Plant operators can view alarms provided by the human machine interface to locate any malfunction of equipment and react faster. Alarms may be preventive, alerting the operator before an emergency level is reached. Alarms can also be used to track various problems and to optimize manufacturing processes to increase productivity.
Operators can rely on HMI messaging
for pages, faxes, etc. when certain
events happen. For instance, operators
can be alerted automatically when a
machine’s fuel level is low and needs
to be refilled.
A human machine interface can reduce operation costs because it can replace hundreds of selectors, push buttons, indicator lights, etc. This means the need for additional panels, cables and consoles is also greatly reduced.
Plant managers can test devices and equipment using a flexible HMI with simulation, allowing for office-based testing without physical equipment. This reduces startup time and improves overall production.
Easily manage and execute recipes using HMI
technology. The high-quality graphics of HMI systems provide a realistic view of plant operations, so an operator can control the facility from a central location. This helps with safety as well.
HMI improves communications among
various types of equipment throughout
the facility with the use of remote I/O,
Ethernet, serial port, Data Highway Plus,
DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange), and
other methods.
