What is HMI Panel/Display?

As an automation software developer, I continue to share my knowledge about the devices, technological tools, automation systems and industry I use. Let's talk about HMI Panels today.

What is HMI Display?

HMI displays; It is defined as a device and software that enables the user to communicate with machinery and production facilities. It started to be included in the automation sector with Industry 4.0. HMI, which stands for 'Human-Machine Interface' in English, is translated into Turkish as 'Human-Machine Interface'. HMI systems, also known as touch panel, touch panel, operator panel in the industry, have become the heroes of industrial automation systems.

What Does HMI Do?

It serves to provide interaction between users with automation systems using systems such as PLC and PIC. We enable users to connect with machines and production facilities. HMI screens visually display data; tracking production time, trends and labels; It has functions such as monitoring machine inputs and outputs. For example, you can interact with it from the climate control screen at home. Similarly, a production line manager may have information on issues such as production raw materials and energy and can intervene if necessary.

How Do HMI Panels Work?

After giving general information about what HMI panels are and what they do, we can also give brief information about how HMI systems work. We have previously stated that HMI systems are systems that manage to interact with machinery and production facilities. For this purpose, HMI translates complex data into an understandable language within accessible information. The operator or authorized persons control the production process. It transmits the feedback received from the user to the automation system. In addition, the data received from the automation system is reflected on the screen. The functions of the automation system determine how many pages the received data will be displayed on the HMI screen. It can be displayed on several pages or in a more complex structure. But simple and comprehensive interfaces are always preferred.

Usage Areas of HMI Systems

HMI systems have many uses. It is used in almost all industrial companies to interact with machines and improve industrial processes. We can list the main usage areas of HMI displays as follows:

1. Energy
2. Oil and gas
3. Production
4. Food and drink
5. Strength
6. Recycle
7. Transportation
8. Water and wastewater

Advantages of HMI Touch Panels

1. The graphical interface is user friendly.
2. The graphical interface has color coding that enables easy condition diagnosis.
3. Pictures and icons help the user understand situations quickly.
4. While reducing production costs in the areas used; It has the potential to increase production levels.
5. It eliminates the need for a mouse and keyboard, so it is more mobile.

Don't forget to check out my other articles :
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What is ProfiBUS/ProfiNET?
What is CanOPEN and CanBUS? (Controller Area Network)
What are PLC programming languages (Part-2)
What are PLC programming languages (Part-1)
What is PLC? What is its structure? What are its areas of use?
What is SCADA?
What is EtherCAT?