Web-based information system for life cycle support of fieldbus devices

Each fieldbus device contains an internal set of data relevant mainly for automation and control tasks, but also suitable for maintenance purpose. In addition, other device-related data are available outside the device, like descriptions, instructions, or even pictures and multimedia files. Thus, the device can be treated as central part of a complex information set. This information set is used by software tools throughout a device's life cycle, e.g. configuration, commissioning, parameterization, diagnosis, repair, firmware update, asset management, audit trailing, etc. The paper describes an extensible, flexible, distributed Web-based information platform and presents an application example for PROFIBUS/PROFINET systems