In today’s digital climate, it is becoming imperative for organizations to harness new technology to further drive innovation, streamline operations and boost business agility. The goal of a Human Machine Interface (HMI) is to create an intuitive, accessible interface that is easily understood by operators. HMIs can be designed to enhance flexibility, increase productivity and ease troubleshooting.
Designers need HMI tools that help them quickly create solutions and offer ways for operators to visualize data from the plant floor while making the information available throughout the entire enterprise. In this article, we will explore six ways in which visualization software and HMI technology are assisting digital transformation and revitalizing operations through an open, flexible solution.
Empowering Digital Transformation through a Modern HMI
Advancements in technology have had a major hand in the evolution of HMIs. As a result, we have seen more user-friendly experiences with touch-based interfaces and improved access to data. The most recent development is in the integration of HMIs with automation and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This integration allows for greater machine-to-machine communication, remote monitoring and overall control.
The future of HMI will see a seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Smart devices and applications will anticipate user needs, adapt to preferences, and improve the user experience based on data analysis. With the growth of IIOT, HMIs will be instrumental in managing and controlling interconnected devices, providing a unified and cohesive user experience.
Driving a More Connected Future
Technology and automation are driving the next generation of manufacturing where all roles will benefit from new technologies.
The ability to use data for real-time decision-making starts with visualization built on interoperability and openness that is so easy to use that your operators can get right to work with an HMI automatically presented in their preferred language, regional settings, date and time format and style. With FactoryTalk® Optix™ by Rockwell Automation®, HMI developers can give operators an intuitive user experience that minimizes the need for training.
Read More on FactoryTalk® Optix™ Portfolio
With FactoryTalk® Optix™ users can benefit from:
- Accelerated development with real time collaboration
- Centralized source management with integrated code repositories hosted in the cloud or a local server
- Visibility to the HMI from anywhere
- Web browser access to design tools
- Remote HMI application deployment
As HMIs continue to evolve, the barriers between human and machine will continue to shrink, leading us towards a more connected, empowered future.
Facilitating Collaborative Design Environment
Modern HMI tools offer enhanced efficiency. A lack of visibility can lead to difficulties tracking progress, identifying parties making changes and understanding the reasoning behind those changes. New HMI software tools offer comprehensive project visibility within a collaborative design environment, connecting designers with timely, pertinent information necessary for quick and informed decision-making. HMI's integration with web-based tools empowers teams to design and deploy applications remotely and implement changes or updates seamlessly within the production environment.
