HMI – Definition
Machines and digital technologies have become an integral part of our lives. Every day we interact with smartphones, laptops, and home appliances. This is enabled by user interfaces, the so-called HMIs.
While almost any screen or object that allows a person to interact with a device can be called an HMI, the term primarily refers to devices in an industrial environment.
HMIs, such as screens, dashboards or tablets, are in mainly used by engineers, operators and system integrators in order to control equipment, machines or vehicles.
The human-machine interface consists of hardware and software that allows the operator to interact with the control system. The operator can monitor the state of the production process, change its settings, and override automatic operations in emergency situations.
HMIs provide users with data to visualize processes and operations in a plant. Modern HMIs often interact with SCADA systems and graphically display the generated information. SCADA systems allow companies to control industrial processes both locally and remotely, as well as centrally interact with components such as motors, pumps, or sensors. As all performance data can be viewed in one place, processes become more transparent.
HMIs can vary in complexity. While some only perform one task, such as monitoring a machine, others are designed to monitor an entire operation or monitor critical areas of a process. The range of functions is growing, also driven by the increasing importance of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). With help of HMIs, the numerous functions resulting from the high degree of networking of machines and devices in a factory can be controlled.
The devices of the network are enabled to communicate with each other without the need of a person-to-person or person-to-computer connection. As an increasing amount of devices becomes part of IIoT, HMIs will also receive more and more valuable data that operators can use to improve efficiency.
KPA Automation View
koenig-pa offers its own HMI, KPA Automation View, which includes a range of features that support efficient factory operation for numerous industries. KPA Automation View is easy to set up, integrate, use and maintain and is designed with exceptional user experience. With KPA Automation View, an unlimited number of control panels can be used to create complex interfaces. Additionally, access to panels and their functions can be restricted for different users.
KPA Automation View provides the following functions:
- Monitor the state of the production process
With the help of a programmable terminal, operators can constantly monitor the status and processes of the plant. With the customizable dashboard, a connection to any device for centralized monitoring is possible. In this way, alerts and status messages can be received on demand for all machines of the plant and updates and changes can be made based on them. With KPA Automation View, you can easily collect, analyze and visualize large amounts of data. - Improve production efficiency
The accessed data by using KPA Automation View is provided in real time. This will allow a constant monitoring of production and demand. If necessary, the line can be adjusted to reflect changes in demand. With KPA Automation View data visualization, you can identify areas for improvement and make important changes to increase efficiency. - Minimize downtime
KPA Automation View will alert potential device problems as soon as they occur. This allows a quick response to problems minimizing downtime and reducing the chance of a forced shutdown. With KPA Automation View, a response to potential problems is possible before they affect the production. - Provide safety
KPA Automation View includes an alarm system that detects equipment problems and to respond quickly to a variety of problems.
KPA Automation View can be used both separately and as part of the KPA Automation platform, designed to create automated process control systems.
