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HMI Development

What is an HMI?

A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is the graphical user interface that allows operators, managers, and engineers to interact with their plant. It is typically installed on a computer in a control room, but occasionally it might be installed as a stand-alone, panel-mount unit in the field, or on a tablet PC that an operator can carry with him throughout the plant.

Design

We believe that an HMI works best when:

  • The design is simple and self-evident.
  • The navigation is effortless.
  • Colors are chosen carefully.

People tend to be a little picky about their preferences and we will design what they request, but one of our strengths is in designing systems that can be used by people who are color blind*. A common type of color deficiency makes it hard for some people to distinguish between green, yellow, and red. An intelligent design will use colors to supplement meaning, but will never rely on those colors as the sole means of conveying that information.

The colors that are chosen can have a significant effect on the usability of an HMI. A Color Study is an analysis of the proposed color combinations for an HMI to determine the usability of those colors.

Experience

Our Systems Integrators have primary experience with this HMI:

  • Wonderware (InTouch)

and minor experience with these HMIs:

  • Allen Bradley (RSView)
  • Allen Bradley (PanelView)
  • Intellution (Ifix)
  • Iconics (Genesis)
  • Cygnet
  • Wonderware (Information Server - a Web-based HMI)

*Note: color blindness is not literally a blindness, but rather an inability to distinguish certain shades of color. The shades which one cannot see depend on the type of color deficiency.

Roughly 8% of all men and 0.4% of all women have some sort of color deficiency.