What is a HMI in a SCADA system?
The SCADA system stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and it is a method of monitoring and controlling large areas such as an entire site or plant. They use sensors, remote terminal units, and PLCs to make sure that every area can be monitored and seen from one place.
Today we’ll be looking at the HMI and answering the burning questions that you have about it.
What is an HMI? What does it stand for?
HMI stands for Human Machine Interface and it is a unit on the SCADA system. It allows you to monitor and control anything that is connected to it. An HMI is a part of the SCADA system that allows you to control every other part within the system.
In summary, an HMI is a middleman between a processor machine and the operator. Think of it as a dashboard that allows you to supervise and operate different components from one spot. The monitor can show you information such as tank levels, valve status, and process parameters.
The main use of HMIs is to make your life easier when you have a SCADA system. Many people get confused and think that SCADA and HMI are one and the same. However, this is not the case. An HMI is a component in the SCADA system rather than another name for it.
What is a SCADA system? What does it stand for?
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and it is a system that uses both hardware and software to its advantage. You can use your SCADA system to acquire data before processing and recording it as well as supervising industrial processes.
You can use your SCADA system alongside your HMI to allow you to interact with local machinery. SCADA systems have been widely praised for increasing work efficiency and reducing downtime.
What does an HMI entail in a SCADA system?
An HMI can be thought of as the control station of a SCADA system, usually taking the shape of a touchscreen monitor with a few buttons on either side. The HMI applications have different screens that can be tied to the PLC that it is regarding.
You can adjust settings and controls from the comfort of your HMI. Plants and sites can be large, so you don’t always have time to walk around the entire area adjusting settings in each room. The HMI can help you do all of these things without moving from one spot.
The HMI can be connected to a number of different machines, such as cameras, adjusters, and pumps. The amount of time, labor, and money that can be saved with an HMI within a SCADA system are amazing, so they’re definitely worth considering.
If you have a SCADA system, it’s difficult to see why you wouldn’t also opt for an HMI. The two work seamlessly together and ensure that your team and plant are working as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Why is an HMI used?
HMIs allow you to control multiple components of your SCADA system from only one place. Gone are the days of having to walk around your entire plant checking on the SCADA system in person – you can now do it remotely.
As you can imagine, using an HMI saves you a lot of time so that you can spend it more effectively. Depending on how large your site is, you could find yourself spending half a day or more walking around to check on your system. An HMI eliminates this problem instantly.
Not only does the HMI save time, but it can also save you money. For starters, you won’t be wasting your working day walking around. You can focus more time on getting your tasks done so that you’re not paying for supplies and workload any more than you have to.
Summary
To sum up, HMIs are invaluable when it comes to SCADA systems. They act as a motherboard so that you can use all of the components of your system from one place. They offer you important information on all of your machines, lights, and cameras. Using an HMI can save time, money, and make your workforce more efficient in the long run.
