Innovations in digital technology have pushed packaging equipment to new levels of productivity and efficiency — yet have also created more complexity and a dizzying array of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). For most end-users, it’s common to have packaging lines with multiple HMIs, each with different levels of complexity and interactions. This lack of standardization can even exist across machines of a single type or brand, particularly if those machines are purchased at different times.
Improvements to HMI consistency are necessary in order to continue advancing productivity and OEE. The primary challenge is finding the way to achieve operational benefits without restricting the ability of a machine and controls builder to innovate and differentiate its products. Building on existing standards and best practices offers a solid, achievable path forward.