New FDT Architecture Delivers Manufacturing Digitalization Platform

Summary

The introduction of the FDT 3.0 – FDT IIoT Server (FITS) architecture and toolkits provides industry experts with a platform and tools to achieve the goals of manufacturing digitalization, including Industry 4.0.  The FDT 3.0 Standard and Toolkits have been in development for some time to deliver a powerful open standard for enterprise-wide network and asset integration — from sensor to cloud for process, hybrid, and factory automation applications.

The FDT 3.0 – FDT IIoT Server™ (FITS™) architecture and toolkits are another big step in the FDT Group goal to drive continued developments in universal network/device integration and asset management, innovating the way automation architectures connect and communicate in process, hybrid and factory manufacturing, including motion applications. FDT’s open integration of control systems and instrumentation in multi-vendor, multi-network environments results in freedom of choice for technology investments, reduced integration costs and, most importantly, the advantages of continuous innovation.

The new offering, in addition to supporting traditional FDT configurations, meets the needs of highly distributed control with processing, closed-loop control, analytics, and enterprise data communications being integrated into field instruments and actuators. This is consistent with the goals of the NAMUR Working Group 2.6 (WG 2.6), which is focused on the field level and basic process automation.
FDT Group Managing Director Glenn Schulz characterized the importance of the development, saying “The new FITS architecture is a powerhouse that is the enabler for scalable, remote access business solutions and services that are needed now to meet changing market demands. By delivering the FDT FITS specification and platform independent toolkits simultaneously, we are enabling the immediate deployment of this new technology. To meet the digital transformational needs for next generation smart plants and factories, the FITS architecture is scalable from skid to cloud, sits at a peer level with the control system and integrates all industrial control networks. This approach provides secure, remote access to live device and network data across the enterprise without PLC/DCS host intervention. While the FITS standard is fully browser based, we have also built in a full OPC UA server to provide an industry standard conduit for IT and OT information integration.”
FDT Technology benefits both manufacturers and end users, with advancements such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 delivered out-of-the-box, enabling seamless asset integration and access to performance data for visualizing crucial operational problems.
FDT 3.0 – FDT IIoT Server™ (FITS™) was built to support a comprehensive, open architecture for the connected world of industrial automation. The backbone architecture standard is independent of industrial automation networks, enables the highest levels of universal device integration and asset management. The collaboration platform supports a multivendor networking integration model. This enables seamless integration mapping to connect intelligent assets, relaying device-specific diagnostic data across the enterprise.

FDT 3.0 – FDT IIoT Server™ (FITS™) Architecture

Ecosystem

Operating System Independent

The FDT 3.0 architecture enables its server to run on Linux, Microsoft, and iOS (Apple) operating systems since it is written in Microsoft .NET Core. The .NET Core is characterized as an Open Source, General Purpose development platform maintained by Microsoft and the .NET community that is cross-platform for building device, cloud, and IoT applications.

Cyber Secure

FDT3.0 implements TLS encrypted communications with 509v3 certificates for authentication and role-based access control. The architecture also takes advantage of cybersecurity mechanisms built into supported protocols. Schulz noted that his organization is evaluating pursuing cybersecurity standards and certifications based on the needs of users including ISA99, ISASecure, and IEC 62443.

FDThub DTM repository

dMobile enabled

The new architecture is completely mobile enabled to support the digital worker in the field and all communications standards, including 5G. Secure Mobile field device management improves workflow for plant workers, enhancing productivity, and maintenance efficiency.

Skids Integration

Supporting the industry trend toward using modular integrated skid systems, FDT 3.0 supports secure connectivity with universal device integration, enabling skid-to-cloud-based asset management and mobile worker access to skid data.   

OPC UA

The architecture includes a native OPC UA server for integration with Enterprise, ERP, and supply chain without routing through PCL, DCS, Historians, HMI’s, MES, and other middleware. This is another example of results from the cooperation with the OPC Foundation that started in 2014.

Availability

FDT 3.0 specification license agreements and developer toolkits are now available on the FDT website (www.fdtgroup.org). In addition to the FDT 3.0 standard and developer toolkits, an IO-Link Interpreter DTM is under development along with FDT communication annexes for HART™, Profibus™, IO-Link™, and CIP networks. This is slated for release in late 2020.

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