World Forum ande Process Industries
Leading Show for thProcess Automation –Device Information Model(PA-DIM)

Version V01 // June 2024

Technical Status – Demonstrators – Solutionsat Achema 2024

PA-DIM @ Achema
Frankfurt am Main,
Germany
June 10 – 14, 2024
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© royyimzy – stock.adobe.com

Frankfurt am Main

CONTENTS© metamorworks – shutterstock.com

WELCOME

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Overview of PA-DIM

5

Availability/Download

PA-DIM VERSIONS
5

Information PA-DIM v1.0

6

Information PA-DIM v1.1

7

Information PA-DIM Future Versions

PA-DIM DEMONSTRATORS @ CO-OWNER BOOTH

Frank Fengler, ABB

WELCOME
PA-DIM is a groundbreaking specification that revolutionizes
interoperability with standardized device parameters. Whether you’re a manufacturer, a system integrator, or an end user,
PA-DIM empowers you to unlock the full potential of your fielddevices.
PA-DIM aims to replicate field devices across hosts, cloud
platforms, and analytic applications using a common information
model. By doing so, it maximizes the value of data from diverse
field devices—regardless of their types, brands, or communication protocols.
To achieve this ambitious goal, collaboration is key. All organizations serving the process industry—both hosts and devices—must come together. They need to agree on critical parametersand create a standardized framework that’s machine-readable and universally understood. PA-DIM aligns with existing
standards, such as OPC UA device specifications and FDI (Field
Device Integration), to ensure seamless interoperability.
PA-DIM didn’t emerge overnight; it’s the result of years of concerted effort by industry leaders. FieldComm Group, OPC Foundation and NAMUR started the collaboration – today it’s coowned in addition by ISA100, ODVA, PNO, VDMA and ZVEI.
NAMUR leverages their expertise to serve as the host organization for NOA (NAMUR Open Architecture) and PA-DIM is the2current implementation for the NOA Information Model. Existing
standards, like the common data dictionary (IEC 61987 CDD),
are reused to maintain consistency. PA-DIM aligns its data model specification with OPC UA data structures. OPC UA serves as
the primary IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) protocol, ensuring
widespread adoption. Additionally, we’re developing model support for vendors to include closed, proprietary data and creating
mapping tools for other common protocols.
Join the PA-DIM Revolution! PA-DIM isn’t just an acronym;
it’s a game-changer. As we move forward, let’s embrace thisstandardized approach to process automation devices. Together, we’ll enhance efficiency, reduce integration headaches, andpave the way for a more connected industrial landscape.
Welcome to PA-DIM—where data speaks a universal language!

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Achema 2024 Map exhibits guide10

FieldComm Group – Hall 11.0 C14

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ODVA booth – Hall 11.0 A3

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OPC Foundation Group – Hall 11.0 C3

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PROFIBUS & PROFINET International – Hall 11.0 C4PA-DIM TESTIMONIALS FROM CO-OWNERS
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NAMUR

15

VDMA

15

ZVEI

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About PA-DIM

Regards,
Frank Fengler
Head of Cyber Security & Connectivity for
Measurement & Analytics, ABB
frank.fengler@de.abb.com
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OVERVIEWAVAILABILITY

Overview of the PA-DIM(Process Automation Device Information Model)

Information / Download

PA-DIM is a collaborative effort between FDT Group, FieldComm Group, ISA100, NAMUR, ODVA,OPC Foundation, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, VDMA and ZVEIThe PA-DIM specification is co-owned by multiple associations. All of them agreed on the same content
but published the specification under their own IPR with different names.

