FieldComm Group presents new functional integration standard – FDI

July 2015 News

The FieldComm Group, formed by combining all assets of the former Fieldbus Foundation and Hart Communication Foundation, and dedicated to the integration of intelligent devices in process automation facilities worldwide, announced the first live publically viewable display of functioning FDI package IDE (development tools) and FDI common host components at this year’s Achema trade fair in Frankfurt.

On display were not only the new cutting edge development tools for Field Device Integration (FDI) but also Foundation fieldbus and HART technologies on a massive Technology Wall designed to demonstrate how the Group is ‘connecting the world of process automation’ through a full portfolio of solutions that integrate valuable digital data from intelligent field devices. The multi-vendor display included nearly 40 leading suppliers and over 70 devices integrated into both new and current systems that provide valuable device and process information leading to improved plant performance.

With the availability of these new development tools for FDI, process automation suppliers and developers can now efficiently implement and test FDI device packages for Foundation fieldbus, HART and Profibus. In addition, they may also use the FDI Common Host Components to build FDI compatible host systems to ensure full integration and consistency of the FDI standard.

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...

---

Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.

Read more...

---

Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric launches first registered Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.

Read more...

---

4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.

Read more...

---

A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.

Read more...

---

Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.

Read more...

---

Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.

Read more...

---

Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.

Read more...

---