Is the Siemens PDM tool the best-in-class tool for operational management of Profibus PA devices or
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First of all it is important to note that there are two different technologies to manage Profibus PA and other instruments. These are the FDT/DTM and the EDDL tools. Siemens PDM is part of the EDDL family. I personally like the FDT more but I will not discuss that here.
In general these "tools" are very handy when they are used and installed the correct way. It will reduce both the commissioning and the operational costs of an installation.
How does it facilitate replacement of a broken PA instrument? In an ideal situation you will not need it to replace a broken device. But it can give the technician better diagnostic information about the defect and I've already seen situations where the problem itself could be fixed with FDT without replacing the device. This is just because there is a lot more diagnostic and other information available to understand and solve the problem.
If you do have to replace a device it can also help you to diagnose any problems after replacing it. For example it can happen that the GSD file and ident number has changed with a new version of the same device. FDT can help you find this problem and some manufacturers even have the option to configure it again with the old version of the GSD file. If you need to calibrate the instrument after replacing it, this can also be simplified with the software tools.
In my opinion every instrument network should have a software tool like this (FDT or EDDL).
I coppied this comment from user who has answered a similar question in another forum. An Answer which I feel is very relevant.
Jurgen Janssens
Independent Industrial Automation Professional -
In my opinion, Field Device Tool (FDT) is vendor independent and is established as an open publicly available specification. FDT is an interface specification that provides seamless data exchange between the field devices and control host systems.
For example, Endress+Hauser's - FieldCare, Plant Asset Management Tool - is the first frame application tool to be certified by FDT Group.
DTM certification is well entrenched as many manufacturers worldwide, have established certified libraries. FDT certification objective is to ensure interoperability of DTMs and frames. Conformance of these components is tested against the FDT Version 1.2 specification. The systematic tests performed during the certification procedure drastically reduce interoperability issues, thus avoiding potential integration costs and project delays for the user.
FDT supports all phases of a plant life cycle including engineering, installation, commissioning, production, and maintenance. It supports customers during start-up, providing instant access to diagnostics, status information and assists in managing the entire installed base.
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!!! Exciting News !!!
Did you know that the FDT Group plan an FDT Roadshow in Jo'Burg on the 27th October 2010 10am - 4pm. The event will focus on FDT Technology, known as IEC 62453.
(Attendance is free of charge)
Invites, dates and venue must still be finalised.
I will post more details, as and when, they become available.
Visit www.fdtgroup.org/events
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