This specification is co-owned by the associations:

THE CONTENTS OF THESE
SPECIFICATIONS IS IDENTICAL:•	FDT 23-0001: 2023-10-27 (1.01.0)•	FCG TS10098: 2023-10-27 (1.01.0)•	ODVA PUB00351: 2023-10-27 (1.01.0)•	OPC 30081: 2023-10-27 (1.01.0)•	PNO PI 50.002: 2023-10-27 (1.01.0)

DOWNLOAD THE SPECIFICATION HERE:
www.fdtgroup.org/pa-dim
www.fieldcommgroup.org/pa-dim
www.odva.org/pa-dim
www.opcfoundation.org/pa-dim
www.profibus.com/pa-dim

It serves as a common language for describing device data, regardless of the protocol, type of device,or manufacturer. Here are the key points about PA-DIM:

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE:•	PA-DIM defines the OPC UA Information Modelto represent and access Process Automation
Devices.
•	It provides a structured hierarchy for standardized data access for devices, ensuring consistency across different devices and protocols.
•	The scope of the joint working group is to enhance the OPC UA for Devices (DI) companion
specification1.
2. SEMANTIC IDENTIFICATION:•	One of the primary benefits of PA-DIM is its
ability to map protocol-specific parameters to
globally standardized terms.
•	PA-DIM is a manufacturer-independent
Information Model that defines a structured
hierarchy for data access.
•	Devices (assets) have a set of signals (functions), such as process variables, which are
based on the OPC UA for Devices (DI).
•	PA-DIM reuses interfaces like IVendor andITag Nameplate, as well as IDeviceHealthfrom the DI model.

4•	Additionally, PA-DIM introduces the IAdministration and ISignalSet interfaces, making it
reusable by other Information Models.
•	All parameters are defined in IEC 61987 CDD
with a Semantic ID (IRDI), ensuring easy
reuse across different software tools and protocols.
3. SIGNAL VARIABLES AND TYPES:•	The SignalVariableType is an extension of
OPC UA Part 8: Data Access and describes
both analog and discrete variables, including
their simulation.
•	This variable can be used at any object, evenfrom other Information Models.
•	The PA-DIM SignalType Object builds upon
the SignalVariableType and adds specific methods like ZeroPointAdjustment or AutoAdjustPositioner.
4. SIMPLIFIED DATA ACCESS:•	PA-DIM provides a manufacturer-independent, sorted, and structured hierarchy foraccessing device data.
•	Prioritized mapping ensures consistency
across different devices and protocols.

PA-DIM™ 1.0 –Started with Process Instrumentation
OVERVIEW:• PA-DIM™ 1.0 focuses on process instrumentation devices, including pressure (P), differential pressure (DP), temperature (T), flow (F),level (L), and valve postioner.
•	The primary goal is to standardize a basic setof device information for various purposes.
KEY FEATURES:•	
Identification: PA-DIM™ provides consistentmethods for identifying devices across different
protocols.
•	
Diagnosis: It includes diagnostic information
for preventive maintenance.
•	Process Variables: Standardized access toprocess variables.

•	Core Parameters: Basic parameters relevant
to process instrumentation.
•	
NAMUR Open Architecture Requirements:
PA-DIM aligns with NAMUR recommendations
for open architecture.
TIMELINE:•	Started in 2017: The collaborative effort began.
•	Release in 2020: The first version of PA-DIM
was officially released.
PARAMETER STANDARDIZATION:•	PA-DIM defines approximately 50 standardized
parameters relevant to process instrumentation
devices.

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MILESTONESFUTURE

PA-DIM™ –Future versions

PA-DIM™ 1.1 –Added Process Analyzers
HIGH-LEVEL GOALS:•	Process Analyzers: Focuses on collecting
standardized “vital” data for preventive
maintenance.
•	
Secure Data Transmission: Ensures
secure data transmission using a standardized
communication system.
USE CASES AND REQUIREMENTS:•	NAMUR/ZVEI AK Process Analyser:– Phase 1 (green bullets in Figure 1):
Covers TOC (Total Organic
Carbon), CGA (Common Gas Analyzer),and pH measurements (Part of PA-DIM 1.1).
– Next Phase (blue bullets in Figure 1):
Expands to include PGC(Process Gas Chromatographs),
gas detectors, and spectrometers.
•	GeneralDeviceConditionSet including service
performance parameters e.g., ResidualLife,
OperationDuration, PowerOnDuration,
OperationCycleCounter

PARAMETER STANDARDIZATION:•	PA-DIM™ 1.1 introduces approximately
80 additional parameters specificallyfor process analyzers.
TIMELINE:•	Started in 2020: Development of
PA-DIM™ 1.1.
•	Release in 2023: The updated version
became available.

