Stay powered in the field.

Maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions.

Flir has launched a new initiative to provide a complimentary Flir Scout Pro vehicle charger to customers who purchase and register any eligible Scout Pro™ Thermal Monocular .

This "Mission Proven" promotion is designed to support users who operate in remote environments where reliable power is a necessity rather than a luxury. By including a dedicated Scout Pro vehicle charger with every product registration on the Flir Customer Portal, Flir is helping users maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions. This offer is available for the Scout Pro lineup, including the Scout Pro, Scout Pro II, and Scout Pro III models.

“Our customers are investing in the safety and reliability of their entire operation, not just a piece of hardware,” said Peter Dekkers, Business Development Director at Flir. “By bundling our flagship handhelds with five years of protection and expert support, we are removing barriers to expertise and ensuring our users feel fully supported from the moment they open the box.”

Flir has prioritized a seamless experience for the end-user by integrating a frictionless digital redemption process. Each new Scout Pro unit now arrives with a unique QR code inside the box that directs the owner straight to the Flir Customer Portal. Once the quick registration is complete, the portal generates a direct redemption link for the free vehicle charger, which is then fulfilled and shipped directly by Flir through their e-commerce platform.

This limited-time offer runs until June 30th, 2026. 

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Single device integration for process and factory automation.

FieldComm Group’s Strategic Integration Committee (SIC), composed of leading automation industry suppliers and Standards Development Organisations (SDOs), has announced the official timeline for releasing the updated Field Device Integration (FDI) Specification. This milestone marks a critical step toward unifying device integration across process, hybrid, and factory automation.

Following the transfer of FDT/DTM assets to FieldComm Group in 2024, the organisation has significantly accelerated its efforts toward unified device integration. The resulting roadmap is a product of coordinated work by the SIC and specialised working groups. Comprised of board-level companies from FieldComm Group along with key leaders from OPC Foundation, ODVA, and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), the SIC has led the harmonisation of FDI and FDT technologies. This collaboration aims to deliver a unified, intuitive, and scalable device integration standard that addresses the evolving needs of modern manufacturing, helping both end users and vendors.

Key enhancements in the updated FDI Specification:

• Compliance, incorporating the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
• Unified device integration standard for process and factory automation
• Support for legacy systems, enabling modernisation without infrastructure replacement
• Real-time OT/IT connectivity through a common information model (PA-DIM)
• Support for modern platforms and development tools
• Empowering intelligent device and lifecycle management with protocol tunneling support, also known as nested communications

FDI specification timeline for migration:

• End of 2026: Release of the updated FDI Specification
• End of 2027: Deployment of the updated FDI Developer Toolkit
• 2029: Market availability of registered FDI-enabled systems and devices

"Today’s industrial systems are more complex than ever, yet this complexity must not compromise interoperability," said Steve Biegacki, Chair of the Strategic Integration Committee and former Managing Director of the FDT Group. "Our goal is to deliver a unified device integration solution that enhances data interoperability with OT/IT systems while supporting innovative features for modern manufacturing. This approach also provides a practical migration path, safeguarding existing investments and preparing the industry for future advancements."

“As a co-owner of the FDI specification, the OPC Foundation is committed to robust and interoperable device integration for OPC UA users and fully supports the harmonization of FDI and FDT technologies to achieve this goal,” said Stefan Hoppe, President of the OPC Foundation.

“ODVA is pleased to support the harmonization of FDI and FDT technologies to enable enhanced device integration interoperability for users of EtherNet/IP,” said Al Beydoun, President and Executive Director of ODVA.

“PI appreciates that the FieldComm Group initiated the valuable discussions to determine the need for merging FDI and FDT, taking into account the needs of interested companies, as well as the technologies of the four participating standards development associations,” said Dietmar Bohn, Executive Director of PI.

This update will enable manufacturers to transition toward more intelligent, responsive operations, unlocking the full value of industrial data and modern automation architectures.

FieldComm Group encourages automation stakeholders, vendors, integrators, and end users alike, to engage in this transition and follow key milestones.

