ABB has expanded the scope of its ABB Ability Smart Device Manager, certifying the universal handheld configurator for field instrumentation for use in hazardous environments.
The move allows operators in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, and process manufacturing to configure, commission, and maintain devices safely and efficiently in Zone-1 areas, where flammable gases and vapours may be present.
The Smart Device Manager connects securely to field devices in under three minutes, with ABB claiming it can halve configuration times compared with conventional systems. The device combines cybersecurity-enabled hardware with Windows-based software, designed to reduce exposure to cyber threats, secure sensitive data, and minimise unplanned downtime.
“Our Smart Device Manager addresses long-standing challenges in industrial device management,” said Manjus Manu from ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division. “With certification for hazardous areas, it provides a scalable, future-ready tool that allows operators to configure and maintain devices quickly and safely even in demanding environments.”
The system builds on ABB’s Field Information Manager (FIM) software and is vendor-agnostic, supporting ABB and third-party instruments using multiple communication protocols including HART, Profibus, Profinet, OPC-UA, and Ethernet-APL.
A key feature, the optional Power-Loop, allows devices to be powered directly from the handheld unit, removing the need for external power sources during bench-top testing or field commissioning.
By integrating support for both legacy and modern devices, ABB’s Smart Device Manager aims to bridge the gap between older plant infrastructure and contemporary digital workflows. Its offline templates, auto-updating drivers, and universal device libraries are designed to reduce commissioning and maintenance effort, while also lowering total cost of ownership.
ABB, which employs around 110,000 people globally, said the development aligns with its broader strategy to combine automation and digitalisation technologies to improve industrial efficiency and sustainability.