Criteria for achieving NOA (Network Oriented Architecture) conformance using the PA-DIM (Process
Automation Device Information Model) standards and interfaces, along with other relevant specifications
for OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture):

1.	USE EXISTING PARAMETERS/TYPESFROM PA-DIM:•	
Leverage the existing parameter types definedin the PA-DIM model.
•	
These standardized parameters ensure consistency and interoperability across different
devices and protocols.
2.	PROVIDE NEW PARAMETERS WITH
DEFINITIONS IN IEC CDD (IRDI):•	
Introduce new parameters specific to your use
case or device type.
•	Define these parameters in the IEC CDD (International Electrotechnical Commission Common
Data Dictionary) using unique IRDIs (International Registration Data Identifiers).

CHARACTERISATION OF PROCESS ANALYSER
The area of process analysers is divided into a range of sub-areas.
Fig. 1 Characterisation of Process Analyser
The names of the sub-areas are shown in Figure 1.
All definitions of parameter are within https://cdd.iec.ch
Process Analyser
is_classified_as

Calorimeter

Chemiluminescence
detector

Chromatograph

Combustion
analyser

Conductivity meter

Electrochemical
analyser

Flame ionization
detector

Gas detector

Hygrometer

Mass spectrometer

NMR spectrometer

Optical fluorescencequenching sensor

Optical photometer

Opticalspectrometer

Paramagnetic gas
analyserpH meterRedox meter

RefractometerSum parameter
analyser (TOC, TN
and TP)

Thermalconductivity
gas analyser

Titrator

Triboelectric dust
monitorUltrasonic analyser

Viscometer

3. PA-DIM INTERFACES:•	
Utilize the following PA-DIM interfaces:– VendorNameplate Interface: Provides
consistent vendor-related information.
–	
TagNameplate Interface: Focuses on tagrelated details for identification.
–	
DeviceHealth Interface: Includes diagnostic information for device health monitoring.
– AdministrationType Interface: Handles
administrative aspects of the device.
– SignalSet Interface: Defines the set ofsignals (process variables) associated withthe device.

4.	GRANULAR CONFORMANCE UNITS& FACETS:•	
Ensure that your implementation adheres togranular conformance units and facets as
specified on profiles.opcfoundation.org.
•	
These conformance units and facets define
the specific features and capabilities supported
by your device.
5. GENERAL COMPANION SPEC TOPICS:•	
Fulfill important topics outlined in the generalCompanion Specification.
•	
These topics may cover security, communication protocols, and interoperability guidelines.
6.	UA COMPANION SPECIFICATIONSTEMPLATE:•	
Use the latest version of the UA Companion
Specifications Template.
•	
Follow template’s guidelines for structuring anddocumenting your device information model.
7.	FULFILL UA MODELLING
BEST PRACTICES:•	Adhere to OPC UA modelling best practices.
•	
Ensure consistency, clarity, and semantic correctness in your model.
By following these criteria, you can achieve NOA
conformance while leveraging the power of PADIM and other relevant standards.

Figure 1 – Characterization of process analyser IEC 61987-41 ED1; green bullets phase 1, blue bullets next phase

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ACHEMA 2024 MAP EXHIBITS GUIDE FOR PA-DIM DEMONSTRATORS
Eingang
Entrance
Galleria