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@FieldCommGroup @FDTGroup @OPCFoundation @ProfibusUK #PAuto #Standard

Chair of body promoting standard for industrial device management.

André Uhl, vice president of technology and architecture for Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation Business, has received a unanimous vote to serve as the Chairman of the FDT Board of Directors.

André Uhl

The Chairman's primary role is to ensure that the Board of Directors effectively sets and implements the organization’s strategy and governance of the standard. The IEC 62453 standard directly benefits global manufacturing industries with a unified environment for industrial device management supporting brownfield, greenfield and new smart manufacturing initiatives in the process, hybrid, and discrete markets.

Mr. Uhl replaced Lee Lane from Rockwell Automation as chairman due to his departure to a new role. Other board members include Shinji Oda, Yokogawa; Ed Silva, Flowserve Corporation; Rolf Birkhofer, Endress+Hauser; Paul Brooks, Rockwell Automation and Michael Kessler, PACTware.

FDT Group Managing Director Steve Biegacki congratulated André Uhl on his new post. “We appreciate the service Lee Lane provided to our organization. André’s industry expertise in technology and standards supporting the process and factory markets will guide the FDT organization and roadmap focused on promoting open integration and harmonized device management, driving future innovation field to cloud.”

Mr. Uhl has over 20 years of industry experience managing Research & Development (R&D) centers for industrial and motion control applications and automation solutions for flagship products in the process, hybrid, and machine builder markets. Currently serving as vice president of technology and architecture for Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation Business, André has served as a member of the FDT Board since 2016 and presently sits on the ODVA Board and OPC Foundation Unified Architecture Field Xchange (UAFX) steering committee shaping the future of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). His dedication to working across the industrial automation ecosystem demonstrates clear leadership and support for the executive strategy of the organization that provides governance over the open FDT standard.

“I’m thrilled to lead the FDT community focused on eliminating intelligent device management barriers for industrial automation markets,” said André Uhl. “I’m passionate about open technology innovation and FDT’s vision to transform manufacturing excellence by collaborating and expanding access to these technologies enterprise-wide on a data-centric platform critical in supporting the modern, connected industrial world.”

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@FDTGroup @SchneiderElec #PAuto #Standards

Mobile device possibilities.

Challenges such as the current pandemic, personnel costs and the shortage of skilled workers are putting companies under increasing pressure. It is becoming more and more difficult to maintain extensive plants efficiently and in accordance with requirements. Mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones for hazardous areas by the Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM Instruments, open up effective possibilities to retrieve digital construction plans and checklists of necessary work steps anywhere, as well as virtually being joint by an expert.

Mobile devices give staff members instant access to all information needed to work faster and better, a direct connection to the right support expert, and an overview of all open, in-progress and closed cases.

The use of mobile devices offers major advantage in remote support for technicians when carrying out complex inspection procedures. For this purpose, video calls or augmented reality (AR) applications can also be used in hazardous areas via smartphones or tablets. Technicians on site can contact experts or even the manufacturer of the asset if necessary and ask for their support in complex situations. This saves time and resources.

In order to bring remote support to the next level, ECOM has been working intensively with a partner on the development of further products that can be used in combination with smartphones For optimal hands-free operation, also by voice control or touchpad by the employee on site and an optimal view of the processes by the remote expert, smart glasses in particular are the focus of developments. ECOM is paying particular attention to ensuring that the smart glasses and their functionalities are perfectly adapted to everyday industrial life and use in potentially hazardous areas. ECOM plans to launch the smart glasses on the market as early as this autumn.

@PepperlFuchs @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #TandM 

Test services for mobile devices.

A collaboration between Anritsu and Verkotan to produce new test services for manufacturers of 5G mobile devices has been announced.

“Verkotan is very happy to use Anritsu products in everyday test service production,” says Miia Nurkkala, laboratory manager, Verkotan. “The test equipment is easy and intuitive to use, with a comprehensive set of features to solve even the most challenging customer testing needs. Working with Anritsu's team is always a positive experience, from the first point of sales contact to test system integration and system support.”

