The HMI software being used to connect edge devices to the plant
The human-machine interface (HMI) is the window to the equipment’s operations. As remote connectivity and data sharing continue to play larger roles, machine builders capitalize on the HMI’s digital capabilities. This select panel of experts discusses where HMI software is leading operator interface, as well as the equipment it puts a face on.
What HMI-software technologies are being used to connect edge devices and machines to the operators, supervisors and managers in the plant?
Chris Harris, PE, is senior project engineer at Revere Control Systems and a Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) member.
Once, one gets more sophisticated, a deterministic method of communication would be a wise choice, rather than trying to overpower the polling problem with computer horsepower. Today's databased HMIs can be augmented with such deterministic communication.
Robert Zeigenfuse is president of Avanceon and a CSIA member.
Vikram Kumar is president/CEO of EZAutomation.
Alicia Millinger is marketing manager, automation software at GE Digital.
Lee Clore is owner/controls designer at Onyx Industries.
In disconnected or hard-to-service areas, customers can now collect data and analyze it locally from the in-rack module. With the right architecture, that data also can be stored longer term for future analysis. The ability to have real-time access to data at the edge-device level and consolidate it with other process data at the site or enterprise level allows users to perform their jobs efficiently, regardless of role and location.
Chirayu Shah is marketing manager, HMI software, at Rockwell Automation.
Allen Tubbs is product manager, automation and electrification solutions at Bosch Rexroth and a CSIA member.
Asako Takayasu is international product specialist, HMI, at Fuji Electric.
Jeff Hayes is regional product manager at Beijer Electronics.
ALSO READ: HMI software often starts with the hardware
Mike Bacidore is the editor in chief for Control Design magazine. He is an award-winning columnist, earning a Gold Regional Award and a Silver National Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. Email him at [email protected].
About the Author
Mike Bacidore
Editor in Chief
Mike Bacidore is chief editor of Control Design and has been an integral part of the Endeavor Business Media editorial team since 2007. Previously, he was editorial director at Hughes Communications and a portfolio manager of the human resources and labor law areas at Wolters Kluwer. Bacidore holds a BA from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He is an award-winning columnist, earning multiple regional and national awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. He may be reached at [email protected]

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