Messeturm

8.1
Gal.1
9.0
Freigelände
Outdoor Area

Eingang
Entrance
Torhaus
Sonderschau Wasserstoff
Special Area Hydrogen

8.0

Start-up
Area
Congress Center
Messe Frankfurt

6.1

Gal.0

6.0

F2

5.0
4.1 Foyer

11.1
11.1

Eingang
Entrance
Portalhaus

10

4.C

4.1

11.0

Freigelände
Outdoor Area

F1

4.0

FesthalleForum

Eingang
Entrance
City

1

3.1

12.0

3.0
Cargo Center
FußwegOutsideWalkway

AUSSTELLUNGSGRUPPENEXHIBITION GROUPS

3.0

Eingang
Entrance
Halle 3
Hall 3

Lorem ipsum

HALL 11.0, C148

HALL 11.0, A3

HALL 11.0, C3

HALL 11.0, C4

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FIELDCOMM GROUP

Visit FieldComm Group at ACHEMA
in Hall 11.0, Stand C14
FieldComm Group is a co-owner of the PA-DIM
specification and host of the PA-DIM working groupas well as an owner of the Field Device Integration(FDI) specification and technology. Each of thesetechnologies uniquely provide value and aid automation facilities in their quest for digitalization. PADIM provides an automation protocol neutral andsemantically standardized way to represent device
information to OPC UA enabled clients from simple
dashboards to full featured engineering systems.
When coupled with FDI technology and developer
tools users can be assured of information integrity
between IT -centric systems, and plant floor OT
systems including DCS hosts and asset managers.
As shown, PA-DIM, FDI, Ethernet-APL and an IP
enabled automation protocol form the foundationof the new all-digital automation architecture.

TED. MASTERS,
President and CEO
FieldComm Group10“

FieldComm Group’s working group model assuresthat suppliers, end users, and standards organization can all equally contribute requirements tofurthering the development of PA-DIM technology
specifications. Contact FieldComm Group to learn
more about PA-DIM.

For further information, representatives from
FCG are available for inquiries.
CONTACT:
Paul Sereiko
psereiko@fieldcommgroup.org
FCG – User Association of Automation
Technology in Process Industries“PA-DIM is a key technology across all of industrial automation to unlock thepower of data. By creating a broad scale common data model independent of
supplier or transport method, the PA-DIM information model will be the future of
the digitalization of the automation industry and a key enabler of creating value
from the data these devices can provide. We are excited to see the adoption of
all major standard organizations and users supporting this technology for boththe installed base as well as future generation products!”

ODVA

Visit ODVA at ACHEMA in Hall 11.0, Stand A3
to learn about PA-DIM® in Process Automation
ODVA is collaborating with major standards development and end user organizations serving theprocess automation industry regarding the Process Automation Device Information Model (PADIM) specification. ODVA is pleased to support
PA-DIM to enable greater information standardization within process automation, which will allow for
more seamless data analysis and prognostics. End
users of EtherNet/IP networks will be able to leverage PA-DIM to move data from the field to thecloud and to realize improved data standardization
across networks.
PA-DIM is a specification that allows for protocol
agnostic communication of common process automation instrument parameters, including semantic IDs as defined by IEC 61987, using OPC UA
information modeling techniques. Eliminating automation protocol dependencies simplifies the integration of IT and OT systems. Including semantic
device information enables unambiguous machine-“
DR. AL BEYDOUN,ODVA President and Executive Director

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to-machine (M2M) communication. Fieldbus-specific implementations are converted into the address space of the PA-DIM Information Model.
Products using PA-DIM can easily support the
NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) use cases including automated as built, unique identification, device dimensioning, multivariable possibility check,read multivariable process values, device life cycle
backup, health monitoring, and diagnosis. Visit the
ODVA booth at ACHEMA in Hall 11.0, Stand A3 to
see a device from ODVA Member Endress+Hauserthat supports EtherNet/IP and includes a Field
Device Integration (FDI) Package with PA-DIM. To
learn more, visit www.odva.org/pa-dim.
For further information, representatives fromODVA are available for inquiries.
Visit ODVA online at
odva.org“ODVA is pleased to support the PA-DIM profile to enable
greater information standardization within process automation,
which will allow for more seamless data analysis and prognostics. End users of EtherNet/IP networks will be able to leverage
PA-DIM to move data from the field to the cloud and to realize
improved data standardization across networks.”

