The 8 Main Types of HMI Screens and When to Pick Each One
Human-Machine
Interfaces, also known as HMIs, are crucial touchpoints between people and the
machines they control. Much like the dashboard of your car, HMIs are similar
but meant for industrial machines that control various processes and
manufacturing. HMIs allow operators to control, monitor, and interact with
machines by gathering and displaying information in a single place.
As the
bridge between people and machines, HMIs come in various forms tailored to
different needs and environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the main types of
HMI screens, their unique features, and when to choose each one. Understanding
these options will help you pick the right HMI for your specific application,
ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
What is an HMI?
As
mentioned earlier, an HMI is a user interface or dashboard, most commonly
touchscreens and keyboards. HMIs can be very complex technology because they
digitize and centralize information. They are used to translate data from
industrial process control systems into charts, graphs, and other useful
visualizations that can help an operator properly monitor and safely optimize
the overall process.
With
this in mind, it’s clear to see how HMIs can be incredibly useful for several
different sectors and industries, including energy, food and beverage,
manufacturing, oil and gas, power, recycling, transportation, water and
wastewater. In industrial environments specifically, HMIs are essential for
monitoring production, identifying issues, and displaying critical data.
Screens can serve various purposes ranging from monitoring and tracking
functions like turning a machine off or adjusting production speeds — which
depends on how an HMI is configured. By automating manual tasks and providing
real-time insights, HMI can help to increase productivity and streamline
operations.
The Most Common HMI
Screens
When it
comes to the screens on an HMI, there are several different types and each one
is best suited for specific applications. Let’s explore the top eight screens:
Standard
HMIs
The most
common HMI screens. They are versatile and can connect to many different
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). These kinds of screens are typically
straightforward and user-friendly, making them ideal for most industrial
applications including manufacturing, energy, food and beverage, etc.
Web
Panel HMIs
These
screens come with HTML 5 built-in for web server applications. This means that
operators can access and control them through web browsers. This makes remote
monitoring and control easy. If your application requires internet connectivity
and remote access, Web Panel HMIs are the way to go.
Outdoor
Readable HMIs
Outdoor
Readable HMI screens are designed to combat glare and touch sensitivities
caused by sunlight. They are built to withstand adverse outdoor conditions and
environments, making them perfect for outdoor installations. They are commonly
used in the transportation and energy sectors.
Maritime
HMIs
Maritime
HMI screens are very unique and meet the requirements for shipbuilding. They
are built to withstand hard marine conditions and comply with maritime
standards. Maritime HMI screens, as the name suggests, are ideal for ships, oil
rigs, and other maritime environments.
Headless
HMIs
Headless
HMIs are built without a touch screen. Instead, they are controlled over a
network connection and accessed from a PC, smartphone, or separate touch
display. They are also ideal for remote control and monitoring, and within
applications where space may be limited or where a physical display isn’t
necessary.
Other Components of an HMI
HMIs
don’t only include the main screen types, there are other components that can
help increase their functionality.
The
Overview Screen
Overview
screens, or panel viewers, are used to view SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems). They allow you to
handle and observe multiple machines or processes from one station. These
screens are ideal for increasing operational efficiency by managing and
observing multiple machines or processes from a single location. They make it
easier to operate and monitor large-scale industrial processes.
The
Data Dashboard Screen
Data
dashboard screens display information related to machine performance. They
provide feedback and insights into how machines are operating, enable recipe
programming, and alert users to warning alarms. These screens are used for
monitoring performance metrics and visualizing production data. They are
perfect for creating quick summaries of overall production reports and ensuring
everything runs smoothly.
Push
Button Panels
Push
button panels have been largely replaced by touchscreen interfaces. These
touchscreens allow centralized operation control from a single panel,
eliminating the need for numerous physical push buttons. These panels simplify
machine operation, allowing users to perform various functions like start-stop,
homing, navigating through different screens, and resetting. They reduce the
need for physical buttons and make machine operation much more straightforward.
Factors to Consider When
Choosing an HMI Screen
When
choosing an HMI
screen for your specific application, several factors should be
considered to ensure you pick the right one:
- Driver Support: Ensure the HMI
supports the drivers needed for your equipment.
- Communication
Ports: Check the availability and type of communication ports (e.g.,
Ethernet, USB) required for your application.
- Display
Properties: Consider the size and resolution of the display. Larger screens may
be necessary for complex operations, while smaller ones may suffice for
simpler tasks.
- HMI Programming
Software: Ensure the HMI is compatible with the programming software you use.
- Performance: Look at the CPU
and RAM specifications to ensure the HMI can handle the required tasks
without lag.
- Remote Access: Determine if
remote access capabilities are necessary for your operations.
- Security: Evaluate
security features such as user accounts and IP protection to safeguard
your operations.
- Certification
and Compliance: Make sure the HMI meets the necessary certifications and compliance
standards for your industry.
Optimize Your Performance
with the Right HMI Screen
HMIs are
vital tools in manufacturing, and whether you need a Standard HMI for general
applications, a Web Panel HMI for remote access, or a Headless HMI for
space-constrained applications, choosing the right HMI screen is crucial for
optimizing performance.
Partnering
with an expert parts distributor, like ACI Controls, can
help you navigate the complexities of choosing the right HMI screen. Our team’s
expertise and the wide range of products we offer can ensure you find the
perfect HMI for your needs. Reach out today to enhance your operations with the
right Human-Machine Interface.