Method and operating unit for troubleshooting errors in a system of automation technology

A method for troubleshooting errors in a system of automation technology, wherein the system has a plurality of field devices which are attached at distributed installation locations, the method comprising steps of:

• accessing a database using an operating unit, wherein for each of the field devices a current status and location information corresponding to the respective installation location of the field device are stored in the database;
• providing a list of field devices and respective location information for which a service status or a diagnostic status has been recorded due to at least one error;
• selecting at least one of the field devices in the list using the operating unit;
• gathering a current location position of an operator using the operating unit;
• locating the selected field device, including the current location position of the operating unit and the location information of the selected field device, via the operating unit;
• finding the selected field device by the operator with the aid of the operating unit;
• and
• connecting the operating unit to the selected field device, and operating the selected field device by means of the operating unit in order to troubleshoot the error.

A method for troubleshooting errors in a system of automation technology, wherein the system has a plurality of field devices which are attached at distributed installation locations, the method comprising steps of:

• creating a list of the field devices for which a service status or a diagnostic status is recorded due to at least one error, and location information corresponding to respective installation locations of the field devices, using a database, wherein, for each of the field devices, a current status and the respective location information is stored in the database, wherein the database has a radio unit;
• searching for radio-contactable operating units by means of the radio unit of the database;
• if at least one operating unit has been found, transmitting at least a portion of the list to the operating unit using the radio unit;
• selecting at least one of the field devices in the list using the operating unit;
• determining a current location position of an operator using the operating unit;
• locating the selected field device, including a current location position of the operating unit and the location information of the selected field device, via the operating unit;
• finding the selected field device by the operator using the operating unit;
• and
• connecting the operating unit to the selected field device, and operating the selected field device by means of the operating unit in order to troubleshoot the error.

An operating unit for troubleshooting errors in a system of automation technology, wherein the system has a plurality of field devices which are attached at the distributed installation locations, comprising:

• a communication connection with a database via a radio link;
• wherein the database stores a current status and location information corresponding to the respective installation location of the field device;
• a list of field devices and respective location information for which a service status or a diagnostic status has been recorded due to at least one error;
• wherein the operating unit selects at least one of the field devices in the list, gathers a current location position of an operator using the operator unit, locates the selected field device, including the current location position of the operating unit and the location information of the selected field device, and assists the operator in finding the selected field device;
• and
• wherein the operating unit is connected to the selected field device and operates the selected field device in order to troubleshoot the error.