Field devices and digital plant

Abstract

Digital representations of production plants are an essential building block in the context of Industry 4.0. The so-called digital plant has to be augmented and maintained over all engineering and operation phases throughout the operational life of the plant. Field devices have a strong influence on the functionality and dynamics of a production plant. Even today, the challenge of consolidating the necessary information for use in the digital plant is still underestimated. This paper presents the current situation, the challenges faced, and the first steps to solutions, as well as future challenges and the scope for standardisation.