Rockwell Automation Adds Process Device Configuration to FactoryTalk AssetCentre Software

Rockwell Automation has added process device configuration using Field Device Tool (FDT) technology to its FactoryTalk AssetCentre asset management software, further helping manufacturers in process industries centrally manage and maintain their production environments.

Process device configuration helps process manufacturers increase reliability of instrumentation and simplifies regulatory reporting compliance efforts. The capabilities also help improve product quality in applications where conditions are tied directly to process parameters, such as temperature, pressure or flow.

The FactoryTalk AssetCentre process device configuration uses FDT technology to standardize the communication interface between field devices and systems. Because processing facilities rely on a wide variety of devices, it is important to choose an industry standard that addresses the broadest spectrum of device technologies. The process device configuration relies on the iDTM for the HART Communication Protocol, making it simple for organizations to take advantage of diagnostic information that is already available in many of today’s processing facilities. The iDTM uses the data in the HART device descriptor (DD) file and the graphical capabilities of FDT technology to integrate to any Hart Communication Foundation registered device descriptor. As a result, asset management of any HART device is possible.