Device management for mobile and OPC UA applications.

The FDT Group™ has announced certification of its first Device Specific DTM based on the latest FDT 3.0 standard supporting the HART protocol from Flowserve Corporation. The newest certified Logix 3820 Series DTM is deployable using their positioners supporting HART 6 / 7, tackling flow control challenges designed for modern IIoT architectures.

FDT DTM certification to the FDT 3.0 specification and webUI is a process whereby rigorous compliance testing using dtmINSPECTOR5 ensures the viability of the states of the DTM; its correct installation, de-installation, and multi-user environment capability; mandatory and optional user interface functionality and robustness; network scanning communication performance and the ability to import and export the topology; and the audit trail capability.

“Flowserve is proud to be the first vendor to offer a software-based webUI DTM based on FDT 3.0.” Says Manjunath Atchutanna, global digital technology manager at Flowserve Corporation. “The industry is transformative with flow control applications designated as critical control. Our new DTM* meets modern use case challenges that extend standardized device management for valve control to mobile solutions and other higher-level applications using OPC UA, enabling service-oriented maintenance scenarios.”

FDT 3.0 DTMs are crucial to unlocking universal device integration with essential advantages such as platform independence, mobility solutions, and a contemporary development environment to reduce costs and expedite the DTM certification process. Users can use secure and seamless data exchange/interrogation from the sensor to the cloud and achieve new levels of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) integration.

“This certification is a milestone in market penetration and technology development,” says Steve Biegacki, FDT Group managing director. “Flowserve has always been a leader in flow control using DTM technology and now offers the first flow control management DTM standardized for IIoT architectures based on FDT 3.0 for HART applications. HART users can deploy this new DTM and reap the benefits by using an FDT 3.0-based device management tool, such as PACTware 6.1, and can enjoy an IT/OT data-centric model by deploying an FDT Server, extending the data reach to mobile applications and the enterprise.”

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* The DTM can be downloaded from Flowserve’s website.

@FDTGroup @Flowserve #PAuto 

Device configuration environment software.

FDT Group's PACTware consortium has released its latest software version, PACTware 6.1, based on the latest FDT3 standard. PACTware 6.1 is one of the first FDT3 stand-alone device configuration environments available. The software tool’s source code is available to the PACTware Consortium membership consisting of 22 automation vendors who offer the FDT-enabled hosting product to the user community at no cost. 

By leveraging the modern FDT3 Unified Environment for intelligent device management, PACTware 6.1 users will enjoy the ability to support their current FDT DTM install base and support modern FDT3 web-based DTMs that are scalable for IIoT architectures. This release also supports integration with FDI Device Packages.

Suppliers of industrial automation systems and devices want to provide solutions that enable the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). To meet their customers’ needs, it is vital for suppliers to enhance their system and device offerings with standards-based, platform-independent, information-driven business models. The new FDT3 standard is accelerating the digital manufacturing journey by enabling an ecosystem of FDT-based solutions providing a unified environment for industrial device management with IT/OT data-driven operations.

“Upgrading to FDT3 is a critical step to serve the best interest of the broad automation market and diverse membership looking for next generation intelligent device management solutions.” States Holger Sack, chairman of the board for PACTware consortium. “The updated PACTware 6.1 application empowers users with the flexibility to deploy their choice of device data model that now supports both FDI and FDT3 DTMs with a simple and recognizable tool to configure a wide range of field components, independent of the manufacturer or protocol deployed. This minimizes the amount of work involved, ensures application safety, and reduces training requirements.”

In addition to the new FDT3 standard that fully describes the FDT Desktop environment and FDT web-based device DTM, the standard also defines a cloud-based FDT Server environment for distributed control. The new FDT3 DTM and FDT Server are OPC UA- and -mobile ready without any coding, allowing users an easy to use and scalable migration path of OT data to IT enterprise applications.

“The PACTware consortium is a leader for products based on the FDT standard. The solution is widely deployed today as the most popular FDT Desktop point-to-point application simplifying configuration, operation, and maintenance practices,” observes Steve Biegacki, FDT Group managing director. “By supporting FDT3, PACTware 6.1 future proofs its platform and expands integration capabilities while supporting the millions of device DTMs in service today. Additionally, it creates a path for the FDT Server environment providing workforce mobility solutions, as well as data harmonization for enterprise-wide applications. This is a huge win for the industry."

@FDTGroup #PAuto 

Membership leveling up with DTM!