With the rapid roll out of 5G networks, there is a growing need for performance tests for 5G devices. Verkotan is meeting this need using Anritsu's MT8000A 5G communication tester, offering Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) tests, post modification tests for mobile phones and over the air (OTA) testing.

As the number of 5G devices grows, their safety for both humans and animals needs to be evaluated. Anritsu’s MT8000A enables Verkotan to test a 5G mobile device’s SAR, a measure of how much radio frequency energy is absorbed by the user’s or bystander’s body or head.

Another service offered by Verkotan is RF modification solutions for mobile phones, customized to support the needs of wireless operators, regulators, infrastructure vendors, mobile device and chipset vendors, test equipment manufacturers or any organization required to analyze network performance. This service includes bypassing the phone’s antennas with coaxial cables, followed by a verification of RF performance using the Anritsu MT8000A. The test system allows a rapid assessment of the quality of the modification.

5G OTA testing measures the device’s radiated RF performance, one of the most challenging design areas for wireless devices. Highly accurate 5G OTA testing during product development helps avoiding very expensive modifications in the final stages. With the MT8000A, Verkotan can verify the radiated power, sensitivity, and throughput performance of 5G devices, while also helping the vendors of 5G radio network equipment.

Using Anritsu`s test equipment, Verkotan can expand its service portfolio to new areas, providing benefits to a wide range of customers in the telecommunications sector. Verkotan uses Anritsu test systems to serve customers of all sizes and focuses, from IoT device, mobile and base station manufacturers, to network and chipset vendors.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @Verkotan #TandM #Testing

Enhancing quality and efficiency of field inspections.

Yokogawa has developed OpreX™* Operational Risk Management: Field Assistant R2.02, an Android™ application that is intended for use during field inspections of industrial facilities. It is scheduled for release it in all markets except Japan during the week.

The app is targeted at industries such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, and fine chemicals where periodic field inspections by operators and maintenance staff are required. It will be used for recording site information when performing patrols or routine maintenance, and referencing of related information.

At many industrial plants, field inspections are performed periodically by staff who patrol along defined routes, checking field instruments and equipment at specific points along the way, in order to keep the facilities and equipment safe and in good working order. While the common practice has been for the results of these inspections to be manually recorded on a printed checklist that is then submitted for review, many of our customers have expressed the wish to be able to directly enter the check results onto a mobile device such as a tablet. Our customers have also indicated that it is a challenge to select and take with them on these patrols all the documents that they must be able to quickly reference, such as inspection histories and equipment manuals.

With Field Assistant R2.02 installed on a generic Android tablet, personnel can enjoy access in the field to checklists, manuals, and many other kind of documents, thus increasing the quality and efficiency of the work performed during routine patrols of manufacturing sites.

In addition to being able to consult and fill out these documents as needed, they will have the ability to take pictures and record videos needed to report their inspection results.

Field Assistant R2.02 can run on tablets that support Google’s Android mobile operating system. Versions running under other operating systems are also planned to be released.

Main features.
1. Access to digital checklists and related documents
Via the Field Assistant R2.02 user interface, users can access both digital checklists and related documents such as operating manuals, specifications documents, and installation manuals.

The use of digital checklists eliminates the cumbersome process of making handwritten entries and reduces the chance of data entry errors, and they are also easier to update. Pictures and videos can be taken easily, and inserted into a checklist.

By attaching QR Code labels or near-field communications (NFC) tags to each piece of equipment and associating them with related documents in advance, users need only to scan the code label or tag with the tablet to view all the associated documents while performing a patrol. Auxiliary functions that issue alerts for abnormal readings are also provided.

The checklists and related documents can also be downloaded from a server and saved on the tablet, so Field Assistant R2.02 can be easily used in places where there is no internet access.

2. Data linkage with Operations Management package
Data accessed using Field Assistant R2.02 can be linked with the data that is recorded and managed using the OpreX Operational Risk Management: Operations Management software package. The Operations Management software assists plant operations and management personnel by facilitating the sharing of information on areas such as unusual events, work progress, and operation workflows. By digitalising and standardising how this data is handled, this software helps plant personnel carry out their work correctly, safely, and efficiently, and thereby enhances corporate value.

