ABB has updated its Ability Field Information Manager (FIM 3.0) software, enhancing connectivity and reach across various communication protocols.
This upgrade is designed to improve operational efficiency by enabling system engineers and maintenance teams to configure, commission, diagnose, and maintain devices more quickly and intuitively.
The latest version of FIM 3.0 enhances the performance and diagnostic data collection of device fleets. It integrates OPC UA and PA-DIM to facilitate the transfer of data from field devices to cloud-based condition monitoring solutions, supporting smarter maintenance and improved engineering efficiency. The software now includes new asset management features, such as increased device condition monitoring, which are conducive to predictive maintenance.
Stefan Basenach, Head of Process Control Platform at ABB, commented on the software’s capabilities: “In the era of Industry 4.0, ABB Ability Field Information Manager empowers businesses to embrace digital transformation, ensuring flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness across their fleet of devices. With its future-proof capabilities, it helps customers enhance operational efficiency while remaining relevant as industry standards evolve.”
FIM 3.0 acts as a conduit between IT and OT, aiding data-driven decision-making. The software now supports a broader range of connectivity options, including ASi-5, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, HART IP, and HART. This compatibility allows FIM 3.0 to integrate seamlessly into existing system landscapes, enhancing plant agility. Its reinforced Ethernet-APL support ensures the software’s relevance for future applications.
Complementing FIM 3.0, ABB’s Ability Edgenius Operations Data Manager expands the software’s functionality. It enables the collection and management of data from OPC UA, making critical information accessible for Edge and Cloud-based applications. This feature simplifies the monitoring and maintenance of field devices across multiple locations, offering advanced fleet management capabilities.