Field device tool group formalizes organization, gains support

Chicago, IL — FDT (field device tool) group continues to make strides and gain support, structuring the loose-knit collection of automation companies and end-users into a formal organization and holding its first general assembly. FDT is an open technology for engineering, management, and life-cycle support for installed assets. The group discussed its actions and activities at ISA Expo 2005 in Chicago in October.

The former FDT Joint Interest Group has coalesced into the FDT Group AISBL. The initial Board of Directors includes executives from ABB, Endress+Hauser, Invensys, Metso Automation, Omron, Rockwell Automation, Yokogawa, and Schneider Electric. Thirty-nine international automation and end-user companies are currently members. The group is open to any company who wishes to participate.

Among the goals of the organization is to promote, enhance, and support the use of FDT open interoperability technology in process and factory automation and hybrid applications, achieve international standardization status for the FDT specification, and ensure that all FDT products are certified. An Association and Standards committee has been formed to help build relationships with other standardization bodies.

The organization held its first general assembly and user forum in Amsterdam last month. The group also added new members Saudi Aramco and Shell Global Solutions to the roster.

Click here to read more about FDT group from Control Engineering.

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com

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