ABB has extended the capabilities of its ABB Ability™ Smart Device Manager – a universal handheld configurator for field instrumentation – by certifying it for use in hazardous environments.
The enhancement enables secure and efficient connection to field devices in under three minutes with cybersecurity-enabled hardware.
Designed for use in oil and gas, chemical, and other process industries where safety and reliability are paramount, Smart Device Manager supports configuration, commissioning, diagnostics, and maintenance of field instrumentation.
Unlike conventional configurators, it is certified for both general-purpose and Zone-1 hazardous areas and is vendor-agnostic, supporting multiple communication protocols.
“Our Smart Device Manager addresses long-standing challenges in industrial device management,” said Manjus Manu from ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division.
“From outdated configurators to fragmented workflows and limited protocol support, the industry has needed a solution that is comprehensive, secure and easy to use.
“With its newly extended certification for hazardous areas, Smart Device Manager is a scalable and future-ready tool that allows operators to configure and maintain devices quickly and safely even in the most demanding environments.”
Part of ABB’s device management portfolio, Smart Device Manager builds on the company’s existing Field Information Manager (FIM) software, combining cybersecurity-enabled hardware with scalable Windows-based functionality.
Its built-in protection helps secure sensitive device data, reduces exposure to cyber threats from unsupported legacy systems, and safeguards plant operations against unplanned downtime.
The new certification allows plant operators, maintenance teams, and instrumentation technicians to scan, identify and gain access to field devices in less than three minutes, cutting configuration times roughly by half.
The solution also minimises the need for extended on-site work in hazardous zones, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
By bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern digital workflows, Smart Device Manager tackles challenges such as limited vendor support, high maintenance costs, and outdated documentation.
Users benefit from a single intuitive interface capable of managing both legacy and new devices, while also enabling remote support and future software upgrades without the need for new hardware.
Supporting ABB and third-party instrumentation across protocols including HART, Profibus, Profinet, OPC-UA, and Ethernet-APL, the Smart Device Manager also offers an optional Power-Loop feature that powers devices directly from the configurator — simplifying bench testing and field commissioning.
With offline templates, universal device libraries, and auto-updating drivers, the Smart Device Manager aims to streamline operations, improve uptime, and reduce the total cost of ownership across industrial plants.