chairman Ian Verhappen oversaw the ISA committee‘s unanimous approval by its voting member community. “I would like to thank our informational and voting members who were dedicated to reviewing and commenting on the ISA 103 standard, allowing the region to adopt modern automation technology integration solutions.” Verhappen said.
FDT Group Managing Director Glenn Schulz commented, “I want to acknowledge Mr. Verhappen and his service to ISA and thank the ISA 103 committee for its commitment to the advancement of the FDT 2.0 specification to ISA adoption. The United States is a key market for manufacturing for both suppliers and producers, who rely on standards-based technologies to improve automation efficiencies and bottom-line cost benefits. In addition to ISA/ANSI standardization in the USA, FDT 2.0 has been adopted as IEC 62453 and China GB/T 29618-2017.”
The FDT 2.0 standard addresses market requirements in the American market by defining the interfaces for both vertical and the horizontal data flow, called Function Control and Data Access, in the framework of a Client-Server architecture. It allows application software and configuration tools to interact with field devices in a unified way, while hiding the manufacturer-specific interaction with devices or sub-systems in a software module. Additionally, the standard allows any field bus-, device- or sub-system-specific software tool to be integrated as part of a universal lifecycle management tool within a plant automation system.
The FDT 2.0 specification employs a future-proof architecture based on Microsoft .NET technology and offers all the properties needed by modern software right up to web- and client/server-based systems. The specification is based on robust .NET technology and maintains proven FDT heritage. At the same time, it includes numerous performance enhancements while ensuring backward compatibility with the existing FDT installed base – enabling multi-generational equipment to co-exist.
FDT is transforming the way industrial automation architectures connect and communicate sensor to cloud. Ongoing advancement of this technology is leveraging major developments such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 to enable end users to realize the true potential of decentralization, interoperability and integration, as well as a unified view of all data and functions across process, factory and hybrid control applications.
For more information, please visit the FDT Group website.
About FDT Group AISBL
The FDT Group AISBL is an international non-profit corporation consisting of leading worldwide member companies active in industrial automation and manufacturing. The major purpose of the FDT Group is to provide an open standard for enterprise-wide network and asset integration, innovating the way automation architectures connect and communicate sensor to cloud for the process, hybrid and factory automation markets. FDT Technology benefits both manufacturers and end users, with advancements such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 delivered out-of-the-box – enabling modernized asset integration and access to performance data for visualizing crucial operational problems. Around the world, end users, manufacturers, universities, and research organizations are working together to develop the technology; provide development tools, support, and training; coordinate field trials and demonstrations; and enable product interoperability.
About ISA
The International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety, and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1945, ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its 40,000 members and 400,000 customers around the world.
FDT® is a registered trademark of FDT Group AISBL. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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