MAPS HMI Introduction

Following market demands Mitsubishi has introduced a reduced functionality, low cost version of the highly successful Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite (MAPS SCADA) to the market. The focus is the machine builder and more simple HMI requirements that do not require the capabilities of the full MAPS software.

However, unlike most competitive stand-alone solutions the MAPS HMI software allows users to license up to 2 remote operators/view clients.

This allows the user to have more visibility into the plant or machine being controlled. This feature also allows the user to change the HMI project remotely.

In addition MAPS HMI supports simultaneous connections to over 100 different controllers.

What is a Human Machine Interface (HMI)?

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) is a graphical interface that allows humans and machines to interact.

An HMI is usually a combination of hardware and software that allows a user to communicate with an automation system.

The HMI solution provides information, alerts and commands to and from a machine or process and thus connects the user with the process being controlled.

Why use HMI?

There are two key factors; cost and environment. A lower cost solution may be required for a machine builder or the operating environment is such that a more ruggedised interface is necessary. Any unusual environmental conditions will narrow the HMI hardware selection.

For example, an abundance of electrical noise or vibration may require the selection of a ruggedised or hardened industrial panel, whereas an HMI operating in a wash-down environment, such as a food processing plant, might require a high IP (ingress protection) rating.

Extreme temperatures or temperature ranges such as an HMI placed near a blast furnace, or an HMI that is used outside and might require daylight readibility are some other environmental factors to consider when choosing the correct HMI.

MAPS HMI Features

Being based on the MAPS SCADA architecture means that users have access to various Agents when configuring the I/O, allowing a more object-oriented approach to configuration.

Users are therefore not limited to simple tag based configuration but have access to all the power of a SCADA, including unlimited alarming, logging, scripting and interaction to the database that allows for a far more flexible and powerful solution.