OPC FOUNDATION

PA-DIM & OPC UA & Ethernet-APL
at the Achema 2024 @ OPCF booth Hall 11.0 C3
The OPC Foundation strongly believes that the
combination of enabling technologies, merged asa solution “PA-DIM via OPC UA over APL”, will be a
key technology for coming decades.
•	PA-DIM is key to replicating a field device
within hosts, cloud, and analytic applications
in a common information model, inclusive ofuser (NAMUR) core parameters to maximize
the value of data from field devices of all types,
brands and protocols. PA-DIM is an important
information model – one of over 150+ domainspecific OPC UA models.
•	The key to APL technology is its ability toextend capabilities and simplify applications
for end users by scaling an Ethernet-based IT
infrastructure from edge to sensor: APL is aperfect enabler for extending OPC UA to thefield level.
•	
OPC UA: Compared to other establishedfieldbus solutions only OPC UA technology
scales from the sensor to the cloud and back,transporting standardized information models
via secure communications across plant
networks in a way that streamlines the
deployment and operation of industrial
automation implementations.

INDUSTRY DEMONSTRATORS AT OPC
FOUNDATION BOOTH: HALL 11.0 C3
During Achema, the OPC Foundation is
showing three major industry realizations at
the OPC booth:
1.	A SAMSON Field device publishing OPC UA
PubSub (UDP) over Ethernet-APL
2.	The PEPPERL-FUCHS
Ethernet-APL Power Switch
3.	A BECKHOFF embedded PLC, acting forbrownfield scenarios, collecting HART data via
Ethernet APL from the south port and exposing this information via an OPC UA server
supporting the NOA model, including PA-DIM
In addition, the OPC Foundation showsdemonstrations about:•	Digital Product Passport, Product Carbon
Footprint, and the Battery Passport,each powered by OPC UA•	AAS powered by OPC UA•	
Cloud Interoperability: Pushing standardized
data to Alibaba-Cloud, AWS, Huawei,
Microsoft and SAP•	
Field Interoperability: Standardized, horizontal
data exchange for Controller-to-Controller
scenarios (OPC UA FX).
For further information, representatives fromOPC Foundation are available for inquiries.

STEFAN HOPPE,
OPC Foundation
President and Executive Director
stefan.hoppe@opcfoundation.org

CONTACT:OPC Foundation
office@opcfoundation.org
www.opcfoundation.org/process““Digitization needs a secure transfer of globally-accepted information models across industries,
technologies, and applications. No single organization can achieve this alone! OPCF, as a co-ownerfrom the beginning, welcomes the extended ownership of PA-DIM to ensure this necessary
global acceptance. OPC UA over MQTT is the only accepted field-to-multi-cloud solution –the combination of this with PA-DIM plus 150+ additional information models is unique.”12

PROFIBUS · PROFINET

Visit PNO at ACHEMA in Hall 11.0, Stand C4
PA-DIM, an important standard for bridging the
gap between OT technologies and the IT world, isalso an important part of PI’s full stack solution“PROFINET over APL”: PROFINET over APL (basedon ethernet-APL) plus FDI and PA-DIM. PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) presents a joint
PA-DIM demo with the Field Comm Group (FCG) at
our booth C4 in Hall 11, where the two organizations also present a Field Device Integration (FDI)
demo, complementing PI’s new use case based“PROFINET for PA” demo wall.
Three demonstration scenarios highlight selected
benefits of PA-DIM, such as protocol-independent
KPI dashboards, uniform information between IT
and OT systems, and integration with plant engineering tools.
The protocol independent KPI dashboard demonstration shows two PROFINET over APL devices
and one HART 4-20mA device connected to a controller that includes an embedded OPC UA server.
An integrator has mapped key information from thethree devices to the server in the protocol-neutral
PA-DIM format. A web-based application accesses
the OPC UA server and presents protocol-neutral
device information through a series of dashboards.
In this demonstration, the dashboards have been
designed to implement one of the NAMUR Open
Architecture use cases called Device Dimensioning. A short video explains this use case.
Interested in learning more about PA-DIM as
an important part of PI’s PROFINET over APL
solution? Please contact representatives fromthe PI organization at our booth, visit our website
at www.profibus.com/pa-dim, or read the newversion of our PA white paper “PROFINET – The
Solution Platform for Process Automation”.
For further information, representatives from
PNO are available for inquiries.
CONTACT:
Office PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V.
info@profinet.com
https://www.profinet.com/““PI has further expanded its solution portfolio for process
automation. For the digitalization of the field level, our
PROFINET over APL full-stack solution not only includes ourproven profiles such as PA Profile 4, but is also supplemented
by FDI and PA-DIM.”

