Learn the most effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability in control engineering systems, and how to improve functionality, usability, and reliability.

Each and every system has different requirements for HMI, graphics and simulation points. Best practices include simplicity and functionality of each graphic screen and how these interlink with each other. User friendly and optimized HMI needs feedback from operation personnel and those using it. Making required changes to keep it functional is the key.

What are the most effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability?

Human-machine interfaces (HMI) are essential components of control engineering systems, as they allow operators to interact with and monitor the processes and equipment. However, HMI performance and availability can be affected by various factors, such as network issues, hardware failures, software errors, cyberattacks, or user errors. Therefore, it is important to implement effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability, and to troubleshoot and resolve any problems that may arise. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability, and how they can help you improve your control engineering system.

1 HMI Performance Indicators

One of the most effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability is to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the functionality, usability, and reliability of the HMI. Some examples of HMI performance indicators are: response time, uptime, error rate, user satisfaction, and security compliance. By measuring and analyzing these indicators, you can identify and quantify the performance and availability of your HMI, and compare it with your expectations and benchmarks. You can also use these indicators to identify any trends, patterns, or anomalies that may indicate potential problems or areas for improvement.

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Sebastián Trolli

Global Head of Industrial Automation & Software at Frost & Sullivan | Driving Business Growth via Industry Analytics, Market Research and Consulting | Industry 4.0, AI, Digitalization, Data-Driven Manufacturing | Speaker
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Here are some best practices: 1- Prioritize a clear and intuitive design that increases situational awareness and facilitates quick decision-making. Utilize schematic diagrams for a straightforward process representation, ensuring color schemes are consistent and convey actionable information. 2- Focus on the operator's perspective to streamline navigation and information presentation, including minimizing unnecessary animations and using colors judiciously to avoid overwhelming users. 3- Ensure HMI provides a comprehensive overview of system status, incorporating real-time data visualization and historical trend analysis, enabling effective monitoring and quick response to system changes.

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2 HMI Performance Monitoring Tools

Another effective way to monitor HMI performance and availability is to use specialized tools that can collect, store, display, and analyze the data from your HMI and the underlying control system. These tools can help you monitor the status, health, and performance of your HMI in real time, and alert you of any issues or deviations. Some examples of HMI performance monitoring tools are: network analyzers, hardware diagnostics, software logs, dashboards, and reports. These tools can help you visualize and understand the performance and availability of your HMI, and provide you with actionable insights and recommendations.

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3 HMI Performance Testing

A third effective way to monitor HMI performance and availability is to conduct regular testing of your HMI and the associated control system. Testing can help you verify the functionality, usability, and reliability of your HMI, and detect any errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities that may affect its performance and availability. Some examples of HMI performance testing are: functional testing, load testing, stress testing, usability testing, and security testing. These tests can help you evaluate and improve the performance and availability of your HMI, and ensure that it meets your requirements and standards.

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4 HMI Performance Optimization

A fourth effective way to monitor HMI performance and availability is to implement optimization strategies that can enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and resilience of your HMI and the related control system. Optimization can help you reduce the risk of performance and availability issues, and increase the productivity, quality, and safety of your control engineering system. Some examples of HMI performance optimization are: updating hardware and software, improving network connectivity and security, simplifying user interface design, implementing best practices and standards, and providing training and support for users. These optimization strategies can help you achieve and maintain optimal performance and availability of your HMI.

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5 HMI Performance Troubleshooting

A fifth effective way to monitor HMI performance and availability is to have a systematic and proactive approach to troubleshooting and resolving any problems that may affect your HMI and the associated control system. Troubleshooting can help you identify the root cause, impact, and solution of any performance and availability issues, and prevent them from escalating or recurring. Some examples of HMI performance troubleshooting are: following a logical and structured process, using diagnostic tools and methods, applying corrective and preventive actions, documenting and reporting incidents, and learning from feedback and lessons. These troubleshooting techniques can help you restore and improve the performance and availability of your HMI.

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6 HMI Performance Evaluation

A sixth effective way to monitor HMI performance and availability is to conduct periodic evaluation of your HMI and the related control system. Evaluation can help you assess the performance and availability of your HMI, and measure the outcomes and benefits of your monitoring and improvement efforts. Some examples of HMI performance evaluation are: reviewing performance indicators, monitoring tools, testing results, optimization strategies, and troubleshooting actions, conducting surveys, interviews, and audits, and calculating return on investment, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. These evaluation methods can help you validate and communicate the performance and availability of your HMI, and identify any gaps or opportunities for further improvement.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Shahid Ahmed Kazmi

■Learning is my obsession■Teaching my passion■Instrumentation & control my profession■ Founded Instrumentation enthusiasts (exclusive group) with 30,735+ membersNewsletter •INSTRUMENTATION REVISITED• Published weekly
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Each and every system has different requirements for HMI, graphics and simulation points. Best practices include simplicity and functionality of each graphic screen and how these interlink with each other. User friendly and optimized HMI needs feedback from operation personnel and those using it. Making required changes to keep it functional is the key.

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Abdulrahman Alghamdi

Instrumentation Engineer | Automation, Inspection, Reliability, Planning & Execution at Yanbu Cement Company
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The easy ways to maintain HMIs: - Track how fast the HMI responds: Slow means problems for operators. - Check for error messages: Anything unusual might cause issues. - See if the HMI ever crashes: Uptime is key! - Make sure backups are ready: If the main HMI fails, a backup can jump in. - Schedule checkups: Regular maintenance prevents big headaches. This way, you'll catch problems early and keep your plant 🏭 running smoothly.

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SANTHIRAJ S.

Senior Consultant, Corporate Trainer, Power, Oil and Gas, FPSO, Water and Wastewater PMC/EPCI Manager, SMEInstrumentation and Control, SCADA TÜV Functional Safety Engineer
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Based on my experience as System Integrator of HMI with control systems, I recommend the following 1. Develop clear Functional Specifications Document without ambiguities 2. Review, edit and update the same with the Owner’s O&M personnel 3. Avoid information overload in the HMI 4. Restrict number of Alarms 5. Follow ISA 101 also known as ANSI/ISA-101.01-2015, is a standard established by the International Society of Automation (ISA) that provides guidelines for Human Machine Interface (HMI) design. It focuses on creating effective and user-friendly interfaces for operators and users of industrial control systems

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Harshal Ubhare

Assistant Manager Instrumentation Engineer | Detail Engineering | EPC
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Effective ways to monitor HMI (Human-Machine Interface) performance and availability include real-time analytics, proactive alert systems, regular system audits, and implementing redundancy measures to ensure continuous operation. Employing these strategies enhances reliability and facilitates timely responses to potential issues.

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What are the most effective ways to monitor HMI performance and availability?

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1 HMI Performance Indicators

2 HMI Performance Monitoring Tools

3 HMI Performance Testing

4 HMI Performance Optimization

5 HMI Performance Troubleshooting

6 HMI Performance Evaluation

7 Here’s what else to consider

Control Engineering

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