KSR KUEBLER is the newest member of the FDT Group™. The company is developing FDT-based Device Type Managers™ (DTMs™) for its level measurement transmitters for integration in FDT-enabled engineering workstation environments to meet customer application demands.

With over 60 years of industry experience, KSR KUEBLER’s is part of the WIKA Group headquartered in Zwingenberg (D). The company offers a worldwide network of production locations in Germany, China, India, France, GB, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa. Serving the oil & gas, power / nuclear, hygienic, pharmaceutic, and industrial machines, their level solutions offer the versatility and flexibility focused on reliable liquid measurements in tanks, storage, and process vessels, reactors, and boilers.

Customer requests for FDT DTM-based devices are common in the market. Today, millions of DTM-enabled devices are serviced by FDT-enabled engineering environments around the globe. The open architecture solution simplifies device integration, configuration and monitoring providing a unified environment for data access to all connected assets, supporting reliable operations and predictive maintenance strategies. The standard has evolved to support a platform agnostic service-oriented architecture using the FDT3 specification. The new IIoT architecture extends data access to IT/OT authenticated OPC UA, FDT, and mobile clients/device independent of the topology - protocols, networks, and device solutions simplifying asset management for the process, hybrid and discrete markets.

“A sensor is not just hardware anymore,” commented Thomas Gerling, ceo for KSR KUEBLER. “FDT Group paves the path to the IIoT future. We are thrilled to extend DTM support for our Magnetostrictive Level Transmitters that will provide near real-time level measurement used for high-accuracy continuous level detection of liquids. Requests for DTM support and certification from our customers was a driving factor in our decision to become an FDT member. We look forward to evolving our solution to meet the latest FDT3 standard to deliver mobility services with newer webUI-based DTMs.”

“Modernisation to maximize production uptime is critical to meeting industry demands,” Steve Biegacki, FDT managing director said. “FDT enables vendors with standardized software-based device DTM solutions that deliver predictive data intelligence to engineering workstations, IT/OT clients/mobile devices and other higher level applications providing operators with a comprehensive diagnostic view of the health of the device, network, and process. We are pleased to welcome KSR KUEBLER to the FDT family of leading manufacturers thriving in the market with FDT-enabled devices.”

@FDTGroup @KSR_KUEBLER @WIKANews #PAuto #Standard

Testing automated and streamlined.

FDT Group™ has announced that all FDT Accredited Test Sites are equipped with the new FDT 3.0 dtmINSPECTOR5 test tool and are ready to accept new FDT 3.0 device DTMs for testing and certification.

The launch of the updated FDT 3.0 DTM certification process and supporting dtmINSPECTOR5 test tool has been finalized, allowing instrument suppliers to streamline development, testing, and certification to bring new web based DTMs to market. FDT 3.0 Web User Interface (UI)-based DTMs support next-generation monitoring and optimization practices by empowering standardized IT/OT data access to any authenticated client or mobile device, thus improving production workflow initiatives.

FDT DTM certification to the FDT 3.0 specification and UI is a process whereby rigorous compliance testing using dtmINSPECTOR5 ensures the viability of the states of the DTM; its correct installation, de-installation and multi-user environment capability; mandatory and optional user interface functionality and robustness; network scanning communication performance and the ability to import and export the topology; and the audit trail capability.

“Unlike previous versions of the standard, FDT 3.0 DTMs are required to be certified, while also meeting both specification and UI Style Guide conformance,” said James Loh, FDT Group test and certification chairman. “Compliant FDT 3.0 DTMs allow open access to intelligent devices and the myriad of information available from those devices, networks, and processes. End users will benefit from the new generation of DTMs as they provide monitoring optimization capabilities, including uniform data and NE107 status alerts to the user interface that employs a responsive design focused on mobilizing secure remote access independent of the device, system, browser, operating system, etc.”

The key to FDT 3.0-compliant DTM development is the use of FDT Group’s Common Components and dtmINSPECTOR5 toolkits. Toolkit licensing is required and provides all the standard code needed to meet FDT 3.0 specification conformance including OPC Unified Architecture (UA) capabilities, allowing developers to focus on value-add parameter profile customizations. Additionally, Common Components provides a fast way for development teams to view DTMs in an FDT hosting (Desktop or Server) application and understand the communication flow between them. With the toolkit’s WebUI, they can see how different DTMs work together across various machines and operating systems. The use of dtmINSPECTOR5 enables developers to run internal tests to identify technical issues prior to submitting their DTM to an independent test site for certification. The test site uses the same version of the tool to run conformance test cases and generate a report on their results.

