Smart device manufacturers move towards FieldComm Group FDI device management tools
Key Highlights
- Modern automation relies on real-time data from smart field devices.
- Data silos and multi-vendor complexity are major challenges.
- Field Device Integration (FDI) provides a protocol-agnostic framework.
Industrial data is the foundation of modern automation strategies, with smart field devices delivering real-time insight into process performance, asset health and operational efficiency. As manufacturers advance digitalization efforts, many are working to reduce data silos and enable broader access to device information across both OT and IT environments. The goal is to support a shift from reactive operations to more predictive, data-driven operations while improving uptime and performance.
At the same time, most facilities continue to operate a diverse, multi-vendor installed base, often managed through protocol-specific tools. This fragmented approach adds complexity and limits scalability. As a result, end users are increasingly looking for a simplified standard integration approach that can unify device access, streamline lifecycle management and better leverage existing investments.
FieldComm Group is advancing this effort through its Field Device Integration (FDI) technology, which provides a protocol-agnostic framework for device configuration, diagnostics and data access. Following its 2024 combination with FDT Group (DTM), the organization is further aligning industry standards around a common approach to device integration standard through an updated FDI specification.
FDI is positioned to support both current installed systems (DTM) and next-generation architectures (FDI) by enabling consistent device access from the field level through enterprise applications. In this Q&A, Chris Willoughby, Team Lead for Product Management at VEGA Americas, discusses how standardized device integration platform and VEGA’s perspective on advancing from FDT/DTM to a single FDI solution for intelligent device management and what it means for end users managing increasingly complex automation environments.
Q: What can smart sensor users improve today by implementing intelligent device management with FDI?
A: FDI gives users a standardized environment to manage the full device lifecycle—configuration, commissioning, diagnostics and parameterization—without switching between vendor-specific tools.
In practice, that means cleaner integration into host systems like DCS, PLC or asset management and more consistent access to device data. Customers see immediate gains in efficiency, along with a stronger foundation for predictive analytics and condition-based maintenance.
Q: What are your customers hoping to achieve with FDI?
A: Customers are looking for a simple single integration layer that works across their installed base, regardless of protocol or manufacturer. That consistency is critical for scaling operations.
They want faster commissioning, reliable diagnostics, and structured access to device data. On top of that, there’s growing demand for enterprise integration, advanced analytics, and support for digital twin strategies. FDI helps standardize how that data is accessed and used.
Q: How does FDI help solve primary pain points of managing devices from multiple vendors?
A: The biggest challenge is the lack of consistency—different tools, data models, and interfaces depending on the vendor. FDI addresses that with a common framework for accessing parameters, diagnostics, and lifecycle functions.
It removes the need for multiple software environments and simplifies integration into host systems. That reduces engineering effort and makes ongoing device management much more efficient.
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Q: How are VEGA customers integrating intelligent devices today?
A: Customers today are facing the challenge of doing more with less. They are investing in intelligent devices to get more actionable diagnostics and better visibility into process conditions. That’s especially important as experienced personnel retire and teams become more digitally focused.
We’re seeing more systems designed around capturing high-quality device data and feeding it into control systems and analytics platforms. The goal is to reduce unplanned downtime and enable more data-driven decision-making.
Q: How does FDI simplify integration across different communication protocols?
A: FDI provides a consistent integration layer across both legacy and Ethernet-based protocols—HART, FOUNDATION Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, as well as PROFINET, HART-IP, EtherNet/IP, and OPC UA.
It simplifies the protocol complexity, including communication through gateways, so integration into host systems is more straightforward. Users get a unified interface for device setup and management without needing to account for protocol-specific differences.
Q: What integration challenges does FDI help solve?
A: FDI standardizes how device data is structured and exposed, which is key for integrating OT assets with IT systems. That consistency makes it easier to connect devices to asset management platforms, IIoT applications and enterprise analytics tools.
By improving interoperability, customers can more effectively use device data for predictive maintenance, process optimization, and performance monitoring across the operation.
Q: How will FDI impact device lifecycle management in the future?
A: FDI enables a more data-driven approach to lifecycle management by providing consistent, protocol-independent access to device information. That’s foundational for moving from reactive to condition-based maintenance strategies.
As adoption grows, we’ll see broader use of predictive models to anticipate failures and optimize maintenance planning—ultimately improving uptime, reliability, and overall asset performance.
