By offering a common development tool, multiple users involved in a deployment can create machine- and site-level HMI applications in a single, scalable design environment. Developers, for instance, can create re-usable objects that ensure consistency, and manage entire object libraries to improve the overall productivity of the design process. Plus, entire machine-level applications or their individual components can be imported into supervisory-level applications.
For running systems, edits to applications are straightforward during commissioning. When changes are made, the system will update without costly redeployment or recompile cycles.
Advanced HMI software is also integrated with the control system instead of existing as a separate entity. The HMI can directly reference tags and alarms in the controller instead of using abstracted intermediate databases. This direct connection means reduced error rates in design and increased accuracy in state-tracking and time stamps.
Bringing data to light
You’ve integrated IT and OT systems. You’ve reduced design time. Now, an abundance of data is available at your fingertips. This quantity of information might seem overwhelming and in itself doesn’t monitor or control production. It requires presentation in a clear, concise and consistent view that enhances the operational role of a modern HMI solution.
[javascriptSnippet]Fancy graphics do make a contribution, but what users really need is a way to visualize complex information in an intuitive way. By leveraging industry standards for operator awareness, an HMI can present even that swarm of data on a physical screen without confusion. For example, Web-browser-style navigation buttons empower operators to quickly respond to problems or select specific screens from a list.
By supporting multiple platforms and form factors, the view from an operator terminal at one plant can be consistent with a PC-based system at another. Organizations with multiple plants can actually improve the efficiency of their workforce by supporting consistent, visualization standards across their enterprise.
Alarmingly detailed information
As the primary view into a production system, quickly alerting users to a current or potential issue is a critical task for any HMI system. An especially relevant component of a modern visualization system is comprehensive alarming.
Modern HMIs simplify alarming functions and tightly integrate them with the controller. Controllers hold alarm configurations and state conditions, displaying state changes and alarm triggers on the HMI without constantly polling for information. And if a network outage occurs, alarms are buffered in the controller and show on the display in the right order with accurate time stamps.
This advanced HMI solution is key to improving accuracy, productivity and effectiveness.
On the go? So is the HMI
The benefits do not stop at unprecedented access to easy-to-use information. Modern HMI also provides greater flexibility in where and how information is available.
Smartphones and tablets have put almost unlimited information in the palm of your hand. Blending advanced HMI software with mobile devices lets an organization extend the reach of their systems.
Modern HMI systems with responsive displays mean that operators, maintenance, quality, plant managers or other key users have instant access to their operations anywhere -- from the plant floor, to the couch at home, to seat 24B on an airplane.
The future is now
Data that was once untapped or lost in complexity can be brought to life through modern HMI software integrated with IT and OT systems. An HMI’s value doesn’t end at the operator interface. Rather, it can and should extend into your information architecture for easier and more robust information-sharing and decision-making.
When an HMI can directly integrate with plant-floor systems, you gain access to real-time information from a controller along with information stored on the plant floor. This data can be delivered as actionable information via the HMI software to help plant personnel better analyze production, optimize equipment performance, improve fault detection, track product quality and more.
Accessing and visualizing valuable data has never been easier. A modern HMI isn’t just fancy graphics. It can be the catalyst needed to push your production forward.