Once a DTM is developed and has met all the mandatory testing and compliance requirements with a FDT Accredited Test Site, the certification files are compressed, digitally signed, and submitted via a private channel to the FDT Group Certification Office. The FDT Group uploads Certified FDT 3.0 DTMs to the FDThub repository for convenient storage and management. This repository, which can be hosted in the cloud or on-premise, is the result of user-driven demand for a single location to find certified DTMs and updates. The FDThub leverages the workflow from independent test centers to the FDT Group certification office so that all certified DTMs are automatically uploaded to the repository and made readily available to the end user community. This solution eliminates work for the vendor and is a key benefit stemming from the mandatory DTM certification process.

@FDTGroup #PAuto #TandM

Senior sales at British subsidiary.

DTM Print has appointed Guy Boxall as new Senior Sales Manager for the Britain at the company’s new subsidiary DTM Print Ltd. He is a well-known specialist in the printing industry with more than 30 years of sales and technical solutions experience in the AIDC industry with Omron Europe, Casio Electronics and more recently OKI Europe.

Guy Boxall

“We are thrilled to have Guy on board and join our sales team. He will be heading up sales in the UK, working with channel partners and end-users, providing the best specialty printing solutions our industry offers today. He’ll bring a fresh perspective and approach on sales development in that region,” says Andreas Hoffmann, Managing Director of DTM Print. “The British market has been a major one for us since the beginning. So, it is a logical step to have a permanent subsidiary with DTM Print Ltd. and a local sales representative for our customers.”

Boxall recognises short-run printed labels as a major growth sector for in-house label printing and print service providers. There is a growing need to print high-quality labels on-demand, with less stock and wastage. Before joining DTM Print, he managed the Pro1050 label printer launch at OKI, taking a conceptual product two years before launch, market testing and then growing the sales channel in EMEA. Together with the DTM LF140e Label Finisher it is now available through DTM Print.

Now that the Britain comes out of Covid lock-down, Boxall is pleased to be visiting partners and customers again, as one-on-one meetings are permitted and trade shows are opening up. He explains that: “DTM Print has some great specialty print solutions in their portfolio with the LX610e offering full-bleed label printing and any-shape cutting, direct-to-food printer Eddie and the FX-Series using metallic foiling to give brilliant ‘eye-catching’ results.” The product range includes complete label printing and finishing as well as applicator solutions, providing installations ‘tailored’ to the end-user’s requirements.

Boxall has worked with the team at DTM Print GmbH since 2019, launching the innovative DTM CX86e Colour Tag Printer, the world’s smallest LED dry toner colour label printer. He confirms: “I have always been very impressed by the customer service and solutions knowledge within DTM Print. It is now the perfect time to join the team and expand their business.”

@DTM_Print_ @PresseBox #PAuto #Britain

Latest DTM for HART.

The latest version of the Generic HART DTM from ICS GmbH, works with field devices, that use HART protocol rev. 5, 6 or 7. HART capable field devices that were built-in 25 years ago and have no device description or specific DTM can be handled in the same way as field devices that are to be commissioned today. This DTM recognizes not only the revision of the HART protocol but can be adapted in many ways to the properties of a field device to read a maximum of information from the device.

Release 4 of the Generic HART DTM has been published 8 years ago. Meanwhile a lot of improvements have been implemented as one can see in the below image: the user interface was designed according to the FDT Style Guide, NAMUR NE107 status is supported and a lot of configuration of the DTM has been added.

The company is proud to announce that this DTM runs under Windows 10 without problems too. So the Generic HART DTM runs on all Windows operating systems that are used today.

Last but not least as the first manufacturer we ordered a certification test using dtmINSPECTOR 3.1. 

After a successful certification test the Certificate has been issued by the Certification Office of the FDT Group today!

If you installed  Generic HART DTM before October 2015 you may download the latest version here.

Are there any further steps planned?

During the last FDT Interoperability Workshop we performed some test sessions with an FDT2 based implementation of the Generic HART DTM. And in addition we are thinking about usage of this DTM on mobile devices.

FDT test site accredited!

The FDT Group has recently accredited KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH, Duisburg (D), as official FDT Test Site for FDT DTM certification. The certificate is the official acknowledgement for the fulfilment of the FDT specifications and thus an important mark of quality in the market for manufacturers and their products.

