PI Technology Access: Building Technology Together
⚠️ This page is a work in progress.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and may change. Registration for PI Technology Access is expected to open on November 1, 2026.
Full access to all PI technologies and developement resources from the PNO - fairly and jointly funded by everyone who uses them:
PI Technology Access provides international members with full access to all PI software, tools and test tools from the PNO.
It ensures the fair, joint international funding of central technology development, thereby strengthening PI's global innovation capability.
"Those who actively use PI technologies contribute to their further development."
Explore the tabs above to learn what's included, why the PTA was introduced, and how much it costs.
Please note that a RPA membership is required to obtain the PI Technology Access.
Each PI member company contributes to its local RPA, and that will not change. PI Technology Access adds a separate contribution that goes directly to the PNO in exchange for full access to PI's software, tools and testing tools.
Currently, German PNO member companies largely fund PI's core technology development, even though the technology is used internationally. PTA closes this gap by ensuring that all international members who benefit from PI technologies contribute to their development.
The principle is simple: anyone who actively uses PI technologies contributes to their further development, which is the same standard that already applies to PNO member companies. PTA is a flat rate covering the enite software, tools and testing tools portfolio.
Important reassurance: Local RPA membership remains unchanged. PTA is an additional contribution for technology access only; it does not replace or change RPA membership.
Want to know what's actually included? Head over to the "What's Included" page for a full breakdown of the included tools and software.
Software, Tools, and Test Tools
Following special tools are not included in the PTA but have a separate price tag:
- FDI Tools & Components
- F-Host Test Tool and Data Type Test Tool
- omlox test tools (for core zone and hub testing)
A PI membership is required for licenses of the F-Host Test Tool and the Data Type Test Tool. The FDI PA-profile device package also requires a PI membership.
PI Technology Access is billed annually based on the size of the legal entity registered as the RPA member (number of employees). The table below shows the PTA fee for international members.
| Employees | PTA Fee |
|---|---|
| >10,000 | €15,000 |
| 3,000 - 10,000 | €10,000 |
| 1,000 - 3,000 | €6,000 |
| 500 - 1,000 | €3,000 |
| 301 - 500 | €2,000 |
| 201 - 300 | €1,250 |
| 101 - 200 | €1,000 |
| 51 - 100 | €750 |
| 31 - 50 | €500 |
| 1 - 30 | €300 |
Please note that the PTA fee is in addition to the local RPA fee. A local RPA membership is required to obtain the PI technology access.
FAQ
What happens to my existing RPA membership?
Nothing changes. Your local RPA membership remains the same. PI Technology Access is an additional contribution for access to PI's technology development. It is not a replacement for RPA membership.
Is PTA mandatory?
PTA will become mandatory for international member companies that want full access to PI's software, tools, testing tools, and technical services. Companies that do not sign up for PTA will retain their existing RPA membership but will not have access to the aforementioned technology resources.
Why is PTA being introduced now?
Historically, PI's core technology development has been largely funded by German PNO member companies, even though the technology is used internationally. The PTA closes this gap by ensuring that all international members who benefit from PI technologies contribute to their ongoing development, creating a fairer, more sustainable funding model for the entire PI community.
How is PTA different from my local RPA membership?
Your RPA membership includes local community benefits (incl. working groups participation, specifications review, download, …), patent usage etc., informational, events, and marketing offerings. The PTA, on the other hand, provides direct access to PI's technology development at the PNO level, including software, tools, and test tools.
How much does PTA cost, and how is it billed?
PI Technology Access is billed annually based on the size of the legal entity registered as the RPA member (number of employees).
| Employees | PTA Fee |
|---|---|
| >10,000 | €15,000 |
| 3,000 - 10,000 | €10,000 |
| 1,000 - 3,000 | €6,000 |
| 500 - 1,000 | €3,000 |
| 301 - 500 | €2,000 |
| 201 - 300 | €1,250 |
| 101 - 200 | €1,000 |
| 51 - 100 | €750 |
| 31 - 50 | €500 |
| 1 - 30 | €300 |
Please note that the PTA fee is in addition to the local RPA fee. A local RPA membership is required to obtain the PI technology access.
Who needs to sign up for PTA: all companies or certain types of members (e.g., device manufacturer, distributor, user)?
Any PI member company that wants access to PI's technology resources, including software, tools, test tools, and technical services, needs to sign up for PTA, regardless of membership type (device manufacturer, distributor, or user). Membership type does not determine eligibility. What matters is your desire to access PI's technology resources.
I work for a global company with entities in multiple countries. If one of our entities has PTA, can the rest of our company use it too?
No, because PTA is granted per legal entity, not per company group. For example, if your Italian entity has registered for PTA, that access cannot be shared with your Japanese entity or any other entity in a different country. Each legal entity that wants access to PTA's technology resources needs its own registration, regardless of whether other entities within the same company already have one.
When does PTA take effect?
The PI Technology Access takes effect on January 1, 2027.
When does PI Technology Access (PTA) end?
PTA runs for one year and renews automatically unless it is canceled. There are two ways it can end: you can cancel it, or your RPA membership can end (since PTA is tied to it).
What happens if I don't sign up for PTA?
Your RPA membership remains unaffected. However, without PTA membership, you will not have access to PTA's technology resources, including software, tools, test tools, and technical services, which will be exclusively available to PTA members going forward.
Who should I contact with questions?
Contact pta(at)profibus(dot)com with any questions about PI Technology Access.
WIP
Are you ready to get started, or do you still have questions? Reach out to us at pta(at)profibus(dot)com.
Request PI Technology Access
What happens after you request access:
- Submit your request via the form above.
- The PNO team will review your request and confirm your PI Technology Access.
- Onboarding: You will receive access details for the tools, software, and services included in PTA.
PI Technology Access takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Have questions before signing up? Check the FAQ tab above or contact us directly.
Information will follow soon!