Industrial PCs & HMI Screens
A Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a software application that presents information to an operator and allows the operator to interact with a device. The term HMI is most commonly used in reference to an industrial process. HMIs in industrial settings can be a screen display mounted on a machine, touchscreens, push buttons, computer keyboards or multi-touch-enabled control panels. All of these methods allow the operator to interact with the connected devices, machines or systems.
HMI systems in industrial environments need to withstand harsh conditions and in the past, desktop computers with a mouse and keyboard were the only options. They lacked the durability and longevity required. With the advancements in technology over the years, there are many more options available for HMI systems that can be customized to fit any industrial application.
More Information about Industrial PCs & HMI Screens
HMI screens help to optimize an industrial process by digitizing and displaying data for an operator. HMI systems communicate with controllers and IO sensors to receive information, and the HMI screen displays the information for operators to interact with. Some HMI screens can be used for a single function (monitoring and tracking progress) or for performing more complicated operations (increasing production speed or turning machines on and off). Advanced HMI touchscreens offer an enhanced user experience when interacting with the ever increasing complexities of industrial applications.
Industrial PCs are engineered to endure the harsh environments found in many industrial fields. They have a ventless, hardshell design to protect internal components from dust and airborne particles, as well as extensive IO options to effectively communicate with other devices. Industrial PCs are increasing being selected over general commercial grade computers for their ability to run HMI applications.
HMI vs OIT, What's the Difference
Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a software interface that allows operators to interact with various pieces of electrical hardware and controls systems. HMI typically utilizes monitors or screens to display information, which are referred to as HMI screens. The screens are not the actual HMI, but are a tool used to display HMI software. For example, electrical enclosures often have screens mounted on the outside of them to provide users with information about ongoing process and to allow users to make changes to the system.
Operator Interface Terminal (OIT) typically displays basic information about the electrical hardware that it is attached to. It provides only local information about the environment it is interfacing with and allows control and monitoring for that one piece of hardware, not an entire system.