Digital transformation in industry. The influence of HMI on production development

The digital transformation of the industry is driving an increasing demand for advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) which are becoming an integral part of automation and process control in manufacturing. HMI interfaces integrate functions such as control, monitoring or image transmission. The operator has access to all information, control tools without having to leave the workstation and can also remotely operate the HMI panels. One of the most significant factors influencing the shape of current HMI systems is the development of touch technologies. Touch interfaces are a constant feature of modern production halls ensuring compatibility with industrial requirements. HMI interfaces guarantee precise operation of industrial machines even when wearing work gloves. All the familiar functions from smartphones such as zooming, scrolling or rotating can be transferred to the operation of interfaces in industrial applications.

The flexibility of HMI interfaces means that they have found applications in many sectors of industry. Industrial machinery production, food industry, pharmaceutical industry, automotive industry, boat or aircraft construction - these are just some of the examples. HMI interfaces allow operators to control manufacturing processes, collect data, save video recordings and make decisions based on the collected information. Access to real-time data changes the nature of work and shapes greater opportunities for modern interfaces. For example in industrial metalworking the HMI interface allows precise control of the metal cutting and bending process as well as the regulation of the pace of these operations. HMI also plays an important role in inventory control enabling better management and planning of deliveries. In public service companies HMI interfaces can be used to monitor water distribution and sewage treatment processes. As you can see, rapidly developing HMI systems open new perspectives on production floors and beyond.

Work environment requirements are a significant element when choosing HMI panels. Depending on the industry all aspects related to the safety and use of panels should be considered. An example is protection against high temperatures, dust, moisture and other liquids. In halls where vibrations occur it is advisable to choose HMI interfaces with a durable housing that protects against damage and other factors. In the food industry production machines are regularly cleaned, so waterproof panels will be appropriate. In the steel industry where HMI interfaces may be exposed to extreme heat it is necessary to use panels resistant to high temperatures.

Types of SIMATIC HMI Panels

1. SIMATIC HMI MOBILE Panels. Mobile panels for advanced applications

SIMATIC HMI MOBILE panels are efficient and functional operator panels that are a mobile version of SIMATIC HMI Comfort panels. Their distinctive feature is the convenience and flexibility of working on them. SIMATIC HMI MOBILE panels are intended for use with advanced applications in widely widespread plants.

• 6AV2125-2DB23-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KTP400F Mobile with integrated acknowledgement button, emergency switching-off switch, touch and key operation, 4" widescreen TFT display, PROFINET interface, configurable from WinCC Comfort V13 SP1 with HSP.
• 6AV2125-2GB03-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KTP700 Mobile, 7.0" TFT display, 800 x 480 pixel, 16m colors, key and touch operation, 8 function keys, 1x PROFINET/Industrial Ethernet interface, 1x multimedia card, 1x USB, configurable from WinCC Comfort V13 SP1.

• 6AV2125-2JB03-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KTP900 Mobile, 9.0" TFT display, 800 x 480 pixel, 16 million colors, key and touch operation, 10 function keys, 1x PROFINET/Industrial Ethernet interface, 1x multimedia card, 1x USB, configurable from WinCC Comfort V13 SP1.

• 6AV2125-2JB23-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KTP900F Mobile, 9.0" TFT display, 800 x 480 pixel, 16m colors, key and touch operation, 10 function keys, 1x PROFINET/Industrial Ethernet interface, 1x multimedia card, 1x USB, key-operated switch, acknowledgement button, 1 emergency stop/stop button configurable from WinCC Comfort V13 SP1.

2. SIMATIC HMI Comfort and SIMATIC HMI Comfort PRO. Efficient and functional panels for advanced applications

SIMATIC HMI Comfort panels handle the most complex visualization tasks. They have a uniform range of functions across all devices. With a large number of integrated interfaces they are convenient for operators to use. They are characterized by high work performance and functionality. PRO models have IP65 protection, there are also stainless steel panels, outdoor models and reinforced SIPLUS versions - making them suitable for the toughest conditions. The offer includes button panels, touch panels, and button-touch devices.

Example models from the Comfort and Comfort PRO series

• 6AV2124-1DC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KP400 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key operation, 4" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 4 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

• 6AV2124-0XC02-0AX1 - SIMATIC HMI TP2200 Comfort, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 22" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0XC24-1AB0 - SIMATIC HMI TP2200 Comfort Pro, pedestal, neutral front, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 22" widescreen TFT display 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

3. SIMATIC HMI INDUSTRIAL THIN CLIENTS. Economic panels for control and monitoring from any distance

SIMATIC HMI Industrial Thin Clients are panels that allow for the use of the full range of client-server architecture. Thanks to the distributed control and monitoring unit it is possible to operate panels at an unlimited distance from the computer (through Ethernet communication). Screen refresh time ranges from 0.5 to 3 seconds depending on the protocol. The downside is the lack of access to the BIOS and the inability to start IPC.

• 6AV6646-1BA15-0AA0 - SIMATIC ITC1500 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 15" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 et. al., standard design, panel mount.

• 6AV6646-1BA15-0NA0 - SIMATIC ITC1500 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 15" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 et. al., neutral design, panel mount.

• 6AV6646-1BA18-0AA0 - SIMATIC ITC1900 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 19" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 et. al., standard design, panel mount.

• 6AV6646-1BA18-0NA0 - SIMATIC ITC1900 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 19" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 et. al., neutral design, panel mount.

• 6AV6646-1BA20-0AA1 - SIMATIC ITC1900 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 19" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 and others, standard design, built-in unit, full HD display.

• 6AV6646-1BA20-0NA1 - SIMATIC ITC1900 V3, industrial thin client, 19" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER HTML5 and others, neutral design, built-in unit, full HD display.

• 6AV6646-1BA22-1AA0 - SIMATIC ITC2200 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 22" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER, HTML5, etc., standard design, built-in unit.

• 6AV6646-1BA22-1NA0 - SIMATIC ITC2200 V3, Industrial Thin Client, 22" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER, HTML5, etc., neutral design, built-in unit.

• 6AV6646-1BB15-0AA0 - SIMATIC ITC1500 V3 PRO, Industrial Thin Client, 15" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER, HTML5, etc., standard design, supporting foot mounting.

• 6AV6646-1BB15-0NA0 - SIMATIC ITC1500 V3 PRO, Industrial Thin Client, 15" widescreen TFT display, capacitive touch sensor, supported protocols: RDP, VNC, SMARTSERVER, HTML5, etc., neutral design, supporting foot mounting.

In conclusion, HMI technology encourages the industry towards digital revolutions, thus enabling more advanced control over manufacturing processes. The principle of operation is based on providing operators with interactive interfaces that facilitate the monitoring and control of industrial machines. Over time, with technological progress, the capabilities of HMI interfaces will continue to evolve enabling even more complicated operations, increasing efficiency and work safety. The choice of the right HMI interface is crucial and depends on many factors including the specifics of the work environment, functionality requirements and available space.

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