Modern industry is incredibly complex, with machines composed of numerous parts and processes. Workers face logistical nightmares when manually monitoring and adjusting these machines, especially when they operate 24/7. Human-Machine Interfaces greatly simplify these tasks, automating many while providing benefits such as increased efficiency and enhanced worker safety.
- HMI: A Clear Definition
- Practical Applications of HMI
- Key Benefits of HMI Technology
- Choosing the Right HMI Solution
HMI: A Clear Definition
So, what is HMI? A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a screen or dashboard that connects a user to a machine, system, or device. The user can review the output on the HMI and then enter commands that are executed by programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Technically, "HMI" refers to any interface that allows users to interact with machinery. Example: the screen on a smartphone or ATM can be considered an HMI. In practice, the term refers to interfaces used in industrial settings, such as those in the oil and gas industry.
Man-Machine Interface (MMI), Operator Interface Terminal (OIT), Local Operator Interface (LOI), and Operator Terminal (OT) are other terms for HMI.
HMI comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Physical Control Panels: This form of HMI uses buttons, switches, and displays to present process data and enter commands. They are often used in industrial settings where touchscreens may not function properly due to extreme vibration or dust.
- Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs): These HMIs utilize visual cues, such as icons, buttons, and graphics, to interact with machinery. Users usually do so via a touchscreen. They are widely found across the industrial sector thanks to their flexibility and ease of use. This includes industries operating in even the most extreme conditions (see above), thanks to specialized computers such as PoE industrial PCs.
- Web-Based HMIs: Workers can access industrial processes via the Internet and their rugged industrial tablet's web browser. This allows them to monitor and control those processes virtually anywhere.
- Voice-Activated HMIs: Workers control industrial processes via voice commands. Advanced speech recognition and natural language processing software are used to interpret and execute these commands, enabling hands-free control.
- Gesture-Based HMIs: This advanced form of HMI uses sensors and cameras to detect gestures, such as swiping or pointing. Machine learning and computer vision then interpret those gestures to execute industrial processes.
- Industrial PCs: Finally, the HMI and PLC are replaced entirely by an industrial computer. Advantages to such a setup include increased processing power and additional functionality, all of which can be viewed more clearly on the larger monitor.
Practical Applications of HMI
HMIs are used in a wide range of industries and applications, many of which are crucial to operations.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, HMIs are commonly found on a factory floor, where they monitor and control production lines, robotics, CNC machines, plastic molding, and assembly processes. Example: An HMI unit in a steel factory to input temperature and duration into the blast furnaces.
Medical
Many medical devices, such as glucose monitors and wearable health trackers, utilize HMIs to display information and manage the device. Others, like a PoE medical computer, act as a digital whiteboard outside their room for medical staff to review.
Oil and Gas
The massive oil and gas industry uses HMIs to control and monitor all the processes involved in the three sectors: Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream.
Chemical Processing
In this industry, HMIs control and monitor processes such as mixing, reaction, and distillation, many of which are hazardous to humans.
Power Generation
Boiler operation, turbine control, and electrical generation and distribution are just a few of the industrial processes managed by various forms of HMI.
Water Treatment
The numerous complex processes, from water pumping to its treatment to final distribution, are each handled by their respective HMIs.
Key Benefits of HMI Technology
The use of HMIs in the industrial sector has brought many benefits.
- Workers and management have quick access to industrial processes, allowing them to make decisions swiftly and efficiently.
- HMIs can issue real-time alerts and warnings, prompting operators to take pre-emptive action and avoid disasters.
- Bolstered by predictive analytics, HMI can identify equipment repairs and breakdowns before they occur. This can significantly reduce the need for costly repairs and shutdowns.
- HMIs' easy-to-use interface and dedicated functions require minimal training, enabling operators to get to work quickly while reducing the likelihood of human error.
- Remote locations and hazardous processes can be monitored and controlled by HMI, ensuring workers' safety and peace of mind.
Choosing the Right HMI Solution
HMI can be used across many industrial processes and platforms. Companies looking to bring them to their plants should review the following checklist:
- Is the HMI compatible with the equipment and systems that it'll be controlling? This includes compatibility with all involved control systems, communication protocols, and data formats.
- Can the HMI withstand the extreme conditions of the facilities? "Extremes" range from high/low temperatures to humidity to vibration. HMI should be built to industrial-grade standards to work in such conditions. Vendors should be able to provide failure rates of their products.
- Is the display easy to use? Workers should be able to see the display under most lighting conditions and operate controls with minimal training.
- How easy is it to customize the HMI? Every piece of equipment and process is different. It should be easy to configure HMI to work with each one, as well as various user preferences.
- Can the HMI handle increasing complexity and data as the plant processes grow (scalability)? HMI systems that can't scale are costly, as companies are forced to upgrade to expensive tiers or replace them entirely.
- How much support does the vendor provide? Check if the HMI vendor is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a reseller. Reputable OEMs offer reliable technical support and comprehensive documentation, along with regular updates and upgrades.
- Finally, what is your return on investment (ROI) with HMI? Companies need to take a long-term view of the technology's benefits, from the savings in increased efficiency to improvements in worker safety.
Maximize Your HMI With Cybernet Computers
The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a means by which users can monitor and control machinery or systems. HMIs offer numerous benefits and are available in various configurations. Choosing the right HMI is an investment that companies should view from a long-term perspective.
Contact the team at Cybernet today if you're looking for HMI in your industrial machinery and processes. Our industrial computers are built from the inside out to withstand the rigors of the sector, capable of performing in extreme temperatures, high humidity, and under constant vibrations. And it's not a problem if pre-builts don't meet your expectations. We're an OEM and control the entire design and bill of materials for our lineup. We're confident we can custom-build one to meet your exact specifications.