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.