Softing Industrial Automation has released version 1.04 of its smartLink HW-PN gateway. The latest firmware now offers complete compatibility with the top asset management systems Emerson AMS Device Manager and ABB Field Information Manager (ABB FIM). This improvement streamlines and speeds up the incorporation of field devices into digital maintenance workflows, regardless of the control system or engineering setting.
Consolidated Access to Field Equipment in PROFINET and PROFIBUS Networks
SmartLink HW-PN V1.04 enables users to access PROFINET networks and linked PROFIBUS devices independently of controllers through the built-in PROFINET/PROFIBUS proxy standard.
Version 1.04 now provides seamless compatibility with AMS Device Manager and ABB FIM. This transforms smartLink HW-PN into a universal access point for effective and cross-vendor asset management. With this release, Softing Industrial Automation maintains its approach of steadily making the integration of field devices into digital maintenance processes easier.
The smartLink HW-PN can be seamlessly incorporated into current asset management systems without needing modifications to networks or control programs. The OPC UA-based FDI communication server interface delivers device and diagnostic information securely and in a standardized format. This allows businesses to manage plant assets centrally, effectively, and without reliance on particular manufacturers
Extended Compatibility and Future-Proof Design
Beyond the expanded tool support, version 1.04 improves compatibility with modern network components. The new firmware now supports, among others, the Pepperl+Fuchs APL Switch PA Proxy, enabling access to Ethernet-APL and PROFIBUS-PA devices. This makes smartLink HW-PN a future-ready solution for hybrid process networks and a key enabler for the gradual transition to Ethernet-APL architectures.
Availability
The updated firmware for smartLink HW-PN is now available through Softing Industrial’s worldwide distribution network.
Presentation at SPS 2025 in Nuremberg
At SPS Smart Production Solutions 2025 in Nuremberg (November 25–27, 2025), Softing Industrial will present the new features of smartLink HW-PN V1.04 in Hall 5, Booth 258.