Abstract: A system, method, and an apparatus related to a standardized interface to separate new functions from the primary features of the DTM. This can circumvent the need for modification of the DTM when new functions are desired to be added. This can prevent the necessity of regression testing for existing functions in the DTM, and prevent risk of degradation of performance of the DTM after addition of the new functions. Consequently, by reducing the testing time, development time of upgrades to DTMs can be shortened and a lower cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A method includes generating a graphical display associated with an industrial process control system having multiple field devices. The graphical display includes a custom group of field devices, where the custom group includes a user-defined subset of the field devices. The method also includes presenting the graphical display. The method further includes receiving a request to perform an action associated with the custom group. In addition, the method includes initiating performance of the action for each field device in the custom group. The action could include a user-defined custom action, and the method could further include defining the custom action based on user input. The graphical display could include multiple custom groups of field devices and, for each custom group, identify a status of each field device in the custom group. Each custom group could identify critical field devices associated with a different functional unit in an industrial facility.

Abstract: A system, method, and an apparatus related to a standardized interface to separate new functions from the primary features of the DTM. This can circumvent the need for modification of the DTM when new functions are desired to be added. This can prevent the necessity of regression testing for existing functions in the DTM, and prevent risk of degradation of performance of the DTM after addition of the new functions. Consequently, by reducing the testing time, development time of upgrades to DTMs can be shortened and a lower cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A method includes generating a graphical display associated with an industrial process control system having multiple field devices. The graphical display includes a custom group of field devices, where the custom group includes a user-defined subset of the field devices. The method also includes presenting the graphical display. The method further includes receiving a request to perform an action associated with the custom group. In addition, the method includes initiating performance of the action for each field device in the custom group. The action could include a user-defined custom action, and the method could further include defining the custom action based on user input. The graphical display could include multiple custom groups of field devices and, for each custom group, identify a status of each field device in the custom group. Each custom group could identify critical field devices associated with a different functional unit in an industrial facility.