Enhanced Fieldbus device alerts enable Fieldbus devices within a process
control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected
within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of
independently reportable device alarm parameters, each of which
corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may
require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The
independently reportable device alarm parameters include a parameter
associated with a failure of a Fieldbus device, a parameter associated
with maintenance needed by a Fieldbus device and an advisable action in
connection with a Fieldbus device.