Benefit from specifications, tools, certification, and the opportunity to actively shape PI technologies.
PI is the world’s largest user organization for industrial communication, connecting companies and experts both regionally and internationally. The PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) is one of PI’s Regional PI Associations (RPAs) and is responsible for members headquartered or operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Companies from other countries are also welcome to join PNO; however, in most cases we recommend choosing the RPA closest to your home country and preferred language. Please refer to the list of RPAs here.
PNO membership is open to companies, associations, and institutes (as well as individuals) that support PI technologies such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, IO-Link, MTP, and omlox as manufacturers, providers, or users/operators.
Membership Fee Overview
| Category1 | Number of employees at the time of entry2 | Membership fee |
| A: Manufacturer/Provider | > 10,000 employees | € 25,000/year |
| B: Manufacturer/Provider | 3,001 – 10,000 employees | € 18,000/year |
| C: Manufacturer/Provider | 1,001 – 3,000 employees | € 13,000/year |
| D: Manufacturer/Provider | 301 – 1,000 employees | € 10,000/year |
| E: Manufacturer/Provider | 101 - 300 employees | € 7,000/year |
| F: Manufacturer/Provider | 31 - 100 employees | € 3,200/year |
| G1: Manufacturer/Provider | <= 30 employees: | € 1,500/year |
| G2: Users | / | € 1,500/year |
| H: Universities, institutes, and associations | / | € 750/year |
1 Please see the category overview in the FAQs
2 For new members, please refer to the details in the FAQs
FAQ
Who can become a member?
Companies, associations, and institutes (and, depending on the framework, also individuals) that support or use PI technologies such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, IO-Link, MTP, or omlox can become members.
Where should I apply for PI membership?
PI membership is handled via one of our 25+ Regional PI Associations (RPAs)- please choose the RPA closest to your home country and preferred language and contact them for membership details and fees. All Details here.
However, you can also become a member of the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO). It is one of the Regional PI Associations (RPAs) and primarily serves members based or operating in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Companies from other countries are also welcome to join the PNO!
Which membership category is right for us?
- Manufacturer: You market products based on PI technologies (e.g., devices, components, software).
- Provider: You offer services related to PI technologies (e.g., engineering, integration, consulting).
- User/Operator: You use PI technologies in plants/machines but do not market PI-based products/services.
- University / Institute / Association: Research, education, standardization, and knowledge transfer.
How is the employee count updated for existing members to ensure the correct fee group?
For existing members, company information - including the number of employees - is updated regularly through periodic surveys, so the fee group can be assigned correctly.
How much is the membership fee?
The fee depends on the membership category and, where applicable, the size of the company. You can find the overview in the “Membership fee overview” section on this page.
How is invoicing handled in the year of joining?
In the year you join, fees are charged on a pro-rata basis (quarterly) for the current calendar year.
Which documents are required for the application?
We require a legally binding signature, the number of employees at the time of joining, and your company logo as an EPS file.
How long does processing take, and when does membership start?
Once we receive the complete documents, a formal review is carried out, followed by board approval. In most cases, membership can be confirmed within 5 business days (provided all documents are complete). You will then receive your membership confirmation and access to member services.
What benefits do I receive as a member?
You can find a summary of all membership benefits here.
What should be considered when joining the IO-Link or omlox community?
There are no additional costs for participating in the IO-Link or omlox community - you only pay the PI membership fee. However, a separate form must be requested from the IO-Link or omlox community for participation.
Can I cancel my membership?
Membership is valid for one year (1 January to 31 December) and renews automatically for another year. The statutory notice periods according to the bylaws apply. Please ensure cancellations are submitted in writing and on time.
Who is my contact person?
For questions about the appropriate membership category, the application, or fees, please contact:
Maria Müller, maria.mueller(at)profibus(dot)com, Mobile: +49 (0) 176 60370844