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DIETMAR BOHN,
Executive Director PNO at PI

NAMUR

PA-DIM is the current implementation
for the NOA Information Model
NAMUR welcomes the increasing adoption andutilization of PA-DIM (Process Automation Device
Information Model) in the process industry. PA-DIM
offers significant value for automation technology
and contributes substantially to enhancing efficiency and flexibility in the process industry.
By utilizing PA-DIM, users of automation technology
can expect a uniform and standardized descriptionof device functions and characteristics, leading to
improved interoperability and seamless integrationof devices into automation systems. This enables
faster commissioning, simplified maintenance, andgreater flexibility in selecting and integrating devices from various manufacturers.

NAMUR is confident that the enhanced use of PADIM will help reduce complexity in automation, improve the transparency of device information, andlower overall operating costs for users. Furthermore, PA-DIM will form the foundation for future
developments in the realm of digital twins and predictive maintenance in the process industry.
NAMUR calls upon all stakeholders in the processindustry to recognize the benefits of PA-DIM andactively leverage its advantages to enhance the efficiency, flexibility, and future-proofing of their automation systems.
For further information, representatives from
NAMUR are available for inquiries.
CONTACT:
NAMUR Office
Ms Christine Oro Saavedra
office@namur.de
www.namur.net

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VDMA · ZVEI

Cross Industry harmonized standards
are certically important
Products from the mechanical and plant engineering are used in several industries of discrete manufacturing like automotive as well as process industry like chemicals, pharma or food and beverage.
For this reason, it is important for the VDMA to influence and support the PA-DIM Initiative with themayor goal to develop interface standards basedon OPC UA that are harmonized cross industry
wise.

This will allow i.e. component manufacturers to use
the same interface standards for every customer,
reducing the effort of interface development, easierintegration of products in existing production andproviding seamless access to standardized information.

““With our experience of the last 10 years and more than
100 released OPC UA Companion Specifications it is criticallyimportant to ensure harmonization between these standards
including the ´OPC UA for Machinery´ and the PA-DIM.”
ANDREAS FAATH,Managing Director
VDMA Machine Information Interoperability

PA-DIM is great basis for our digitalization efforts““Automation and Process Automation are the Key enablers
to face the Major Challenges of the Future: Sustainable,
efficient, and interoperable production. By creating andintroducing smart digitalization concepts, for example NOA(NAMUR Open Architecture), together with the end usersof NAMUR, ZVEI and its member companies help process
and discrete industries to master these challenges. We are
happy and feel privileged to be a co-owner of PA-DIM,
which is a great basis for our digitalization efforts.”

FELIX SEIBL,Managing Director,
Measurement and Process Automation Section,
Automation Department ZVEI
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The PA-DIM specification is co-ownedby the associations:

ABOUT PA-DIM AND
THE PA-DIM OWNERS ALLIANCE
The Process Automation Device Information
Model Standard (PA-DIM) is a specification thatdefines protocol agnostic communication of common process automation parameters, including
semantic IDs as defined by IEC 61987, using
OPC UA information modeling techniques.
Eliminating protocol dependencies simplifies theintegration of IT and OT systems, while enablinga semantic device information approach forunambiguous machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Seamless communication is achieved
through data-mapping of fieldbus-specific instrument parameters using the address space definedin PA-DIM specification.

FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE:
www.fdtgroup.org/pa-dim
www.fieldcommgroup.org/pa-dim
www.odva.org/pa-dim
www.opcfoundation.org/pa-dim
www.profibus.com/pa-dim

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PA-DIM Owners Alliance encompass standards
development and end user organizations thatshare a common interest in collaboratively developing specifications and technology to accelerate
the digital transformation of the process automation industry. Each participating organization is aco-owner of the PA-DIM specification, which ismanaged by the PA-DIM Working Group that ishosted by the FieldComm Group. Current PADIM Owners are FDT Group, FieldComm Group,
ISA 100 WCI, NAMUR, ODVA, OPC Foundation,
PROFIBUS and PROFINET International, VDMA,
and ZVEI.