Human Machine Interface Software Selection

The Human Machine Interface Software Selection Guide includes both selection criteria and strategies for choosing an HMI software solution.

Evaluating Human Machine Interface Software and Services Suppliers for Industrial Success

ARC Advisory Group’s report on the HMI software and services market helps prospective buyers to evaluate and select the right HMI software supplier. Buyers need to consider several key factors like assessing the supplier‘s track record and reputation in the industry, with a history of reliability and customer satisfaction. It is important to evaluate the software‘s compatibility with the existing systems and hardware as seamless integration is important. Buyers should also consider the scalability of the software – will it meet their current needs and allow for future growth? They need to examine the level of support and training offered by the supplier as adequate support ensures smooth implementation and operation. Finally, the buyer should also factor in the cost and licensing model to ensure it aligns with their budget and long-term goals.

When selecting HMI software, it‘s crucial to consider robust development tools, open scalability, and modular architecture for efficient customization. Users now demand centralized data storage, global accessibility, mobile platforms, remote solutions, and real-time data distribution for improved decision making. Both OEMs and end users share common criteria but prioritize differently. OEMs focus on cost-effectiveness, hardware compatibility, and enhancing user experience, while end users prioritize contextual information, reliability, user efficiency, scalability, and long-term usability. These distinctions reflect the need for rapid solutions among OEMs and user-friendly, reliable software for end users.

Human Machine Interface Software Selection Strategic Issues

HMI Software Should Support HTML5    

One of the biggest developments in HMI is HTML5. Operating system-independent HTML5 works on nearly every web-enabled device, enabling, for example, HMI software developed on Microsoft Operating Systems to work on Apple’s iOS and Google-Android devices. Many toolkits are available, so little or no HTML programming knowledge is required. Through HTML5 there are hardly any limits to its usage; the graphical user interface is easy to use and it is user friendly.

Implement Industrial IoT and Robust Cybersecurity Alongside HMI Software Solutions   

The Industrial IoT ecosystem will deliver on its promise of added value through increased productivity, predictive maintenance, and reduced as-set downtime. ARC sees a clear business benefit of integrating Industrial IoT as a key component of HMI software. For example, process industry applications can benefit from the remote management of assets to monitor, control, and/or optimize different components of production equipment visualized by HMI software in the Industrial IoT environment.

When one looks at Industrial IoT integration, one should not overlook cybersecurity efforts that must accompany it. Some HMI software suppliers collaborate with cloud providers and partner with cybersecurity companies to provide security and offer proactive security products to monitor and manage cybersecurity risks.

HMI Software Solutions Need to Be Capable of Leveraging the Latest Automation Trends    

The latest technological developments will have a disruptive impact on the automation market in the mid to long term. Developments that will be particularly relevant to HMI software include:

• Intelligent devices and Industrial IoT
• Industry 4.0
• Big Data
• Cloud computing and services-based solutions
• Mobility