Based on the same technology used to develop Caller ID, the HART Protocol was developed in the mid-1980s for use with field instrumentation. Just like those answering the phone sought a way to identify callers, manufacturers also sought identification information about the device connected on the other end of the wire. Plant engineers also wanted smart field instruments that allowed them to move away from hand-held devices and instead quickly identify problematic conditions from the control room. The ability to remotely manage assets helped drive the initial adoption of smart instrumentation, but support slowed as the technology arrived at a time when knowledgeable plant personnel were retiring in waves. Many plant managers initially thought increased intelligence capabilities could help mitigate the brain drain. But they soon found installing new knowledge management systems became too big of a project when understaffed, and many opted to train new employees instead.
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