N E W S - I N D U S T R Y M A T T E R S
10 June 2019
The Future of HMIs In 1987, author Iain M. Banks created the concept of
the neural lace, a digital layer above the cortex allowing
seamless connection between man and machine, basically
the ultimate human-machine interface (HMI). Here
John Young, sales director at industrial parts supplier
EU Automation, explains how modern HMI technology
can improve output in Asia.
Asia-Pacific industry is increasingly interested in investing in
HMIs. In fact, Mordor intelligence, an industry market analyst,
predicts that the Asia-Pacific HMI market will be valued at
1529.39 million USD by 2023, at a CAGR of 12 per cent. This
is due to the growing need of businesses in the Asia-Pacific
region to enhance efficiency and flexibility.
HMIs can rapidly communicate complex information by clearly
representing status information in real time. However, achieving
this requires careful display design because, not only must
they accurately show detailed information, they must also be
readable at a glance.
Why HMI?
Before the advent of Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices,
most machines in a factory had a dedicated isolated HMI. However,
these displays, generally only showed simple data and
early designs were also visually complicated, meaning operators
still had to figure out what the information actually meant.
Due to continuous growth, many manufacturers may not be
able to switch out old machinery, as any unnecessary production
downtime can prove damaging to sales and output, particularly
when working in industries such as food and beverage
where perishables are present. Rapid growth of the economy
in the Asia-Pacific region is set to continue with the International
Monetary Fund forecasting 5.6 per cent growth in 2019.
With no break in sight making getting the most out of older
machines is vital.
Raising efficiency by installing a modern HMI system can give
businesses the edge over competitors. This is because effective
HMIs can reduce time spent on maintenance by allowing
operators to clearly understand issues, such as locating which
part of a machine is broken. With the escalating costs of downtime,
being able to quickly solve breakdowns is crucial remaining
competitive.
This does still leave the issue of what to do once the operator
has identified a broken part. In these cases, it helps to have a
parts supplier known for fast delivery times. For example, at EU
Automation our system sources the part you need while also
planning the fastest route to get it on location.
Modern HMI design
Unlike older HMIs, more thought is being put into how modern
displays are designed. For example, the introduction of pattern
based displays, such as annotated graphs, allow operators
to simply view the context of the data displayed. Clearer
designs mean operators can learn systems faster letting them
both get up to speed and make vital decisions quickly.
IoT systems are also allowing HMI’s to take on forms previously
unthought of, with many modern systems being able to
send analysis directly to smart devices such as smartphones
and smartwatches. This means that not only are modern HMI’s
readable at a glance, but they can also be read anywhere at
any time. This is incredibly beneficial for manufacturers with
multiple plants, allowing for a side-by-side comparison.
All these developments make the modern HMI a powerful
tool for operators. Their time saving potential and ability to be
viewed anywhere can drastically increase work flow flexibility.
Simply put, installing a modern HMI will allow businesses to get
more out of their operators and streamline maintenance.
Neural laces may still be only possible in the pages of sci-fi
books, but the flexibility afforded with modern HMI’s allows
for nearly seamless understanding. The benefits gained from
an effective HMI system cannot be overlooked and with rising
demands raising efficiency is always a clear-cut route to
success.
EITE business
committed to
low-emissions
economy
A new report shows firms with high
energy use working responsibly
towards climate goals, according
to BusinessNZ.
It says that a report by Castalia
Strategic Advisors shows that
EITE (Emission Intensive and
Trade Exposed) businesses are
proactively reducing emissions
and have a common interest in
helping the Government to meet
its international climate change
obligations.
The report shows that New
Zealand’s EITE businesses are
a significant segment of the
economy, employing around
15,000 New Zealanders.
The businesses, members of a
BusinessNZ EITE working group,
want to help the Government
achieve workable emissions
reduction policies and an energy
intensive sector that is
responsive to climate change
policies.
BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk
Hope says EITE businesses
want to see emissions reduction
policies that take account of
unintended consequences and
potential risks to the economy.
"For example, there is a risk of
uncompetitive emissions pricing
forcing domestic businesses to
close, with production shifting to
countries with higher emissions
intensity.
"The EITE group is seeking
ongoing and constructive
dialogue with the Government
to help ensure that unnecessary
trade-offs are avoided, and
investment can be encouraged.
"EITE businesses produce
goods that form the backbone
of our economy including
fresh food, building materials,
critical industrial chemicals, and
industrial metals.
"EITE businesses create jobs,
wealth and regional diversification,
and contribute significantly
to higher living standards for all
New Zealanders.
"Any emissions reduction policy
must consider the economic and
social impacts it will have on this
important sector.
"Predictable and durable policy
settings are the cornerstone to
unlocking greater investment
in low-emission initiatives, and
we welcome any opportunity to
work with the Government as it
develops its plan to achieve its
emissions reduction targets."