Most modern manufacturing methods are monitored and controlled by data acquisition systems and computer control. This means that one of the crucial ways the operator interacts with the technique is through a computer screen. These screens can passively display information or interact so that the operator can select an object and make changes and then feed these changes back into the actual process. This kind of interface where people interact with the screen and interact with the process is called a HMI software development.

What are the requirements for HMI?

It seems easy to determine HMI requirements. A well-thought-out HMI concept and style guide will establish the presentation format and communication methods. However, the behavior of the objects on the screen is only the first. Use an efficient HMI. Other key concepts include the scope, hierarchy, and navigation method of each screen, support for all modes of operation, online or offline help, links to procedures, and requirements related to user roles and account permissions. As the complexity of enterprise automation processes increases, the ability of SCADA to process more and more data also increases. Unfortunately, this usually overloads the HMI and causes operator data overload.

HMI Quick Design Tips

Unsurprisingly, the most recent breakthrough innovations in HMI design come from smartphone operating systems; when we use HMI software development for SCADA systems, we can learn a lot. Here are some simple tips for developing a killer HMI.

Use operating system:

Unless you have a straightforward alphanumeric display, trying to program bare metal will be vast and error-prone. The availability of real-time operating system (RTOS) resources will significantly accelerate HMI development by supporting interface development tools and library functions.

Terminal buttons and touch screen:

Although these terminals are becoming fewer and fewer, we still see Siemens, Allen Bradley, and several other OEMs launching HMI terminals that support buttons. You can use these buttons to use different HMI designs based on them. In addition, Allen Bradley continues to support terminals that primarily use buttons for navigation.

Use color wisely:

When using HMI wisely, I am a big fan of color. The color must have a specific meaning. Don't just add them to the appearance. For example, red means alarm/close, yellow means warning or warning, green means operation or safety. I often use color for digital displays. I will use several colors to distinguish among process values ​​and setpoints. Therefore, you can see at a glance which screens can be edited.

Design diagrams and involve operators as early as possible:

Start with process diagrams for HMI software development monitoring and control. From there, design an HMI diagram that contains the information and objects to be displayed on each screen of the HMI. The HMI diagram is a great tool to ensure that you are on the right track to accomplish everything you need for optimal HMI functionality. Your efforts with management, but don't stop there: involve operators in the process. Once the chart is in place, ask the operator if he lacks any information they need to complete the task quickly.