The data linkage between Field Assistant R2.02 and Operations Management allows manufacturing and maintenance personnel to better coordinate their activities. This improves the efficiency of operations management by managing the transfer of work instructions from operators to site personnel. It also helps with producing handover reports and work reports containing pictures or videos taken on site.

* See also our item recently: Entire industrial automation portfolio launched (OpreX™).

@YokogawaIA  #Pauto

Field reader.

Harting has expanded its UHF RFID product range for demanding industrial and rail sector applications with the addition of a new version of the 4 Field Reader, featuring built-in M8 and M12 connectors to complement its excellent range of RFID solutions.

In addition to the existing features of the compact, robust Ha-VIS RF-R3x0 reader – notably the two antenna connections, 500 mW power output and comprehensive software functions - the new Ha-VIS RF-R400 RFID Reader provides concentrated RFID performance and robust connectors at an attractive price.

The built-in circular connectors now provide interfaces for networking, power supply, RS232, two digital trigger signal inputs and four digital signal outlets. The four antenna connections, each with a maximum power output of 2 W, remain in the usual SMA format.
The standard Harting RFID reader functions such as “action on EPC” (Electronic Product Code), where the reader can process scanning results autonomously and respond by switching outlets, are also included in the reader’s comprehensive software provision.

In terms of software, the RF-R400 is fully compatible with the powerful GS1® ALE 1.1 based Harting middleware. The new reader is supported as usual by the server version, Ha-VIS Middleware and the embedded version for the RF-R350, enabling easy processing of raw data and saving unnecessary expense in the back-end system.

The new reader meets the requirements of the industrial and rail markets, which Harting verifies by monitoring in its own independent and accredited test laboratory. It is particularly suited to rail applications such as track section recognition.

@HARTING ‏ #PAuto 

Efficient protection for field instrumentation

The environmental protection of larger-scale instrumentation installations is made easy by a new range of highly insulated outdoor enclosures from the field equipment protection specialist, Intertec. The BASIC VARIO range of wall- or floor-mounting enclosures is made using Intertec's unique sandwich-construction technique, with GRP (glass reinforced polyester) skins enclosing a thick layer of insulating foam.

Environmental protection of larger-scale
instrumentation installations is made easy
by these new highly insulated outdoor enclosures

The construction technique delivers an excellent thermal conductivity or 'k' value rating of ~1.5W/m2K. This provides a highly efficient solution for protecting against frost and condensation and/or providing regulated temperature environments for sensitive field instrumentation - one that offers a quick payback from energy savings compared with many common types of metal enclosures.

As standard, the BASIC VARIO range provides a rectangular-shaped enclosure in a choice of three standard sizes of 105x64,105x84 or 105x104 cm (41.3x25.2, 41.3x33.1 or 41.3x40.9 inches) - with a depth of 35 cm (13.8 inches). These deliver a range of volumes that sit between the typical upper limits of many field instrument enclosure ranges and the smaller sizes of many outdoor cabinets. The volumes are large enough to accommodate several field process transmitters for example, sophisticated analytical instrumentation points, or complex electrical circuitry designs. The construction principles of BASIC VARIO also mean that Intertec is able to provide custom sizes easily.

The enclosures meet the IP65 ingress protection standard - with Type 4X approval pending - and are fitted with a large hinged door (with or without windows) that provides easy access to the interior space. Tube and cable entry is very flexible and can be made through the rear or any of the four sides. Unlike many other competitive products, Intertec's new field enclosures have flat exterior surfaces and are also free of any overhanging edges, allowing enclosures to be packed side by side or on top of each other - in situations where space is restricted.

