5 Ways to Integrate HMI on a Corporate Level |
Posted: February 15, 2018 |
So, you have made the decision to integrate HMI on a corporate level. That’s great, but you’ll need to consider how that integration will take place. There are several factors that affect the HMI solutions for corporations that are most compatible with your overall goals. Realistically, this integration may involve some other changes as well. Format compatibility, device age and function, and other factors will radically affect what your HMI will look like and how smoothly this transition can and will take place. Look at Your Operational EnvironmentYour operational environment will largely determine the type of HMI you will adopt. The more unusual your operating environment, the fewer options you will have. A lot of industrial noise, electronic interference, or vibration may mean you need a rugged or hardened industrial device. Consider the longevity of devices. Will a device be used outside, and does it need a screen readable in the sunlight? Does it need to be waterproof or dustproof? What about extreme temperatures? Corporate HMI integration may mean you need to select devices that will work in all of the environments present in your company system. Leave Room for Additional FunctionalityDon’t only ask what you need the HMI to do now, but ask what you might want it to be able to do in the future. Leaving room for extra function keys or memory is probably the best way to future proof an interface. There are probably three types of HMI you will need, and each means different requirements:
You may also want your HMI to be portable in certain instances, and that factor should be considered as well when choosing both hardware and software. Connecting the HMIWhat hardware will your HMI be connected to, and what software will it need to interact with? Will it be connected by USB, Ethernet, or RS-485? Another question is if your PLC and HMI are from the same manufacturer. If they are, technical issues will be, in theory, easier to resolve. At the least they should be running the same operating systems and the data they generate should be in compatible formats. How the HMI is connected in relation to both hardware and software is vital to the overall corporate integration. Data Entry ToolsHow will data be entered into each HMI? There are two primary data entry devices: one is a touch screen, the other is a keyboard. While for the most part, touchscreen capabilities are just as robust as a keypad, there are certain instances where one is preferred over another. Personal taste aside, sometimes a keyboard is just more practical. For instance, if there is a lot of data entry involved in the HMI, a keyboard is much more desirable as it is easier to interact with than the virtual keypads offered on a touchscreen. Also, if the operator is required to wear gloves a keyboard is also more desirable, as it does not require them to remove them for data entry operations. You may need more than one type of interface, and if the same device manufacturer offers both, using them may be a wise choice long term. SoftwareSoftware comes down to your company preference. What are your programming software preferences?
Careful software choices make sure that your system works exactly the way you want it to, and makes overall corporate integration easier. Integrating HMI on a corporate level is a daunting task, but if you take these five ways to apply it, your integration will go much more smoothly, cost less in the long run, and take less time overall. The increase in production and profits will pay off handsomely in the end.
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