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FDT stands for Field Device Tool. The FDT concept brings about integration possibilities precisely where they are needed most: in engineering, diagnosis, service and asset management. FDT allows for the integration of devices from a variety of manufacturers into the automation systems, independent of the specific communication technologies and the specific system environments. In this way, device-specific features such as predictive/proactive maintenance and their optimization are made accessible to the user via the system. The FDT concept covers the complete life-cycle of devices in the system environments.

FDT is an open industry specification which provides plugand-play integration of DTMs (Device Type Managers) for various vendors' devices into a single tool. FDT is promoted and supported by many vendors of automation devices and systems.

DTMs are device-specific and vendor-specific software applications that provide a user interface for the configuration, calibration and diagnostics of devices. DTMs exist for both field devices and communication devices. DTMs for communication devices represent the communication protocol driver of the devices.

Because communication protocol management is encapsulated into DTMs and the communication between DTMs is protocol-independent, FDT allows the management of multiprotocol field networks with a single tool. FDT/DTM technology allows each vendor to show device functionality the way intended i.e. there are no hidden features available only in proprietary systems.