Enable Standardized Device Data for Process Automation
Through collaboration with major standards development and end user organization serving the process automation industry, ODVA is committed to simplify integration of OT and IT systems by optimizing end users’ management of data from field devices.
PA-DIM Role in the Process Industry
As digital transformation accelerates and the collaboration between IT and OT becomes increasingly important, process industries are looking for new ways to leverage device and system data. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has also increased the need for interoperability across systems, devices, and vendors, making standardized Ethernet communications between field level and higher system essential.
To address these challenges, industry organizations – including ODVA – collaborated to develop the Process Automation Device Information Model (PA-DIM®). PA-DIM enables protocol-independent communication of common process automation device parameters using OPC UA information models and semantic IDs defined by IEC 61987. By eliminating protocol dependencies, PA-DIM simplifies system integration and supports standardized machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, allowing end users to access data from both existing and newly installed instrumentation.
PA-DIM standardizes process automation information to allow for more seamless data analysis and prognostics. For EtherNet/IP users, it provides a consistent way for networks to move data from the field to the cloud while improving data standardization across networks. The specification can be integrated across communication protocols, meets the requirements of the NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA), and helps end users to better use device data throughout the plant.
PA-DIM Collaboration
Participating organizations share ownership of the specification and collaboratively participate in the PA-DIM working group to create enhancements and extensions to the PA-DIM specification. Co-owners of the PA-DIM specification include ISA100 WCI , ODVA, PROFIBUS/PROFINET International, NAMUR , VDMA and ZVEI.