FieldComm Group and FDT Group announced Apr. 23 that they’ll create a single business for advancing integration technology and harmonizing control systems across multiple protocol topologies supporting both process and factory automation. To achieve these goals, FieldComm Group will acquire all FDT technology and resources, and an independent, strategic integration committee will be formed to guide future, protocol-independent device integration technologies.
Pending completion of a definitive agreement, this new business will continue to support all their 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 protocols.
The new integration committee will develop a protocol-agnostic, device-integration approach to foster alliances with other field-protocol organizations, such as CC-Link Partner Association, EtherCAT Technology Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, Modbus, Profibus/Profinet International and others. The committee will also use technologies, tools and certifications will streamline cost-effective adoption for members, while providing a single device package compatible with any operating system, which will enable effortless data access from field devices to cloud, edge and mobile applications, and integrate between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems.
“This collaboration aims to provide the best service to our members and the industry at large,” says Ted Masters, president and CEO at FieldComm Group.
Steve Biegacki, managing director at FDT Group, adds, “The enhanced harmonization of standards and technologies will empower end users and manufacturers in their quest to achieve out-of-the-box Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities across their systems.”