To officially verify the conformity of a DTM (Device Type Manager) to the standards of the FDT group, it has to pass standardised tests in an accredited FDT Test Site. KROHNE strived for this accreditation to address the increasing number of customer requests for certified DTMs for measuring instruments. Now, KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH is able to carry out tests of DTMs (Device type managers) developed by KROHNE or others which qualify for certification by the FDT Certification Office. Including KROHNE, there are only 10 accredited test sites worldwide.

The FDT Group (FDT: Field Device Tool) is an open, independent, non-profit association of international companies. The group strives for enabling the seamless integration of automation components, procured from global supply channels, across all automation networks.

Certification improves efficiency of water monitoring

Hach Lange has achieved FDT certification for its sc200 Universal Controller and associated sensors, which means that process managers will find it simpler and quicker to integrate the company’s broad range of water and wastewater analytical instruments.

The sc200 successfully completed tests for Device Type Managers (DTM) and is available with 43 sensors and analysers covering 20 different parameters. As a result, this multi-sensor DTM represents the world’s broadest certified portfolio of water and wastewater analytical devices.

FDT/DTM is an open standardised technology providing a communication and configuration interface between field devices and host systems. Under FDT/DTM, any device can be configured, operated and maintained through the standardised user interface – regardless of supplier, type or communication protocol.

Employing this technology (free software download from HACH-LANGE.com) the sc200 provides users with the ability to configure device parameters, operate devices via a standardised graphical user interface, and access advanced diagnostic information from any location.

Configurable to operate either one or two digital or analogue sensor inputs, the sc200 replaces the sc100 Controller with advanced features for easier operation. All logged measurement and diagnostic data can be easily extracted in XML format from the controller via an SD Card slot, which also provides a simple means for firmware updates.

Communication options include MODBUS 232/485 and Profibus DP V1.0, so the controller can be easily integrated into digital networks.

Summarising, Hach Lange’s Martin Small says: “This announcement is great news for industrial process managers because it will now be even simpler to integrate any of our leading sensors into their monitoring and control systems.”

Digital valve controllers now with FDT/DTM interface!

FIELDVUE digital valve controllers easily integrate with all process control host systems

Emerson’s Fisher® FIELDVUE digital valve controllers with HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus communications can now be integrated into any process control system that supports FDT/DTM technology. Using ValveLink™ DTM software, users can communicate with any FIELDVUE digital valve controller, to perform start-up, commissioning and diagnostic activities.

ValveLink software has been certified by the FDT Group for compliance with FDT standards. It has also been tested and certified for use with FDT compliant host systems including Honeywell, Invensys and Yokogawa.

FIELDVUE digital valve controllers have a long history of using the AMS ValveLink SNAP-ON to integrate into HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus host systems, such as Emerson’s DeltaV™ and Ovation™ digital automation systems. The addition of DTM support provides another avenue to continue this strong integration tradition for FIELDVUE instrument customers. 

Performance and reliability are the foundation for the FIELDVUE family of digital valve controllers.  Their role is to maintain control valve performance, diagnose the assembly, and enable predictive maintenance.  FIELDVUE digital valve controllers have logged millions of operating hours and have earned high praise from companies that employ their technology to improve plant availability.  Built for extreme conditions, they have proven themselves by surviving difficult process environments in the refining, chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, power, and pulp and paper industries. 

HART DTM for FDT

A completely new Generic HART® DTM for FDT frame applications

For many years a generic Device Type Manager (DTM) for HART® devices has been delivered with PACTware®, and many people have used this.

A significantly more advanced Generic HART DTM Rel. 5 is now available for free downloading from ICS. Users no longer require a test license but can commence immediately with their work. The DTM executes with all functions (except calibration) free of charge for 30 days following the installation and must then be licensed.

Release 5 offers the following new features for system commissioning, operation and maintenance:

All functions are described in detail to provide improved support for when the DTM is only used sporadically

5 calibration functions are available, documented with detailed instructions (Professional license required)

The PACTware® Device State Manager provides condition monitoring of all HART devices (NAMUR status) in a system together with the Generic HART DTM

The device data record can be exported as a file and also reimported in order e.g. to distribute copies of device data to a range of field devices of the same type

The Generic HART DTM offers the following extensions for FDT and HART specialists:

Many additional common practice commands are processed, e.g. the enhanced status and the EEPROM function

Audit Trail and all other FDT 1.2.1 functions can be used