What is Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)?

Why is Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) Good for Your Business?

The world of FA solutions is constantly expanding. A product that has revolutionized this work is the Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) system. Using it can change the way your business works and help you grow exponentially. Let’s find out – why are HMI systems good for your business?

What is an HMI? Human-machine Interfaces (HMI) is a part of Factory Automation solutions required for signaling and operating various types of automation systems in industrial settings. HMI systems can be as simple as those with simple LED indication screens or as complicated as those with a touchscreen and additional functions. To resist complex settings, HMI systems must be flexible. They should be able to withstand exposure to dangerous substances in some circumstances, as well as dust, moisture, severe temperatures, and water.

HMI Screen Types Data handler: The data handler is the ideal HMI for applications that demand continuous feedback from your business's system or printed production reports. The data handler must be big enough to support visual representations, graphs, and production summaries. It contains features like data trending, alarm handling, data logging, and recipe management.

Pushbutton Replacer: This HMI centralizes all of the functions of each button, streamlining production procedures.

Overseer: When a SCADA or MES application is involved, this HMI is useful. The supervisor will often need to run Windows and will need many Ethernet ports.

Reasons to Use HMI High Worker Satisfaction It has been demonstrated that using HMIs can significantly increase employee satisfaction in any given industry. It is noticeable that employees are more content to execute jobs that call for the usage of HMIs than tasks that do not.

Consumers who shop online on touchscreen devices report feeling more satisfied than those who use standard monitors, according to some studies.

This is so that they may easily access the websites of their choice, thanks to touch-sensitive screens.

HMIs have the same effect in which they let workers communicate with the machine via an interface.

Operation Control is a Breeze One can modify the interface using HMI technologies to meet certain requirements. In order to track, monitor, and support various systems, HMI systems are helpful. Although it takes a few steps to use either of the systems, the technique is effective for both simple and sophisticated systems. While a single employee can operate many screens at once, it is nearly difficult to operate multiple machines at once. The output rises as a result of making the HMI more user-friendly for various production processes.

You can easily remote-control a particular process when you use HMI technology in your sector. By doing this, you can easily track information for various procedures. On the other hand, a worker can carry out numerous activities concurrently, this technology makes it simpler to manage operations.

User-Friendliness Although adopting Human Machine Interface technology has a few benefits, user friendliness is the most alluring. This is due to the fact that they provide basic graphical user interfaces that facilitate identification and problem-solving through instant recognition and automated color coding. The usage of a human interface avoids the need for some tools, which call for moving around to monitor different operations. Using a single HMI, you will be able to control numerous machines or devices in the industrial setting from one location. As a result, carrying out numerous activities becomes simpler and more affordable.

Enhanced Data Saving You must connect Human-Machine Interface to Programmable Logic Controllers for real-time data extraction in order to use it efficiently. Data is available through this link even when the HMI system is not active. It reduces the possibility that you will lose your data if your connection is lost. Even with inadequate internet connectivity, an HMI continues to function without data loss. When you upgrade your software, your data won't be lost. Some cutting-edge HMIs can retain unprocessed data for up to ten years with easy access. Due to easy and quick access to data, all procedures in companies that have implemented Human-Machine Interface systems are successful.

Enhanced Business Productivity Although there are countless advantages of using HMI systems, we cannot ignore the fact that output rises.. Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) can automate operations that were previously done manually.

HMI systems can be used to automate these procedures so that employees are not required to lift or operate goods manually. This consequently frees up labor, enabling employees to focus their efforts on other duties.

Human-Machine Interfaces increase productivity by increasing efficiency across a range of production processes. You can expect large profits if your productivity is more efficient and marketing is successful.

Enhances Communications in your Manufacturing Plant The capacity of Human Machine Interfaces to improve communications between various technologies at work is one of their less well-known advantages. Remote I/Os, Ethernet ports, Dynamic Data Exchange, Data Highway Plus, Serial Port, and other features allow communication with external devices that are frequently found on HMIs. A wide range of machines and gadgets can be linked together via Human Machine Interfaces, which improves their ability to communicate and gives them new capability in the process.

Significantly Lowers hardware Cost Companies should purchase HMI solutions for this reason alone. The overall cost of hardware can be considerably decreased by utilizing Human Machine Interfaces. A single Human Machine Interface could take the place of dozens or even hundreds of different "indicator" lights, reducing the expense of extra hardware and making greater use of the available space.

Protects Workers Against Injury Human machine interfaces, on the other hand, can lower the frequency of danger for the humans by shielding them from frequent types of harm. Implementing an HMI solution, for example, will relieve employees of the strain of manually operating a machine. This will automate the process.

How to Choose the Best HMI for Your Workplace?

You should be fully aware of the specifications for your HMI and how it can benefit your workplace before making a purchase: 

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Choose the appropriate screen size: Do you have a preference for a certain screen size? Do you have enough room for the HMI unit? Screens for SCADA software must be able to accommodate an HMI. You will have fewer screens with a larger HMI. Select the desired touch type: Will your programme work with the common touch screen technology? You'll have to employ an Elo touch interface, right? Choose the touch type that your application requires or prefers.

Think about whether you want an integrated product or not: Do you like to keep your HMI and PC separate or do you want an HMI that can incorporate the screen, memory, storage, and more? This will depend on how the HMI is used as well as how it is handled physically. If you think you will need to replace cracked screens, keep the HMI separate.

Choose the resolution you require: Some software applications require a specific screen resolution to function properly. To select the ideal HMI, you must ascertain the resolution you require.

Selecting the right kind of HMI makes a huge difference for your operations. If you’re facing difficulty with deciding what kind of HMI systems to get, we recommend to contact Mitsubishi Electric. Experts at the firm can help you select an appropriate HMI system for your processes.