What is the Human-Machine Interface and what is it used for?
HMIs, an acronym that stands for human machine interfaces, or HMI interface, are platforms composed of hardware and software systems that work closely with SCADAs. But what exactly is it used for and why should it not be confused with SCADAs?
What are human-machine interfaces used for?
HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems are used by human operators to control and manage industrial machines and production lines, graphically displaying the data recorded by the SCADA system that manages the plant.
For example, in a food production plant, an HMI can monitor temperature and humidity, allowing operators to ensure that products are stored in optimal conditions.
In short, this interface serves to help a human operator make decisions when using the machinery (or plant), based on the data collected and processed by the SCADA, through the use of keyboards and control panels.
HMI interfaces meaning and differences with SCADA?
An HMI device is often mistaken for a SCADA, the supervisor of production lines. Human-machine interfaces are the control panels used to monitor and send commands to the production line and the machinery that composes it.
An example is the use of HMIs in a chemical plant, where operators can adjust valves and monitor pressure levels in real time, reducing the risk of accidents.
The HMI shows us how data is interpreted and collected by the SCADA, a function that leads many to confuse both systems. In fact, the push-button panels, alarm sirens, and control panels used to operate the production line also make up the human-machine interface.
As with SCADA supervision systems, Ferrazza’s human-machine interface is also custom-designed and built.
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