Excerpt:
FieldComm Group Marks Growth, Technology Achievements in 2018
For FieldComm Group, 2018 was a year marked by continued growth and numerous successful technology milestones. It began with a major announcement by FieldComm Group and OPC Foundation of an alliance to advance process automation system multivendor interoperability and simplified integration by developing a standardized process automation device information model. Other key achievements included the delivery of the first Unified Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) Technical Specifications, support for the standardization of an advanced physical layer for Industrial Ethernet (APL), and the launch of a new, expanded registry and online repository for HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus products.
Finally, our annual General Assembly capped an exciting and successful 12 months. Attendees from all over the world gathered in Singapore to learn about the latest trends in digital transformation and had an opportunity to meet one-on-one with recognized experts. The General Assembly is held annually at the last working group of the year and rotates between global regions. In 2019, the General Assembly will be in Germany.
This issue of Field Communication Insider looks back at the news and developments that defined 2018.
In 2019, Field Communication Insider will take on a slightly modified format with an emphasis on different technology themes in each issue. This approach will enable us to speak directly to the interests of industry stakeholders while keeping a keen eye on how Field Device Integration (FDI), FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART and WirelessHART technologies are contributing to digital transformation in manufacturing, as well as the adoption of advanced developments such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 in process automation.
The planned themes for 2019 include:
- March: The Power of Process Automation Protocols
- May: Device Data and Integration to the Cloud
- July: Emerging Technologies
- Sept.: Digitalization Requires Interoperability
- Nov.: Information Models and the impact on Process Industries
- Jan. 2020: FDI – Available Now!
We hope you’ll continue to read Field Communication Insider in the months ahead!
2018 Recap
Conducted a Successful General Assembly
FieldComm Group held its 2018 General Assembly on December 3-7 in Singapore, which focused on the digital future of industrial automation.
Formed an Alliance with OPC Foundation
FieldComm Group and OPC Foundation announced an alliance to advance process automation system multi-vendor interoperability and simplified integration.
Recognized the “Plant of the Year”
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited (MRPL) received the annual Plant of the Year Award. MRPL has extensively deployed FieldComm Group technologies, including smart transmitters, intelligent valve positioners, and WirelessHART infrastructure.
Established a Dedicated Vendor-Neutral FDI Web Presence
FieldComm Group established a new, vendor-neutral website for automation industry stakeholders seeking to learn more about the Field Device Integration (FDI) standard, www.ask4fdi.com.
Launched the New Product Registry
FieldComm Group launched a new Product Registry and online Repository, designed to provide a unified tool to obtain the latest device files and APIs.
Supported an Advanced Physical Layer
FieldComm Group, ODVA and Profibus & Profinet International joined together to support the standardization of an advanced physical layer for Industrial Ethernet.
Released an Updated Interoperability Test Kit
An updated version of the FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) was released for use by process automation equipment suppliers.
Delivered Unified EDDL Specifications
FieldComm Group and Profibus/Profinet International delivered the first Unified Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) Technical Specifications.
Displayed at ARC Forum
A display of digital transformation technologies for the process industries was presented by FieldComm Group at the 2018 ARC Industry Forum.
Exhibited at ACHEMA 2018
FieldComm Group staged a major exhibit at ACHEMA 2018, showing how it's connecting the world of process automation through digital data from intelligent field devices.
Presented at Honeywell Users Group (HUG)
The 2018 Honeywell Users Group (HUG) Americas Conference, held June 17-22 in San Antonio, Texas, was the site of another FieldComm Group digital transformation technology display.
Participated in the Smart Industry Conference
For the second consecutive year, FieldComm Group participated in the Smart Industry Conference in Chicago.