The insulated sandwich construction technique that Intertec uses on BASIC VARIO - and almost all of its other enclosures and cabinets - provides superb insulating properties. Insulation efficiency is typically several times more efficient than an enclosure made using single-layer polyester for instance, and substantially better than a case made of sheet metal - two common types of alternative products on the market. BASIC VARIO's superb thermal resistance is further enhanced by unique accessories available from Intertec, such as hard foam mouldings that may be drilled to accept tubing to minimise the 'thermal short-cut' effects of the access holes that invariably have to be made. The thick sandwich construction material used for the walls also has the benefit of allowing lightweight equipment to be mounted directly onto it - avoiding the need for mounting rails in some instances.

The long fibre reinforced grades of GRP sheeting employed by Intertec provides great structural strength that almost matches stainless steel - for just a quarter of the weight. This allows BASIC VARIO enclosures to accept very high equipment loads. The enclosure surfaces are also highly resistant to weather and the corrosive effects of aggressive chemicals. This makes BASIC VARIO enclosures ideal for applications in chemical, oil and gas plant

More devices based on ISA100.11a

Yokogawa announces the release of field wireless devices based on the ISA100.11a industrial communications standard

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has developed "the world's first field wireless devices based on the ISA100.11a industrial wireless communications standard," and will release them to the market in July. These wireless products include an EJX-B series differential pressure and pressure transmitter, a YTA series temperature transmitter, and an integrated field wireless gateway which connects field wireless devices with a host system and provides a number of field wireless network setting and management functions in field sensor networks.

These field wireless devices are expected to satisfy a wide variety of requirements in the industrial automation field. To help companies achieve ever higher levels of productivity, Yokogawa will continue to develop various kinds of field wireless devices for both monitoring and control applications, and is also proposing the development of new field digital networks that integrate wireless and wired technologies.

Development background
Wireless technology has the following strengths that well suit it for field device and control system applications: 1. Reduces wiring and engineering costs 2. Field devices can be installed in difficult-to-wire locations 3. Plant safety is improved through the use of low-cost online device diagnostics

Despite such benefits, wireless networks have seen limited use to date in industrial automation applications due to their requirement for advanced technologies that ensure high reliability, real-time response, environmental resistance, and explosion-proof protection, and because of the absence until recently of an industrial communications standard for field wireless devices.

Approved in September 2009, the ISA 100.11a standard presents the following advantages for use in industrial automation: 1. High reliability 2. Suitable for a wide range of applications 3. Improved flexibility and network expandability 4. High compatibility with existing wired systems

Following approval by ISA and ANSI, this standard will be published and submitted for the review of the IECSC65C Subcommittee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

These new field wireless devices based on the ISA 100.11a standard fully complement Yokogawa's measurement, control, and information solutions and are expected to make a significant contribution to the realisation of the company's VigilantPlant concept of the ideal plant. This new technology will help Yokogawa's customers "See clearly, know in advance, and act with agility". Yokogawa will continue to seek out solutions that secure its customers an optimum return on their investment throughout the plant lifecycle.

Product concept
1. Suitability for monitoring, diagnostics, and control
With bidirectional digital wireless networks based on the ISA100.11a standard, the production, device diagnostic, and parameter data transferred between a control system and field devices are securely encrypted. This wireless technology is ideal for status monitoring, device diagnostics, and control applications.

2. Multiple power sources
These wireless devices are designed to run on explosion-proof batteries that can easily be replaced in hazardous locations. Yokogawa also plans to develop easy-to-maintain solar batteries for use with these devices.
3. The development of new technology while safeguarding investment in existing assets
As a partner with its customers, Yokogawa is always looking to develop new technology solutions while working to ensure full compatibility with customer's current assets, thus protecting their investment. These products were designed with this requirement in mind.

Yokogawa continues to fulfill its commitment to providing unsurpassed leading edge solutions to industry. Reliable, secure, flexible, and intuitive, our new wireless transmitters simplify all aspects of wireless deployment, management, and operation while delivering the excellence that users have come to expect from Yokogawa products.

Yokogawa plans to provide a trial kit that will allow customers to experience the advantages of Yokogawa wireless products. Details will be announced later.

Major target markets
Oil and gas, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, iron and steel, pulp and paper, power, non-metal/cement, food and beverages, water treatment, waste water

Applications
Temperature, flow, and differential pressure/pressure measurement in plant processes.