F.T. SAP Human Machine Interface

HMI stands for Human Machine Interface and is a user interface that allows a person to handle interactions with machines, systems, and devices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a combination of computer hardware and software which provides a visual interface between a human operator and a process or machine.
• HMIs retrieve data from programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and input/output sensors and can be used to analyse and evaluate performance.
• Many costly problems can be avoided by using HMIs because with real-time intelligence, the information gap disappears.

What Is HMI?

HMIs are essential tools for operators, who use them to assess and monitor processes, diagnose problems and visualize data. The interface incorporates hardware and software that allows user input to be translated into signals for machines, which in turn provide the user with the desired result.

HMIs come in different shapes and sizes. For example, you have built-in screens for a machine or HMIs for computer monitors and tablets. The goal, regardless of the species, is to provide insight into performance and progress.

a tour

How Does HMI Work?

HMIs retrieve data from Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and input/output sensors. This data is visually visible to users using an HMI screen. In addition, an HMI screen allows users to perform advanced operations, such as turning off machines, for example.

Operators can see important information presented visually through the use of graphs, charts, alarms, etc. In addition, connections to SCADA and MES applications can be made, all from a single console.

This is a significant improvement compared to when there isn’t an HMI in use. In that situation, operators had to constantly walk around the production floor to watch the mechanical progress and record it on paper.

Many costly problems can be avoided by using HMIs. With real-time information, the lack of information disappears. Automating the process also means that there is a significant reduction in human errors.

Who Uses HMI?

Today, HMI technology is utilized by virtually all industrial organizations and a wide range of companies in different industries to interact with their machines and optimize their industrial processes. The sectors that use human-machine interfaces include the following:

• Energy
• Food and drink
• Manufacturing
• Oil and gas
• Recycling
• Transport
• Water and sewage

HMIs are used by operators, system integrators, and engineers within the production workforce, including control systems engineers. The Human Machine Interface is an essential resource for these professionals, who use it to examine and monitor processes, diagnose problems and visualize data.

HMIs in the Manufacturing Industry

HMI facilitates the management, control, and monitoring of different machines in an individual company, which is why industrial computing has become essential. For example, HMI can be used to examine the water tank or the operation of pumps in a factory or to monitor the inputs and outputs of machines.

And it can also help perform diagnostics to identify possible mechanical problems. The use of the human-machine interface, therefore, makes it possible to optimize industrial processes. Via this interface, you can also have a visual overview of the data, such as production times and trends.

Better, faster and more convenient management in an industrial company can boost business. But having an HMI solution also saves a lot of time because it allows you to control several machines without going back and forth.

HMI solutions can therefore be useful for different industries. Whether it is a transportation, recycling, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing or agribusiness company, the HMI remains indispensable.

What Are the Different User Interfaces?

Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) can come in various formats, from displays integrated into machines, computer screens, touch screens, and mobile devices. However, regardless of their design or the term used for them (designate (operator panel, HMI, etc.), their objective is to provide information on mechanical performance and the development of production processes.

Over the past decade, changing operational and business needs have led to exciting developments in HMI technology. As a result, it is now more and more common to see advanced HMI models. These more modern interfaces create more possibilities for interaction and analysis of equipment.

What Is an HMI Device?

An HMI device is a human-machine interface that is used to control and monitor processes. Therefore, it is defined as a function or component of a particular device or software application that allows people to interact with machines. Some examples of common human-machine interfaces we encounter in our daily lives are touchscreens and keyboards.

What Are the Benefits of HMI?

HMI provides many benefits, including:

• Increased productivity
• Improved ergonomics
• Reduced error rates

The benefits of HMI are that it is a very effective way to monitor and control all the machines in a plant. It also makes it easier for the operator to keep track of what is happening.

FAQ

What Does HMI Mean?

HMI is an acronym that stands for Human Machine Interface.

What Is PLC and HMI?

PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller. Simply put, HMIs serve as operator control panels to PLCs, replacing manually operated functions, such as switches and dials.

What Is HMI, With an Example?

Touchscreens are perhaps the best example of an HMI that is used in our everyday lives.