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The Value of FDI

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Abstract
FDI (Field Device Integration) is a new device integration technology for process automation
designed to integrate field devices into automation networks with the help of standardized,
vendor-independent tools and procedures. One challenge that continually confronts end users issoftware revision management for intelligent field devices.

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This article covers the challenges in device revision management and how the FDI technology
addresses these challenges by providing access to a single authoritative source for registered
FDI Device Packages – the FDI Package Repository.
The audience of this article includes plant operators, maintenance engineers, end users, instrument suppliers, system
suppliers, business, and technical leaders in the process industry.

End User Beneﬁts
Simplified Device Revision Management
FDI Package Repository streamlines the process of device revision management. It simplifies the maintenance task
by providing a simple way to obtain the correct device files for your installation.

Enhanced Patch Management
Proactive patch management is possible with the help of the FDI Package Repository. A built-in FDI Package update
module automatically downloads the appropriate FDI Package. This ensures that the system is always updated withthe correct device revisions.

Push Notifications for timely update (future)
Push notifications from the cloud based FDI Package Repository to a connected host system informs operators andengineers of available software updates.

Challenges in Device Revision Management
Growing numbers of installed smart field devices bring more data to the user, while challenging users to understandhow to harness this information for greater benefit. Keeping a system up to date with information provided by smart
devices is challenging for plant operators.

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In a survey by Control Global, the biggest challenge in device integration is in “dealing with device drivers and revisions”.
This is mainly because when the device is replaced with its higher version or with a device from another manufacturer
for better functionality, finding the suitable device driver (EDD/FDI Device Package) can be an arduous task.
Currently, device drivers are available from various sources including vendor websites, email, system supplierservices, foundation registered product catalogs, CD-ROM, and even USB drives.
Maintenance engineers must be trained to choose the right device driver revision from various sources depending on
the vendors and communication protocols and update it in the specific system for the device to operate efficiently.

FDI Package Repository – The Authoritative Source for Registered Device Packages
The core of device revision management lies in keeping the system and handheld field communicator aligned withthe latest devices and revisions. Problems arise when multiple, non-standardized sources, for device drivers areavailable.
The FDI Package Repository is a single cloud based distribution source for registered EDD files and FDI Device
Packages, irrespective of vendors and protocols. The repository is accessible through an application programming
interface (API) that third parties such as systems suppliers, instrument suppliers, software developers, andfoundations use to develop applications that access repository packages.
One example of an API accessing the repository is FieldComm Group’s online Product Registry accessible atwww.fieldcommgroup.org/product-registry. FieldComm Group’s Product Registry is simply a web-based interface forusers to view and download the latest device support files manually.

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How does it work?
With the implementation of a cloud-based FDI Package Repository, end users and system suppliers are able to auto
update the host system with the appropriate FDI Package without human intervention.
As shown below, the host applications, handheld devices, and custom applications use the APIs in the FDI Repository
cloud platform to create applications that can help assure that critical process automation system components arealways up to date.
For example, during device replacement/upgrade, a built-in FDI Package update module in the host application or
handheld communicator can securely access the FDI Package Repository using the API. On successful connection,
the application may search the FDI Package Repository and download the appropriate package version on thesystem. In order to keep the system up to date, these actions can be triggered on demand or automatically.
FieldComm Group will maintain the API and registered FOUNDATION Fieldbus, HART and FDI Device Packages files
in the FDI Package Repository.

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Conclusion
In today’s data-driven world, ‘Device Revision Management’ has been a critical and tedious task for the plantengineers. FieldComm Group is focused on simplifying device integration and management in the process
automation industry. The secure and reliable cloud platform - FDI Package Repository, acts as a single distribution
source for thousands of registered EDDs and FDI Device Packages, irrespective of vendors and communication
protocols. FieldComm Group’s new FDI Package Repository offers enhanced device management with minimaleffort.

FieldComm Group9430 Research Blvd., Ste 1-120
Austin, TX 78759 USA
info@fieldcommgroup.org+1 512.792.2300
www.fieldcommgroup.org

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