Human Machine Interface (HMI)

The human machine interface (HMI) is a critical component of a quality automation system. All of the data collected by the system’s PLC is only valuable if it is easily accessible. The HMI provides the operator with a graphical user interface (GUI) for operating the system. HMI’s can be keypads, touch-screens or industrial computers local to the equipment, or a PC system in an operator room. Our HMI’s can even be multilingual, for international or domestic use.

Just as pilots use flight simulators, training HMI’s can be created to replicate a plant’s operator interface to train new operators. A program can be created to simulate actual scenarios. Training HMI’s can be created while the plant is still under construction, so operators are trained before equipment is in place. They are also useful for training new operators for existing equipment. These training HMI’s give an operator a feel for how the system functions before being connecting to the actual equipment.

HMI capabilities have leapt into the 21st century with datacom capabilities. Recent technologies allow alarm messages to be sent right to a phone or other mobile device, and system data can be viewed on a webpage from any location. Managers can now view real-time data and information from anywhere at the push of a button. Pieper can create an HMI that puts critical information at the forefront of the interface, while keeping other information organized and available when needed.