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Soamassiverangeofapplications
for industrial usage...
Ischen: ...but these are only a few of
the options. According to the Machine
Operation market study, mechanical
engineers are no longer using
operating elements only for normal
operation and to deal with issues such
as visualization and operations, but
also for more complex tasks such as
diagnosis and maintenance, in start-
up, set-up and tooling as well as
commissioning. Hot topics such as
condition monitoring and predictive
maintenance are also included here.
The operating levels can be used to
differentiate functionalities for versions
of a machine type and distribute role-
based tasks.
HMIs literally act as interfaces between
different worlds. An HMI/PLC - a
programmable logic controller with an
operating panel - can also integrate
existing machines via a retrofit. The
process involves an appropriate
operating concept, comprising the type
of device and its technology, as well
as the visualization and integration in
context and the whole system.
Why are standards so important
when integrating operating
concepts?
Ischen: Operating devices have to
comply with numerous statutory
requirements before their market
launch. Europe has standards for
designing an operating concept
to minimize operating errors and
unintentional actions. DIN EN 60204-1
governs security and electrical fittings
on machines, as well as operating
concepts: general requirements for the
arrangement, assembly and protection
types, e.g. for push buttons as well as
which color is used for what purpose.
EN 60072 and EN 60047, which are also
called operating principles, are about
labeling rules. Outside the IEC other
rules apply if the manufacturer or their
customer operates internationally.
A lot of regulations instead of
creative design?
Ischen: For mechanical engineers, it is
not just about meeting standards. The
issue of what information they need to
provide customers and operators - and
how to do so - is important. Machine
operating teams are frequently
international. The operating concept
focuses on reducing the complexity of
country-specific variants for example.
Universally understandable symbols
are better than plain text. Touch panels
and multi-touch displays open plenty
of opportunities. However, colors,
shapes, and terms are not interpreted
the same way in all countries. In North
America, pictograms are problematic
for example. Those bypassing market
practices and local requirements
risk significant additional costs and
delayed launches - this also applies to
visualization concepts.
What items are still missing on
the list of engineering criteria?
Ischen: The usability issue remains
- with durable characteristics
for raw industrial environments
and a completely different set of
requirements for hygienic design in the
food industry.
Professional and trade associations
and chambers of commerce also
create special requirements. A good
example of how added value can also
be created with a coherent operating
concept is when operating units
have technical release certificates
exceeding standards as Eaton’s many
components do.
Such approaches create engineering
opportunities and provide flexibility.
So value-added can be created
with the human machine
interface?
Ischen: Yes, all the considerations
involved in a coherent operating
concept are also the starting points
for adding value. Design, feel and
materials, for example, also convey
an impression of value and the
mechanical engineer can use them
to create a competitive advantage in
the eyes of the customer.
The system concept also plays a
role. Concepts geared to current and
future requirements reflect the entire
value chain, facilitating planning
Motion Control
Special Edition
Image 1
: Augmented reality will give machine controls and
operations of the future new possibilities
New-Tech Magazine Europe l 55