FDT Group released its FDT UE developer evaluation software on Apr. 6. This tool expedites the ability to build FDT3-based system and device type manager (DTM) solutions to meet users’ demands for modern, intelligent device management and monitoring required by Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architectures.
Suppliers of industrial automation systems and devices want to provide interoperable solutions supporting IIoT architectures. To meet users’ needs, it’s vital for suppliers to enhance their products with modern technology standards, and provide an agnostic approach to information-driven business models. The new FDT3 standard accelerates digital manufacturing by enabling an ecosystem of FDT-based solutions, which provide a unified environment for industrial device management with IT/OT data-driven operations.
Consequently, FDT Group provides suppliers with developer toolkits that:
- Support development of platform-independent FDT UE-enabled host and device products, while assuring compliance with the FDT3 standard, so vendors can focus on value-added capabilities.
- Jump start development, minimize engineering effort, and simplify certification/registration, which shortens time to market for new products.
- Enable interoperability and seamless data exchange independent of system, device/type, data model, IT/OT (network/protocol) enterprise wide.
- Empower OPC UA- and mobile-ready solutions without coding, giving IT and OT teams authenticated client access for diagnostic monitoring optimization.
An evaluation version for each FDT UE developer tool will be made available to FDT Group members to help jump start their development activities. Corporate members will have access to all classes, and affiliate members will have access to Levels 1-3. An FDT-License to productize and sell FDT UE products built with the toolkits is required during certification with the FDT Group before the product can be made for sale by the developer.
Members can request developer tools at FDT Group’s website. Developer toolkits with an evaluation version include:
- FDT UE—DTM Common Component
- FDT UE—dtmInspector
- FDT UE—Server Common Component (Demo Server)
“By making these toolkits freely available to members, we’re reducing barriers for research and development of FDT UE-based products designed to meet industry demands for modern intelligent device management and monitoring initiatives for the process and factory markets,” says Steve Biegacki, FDT Group’s managing director. “Our working groups and development partners have done a nice job making these tools a reality.”
Companies looking to outsource development of FDT UE-based products can also connect with FDT Service Providers including: CodeWrights, M&M Software, Hilscher, NSD, Thorsis, and Utthunga. These service providers can be reached here.
