Mr. Niermann, what requirements do users currently have for process visualization?

Niermann: In our experience, there are currently three main aspects in mechanical and plant engineering: Flexibility, modularity and future-proofing. Discussions with our customers have shown that they are less and less willing to scale back their requirements due to limitations in the process visualization software. The tool should have the necessary flexibility to implement individual functionalities and design requirements. It is also important to support a wide range of stationary and mobile devices as well as remote access, depending on requirements. Multi-touch operating concepts are already a prerequisite today.

The topic of modularization has been driving machine and plant engineering for several years now. However, modularization today is usually defined in terms of mechanical design. But only when the software also maps and supports such a concept can the advantages of reusability of modules be fully exploited. The aim here is to make engineering more efficient overall. Many users today still face the challenge of good version management. This is because projects that are repeatedly copied and then changed on site are often accompanied by the fact that errors are copied further and changes are not maintained centrally. For this reason alone, it pays off for users to integrate modularization concepts into their workflow.

In terms of future viability, users attach great importance to the software being supported and further developed in the long term. In this context, the keyword 'upgradability' plays an important role. On the other hand, future viability in this context means openness with regard to software technologies and interfaces. The user interface, which should support various platforms, is also becoming increasingly important in terms of networking as a link to the cloud.

What is important when designing modern user interfaces?

Niermann: In principle, the user interface is very important. However, in many cases this is not yet sufficiently taken into account. This is because the user interface is often created in the first draft and then handed over to the design team to make the whole thing look nicer. However, this approach is not expedient. As a first step, it is advisable to analyze the processes, talk to the various users - such as operators, maintenance personnel or machine park managers - and possibly observe them in their current working environment. Based on the knowledge gained, the wireframe is created, which contains the rough layout of the screen with the stored functions and should be tested as a prototype. The next step is to develop and implement a visually appealing, attractive design. In terms of usability aspects and design, we rely on close cooperation with user experience (UX) experts as part of our HMI Alliance. UX makes a decisive contribution to increasing acceptance and encouraging users to engage with the interface. We talk about the 'joy of use', with which machine manufacturers can create added value for their end customers.

In the future, it will also be increasingly important to integrate powerful and open graphic interfaces and to give machine manufacturers the opportunity to integrate their own components. The separation of logic and design is an important aspect of the architecture here. It should be possible to make design elements reusable, add your own elements to the toolbox and combine more complex structures in one component.

What is the HMI Alliance all about?

Niermann : Our HMI Alliance is a network of experts that we have set up to provide users with optimum support in the implementation of modern and intuitive display and operating solutions. We have been working closely and successfully in partnership with Ergosign in Saarbrücken, a design service provider for user interfaces specializing in 'User Experience - Strategy and Design', for many years. As part of the collaboration, Ergosign takes on the user analysis and design aspects of the projects and we focus on the technical implementation of visually appealing HMI solutions.

Which technologies are used at Inosoft?

Niermann : When developing our VisiWin process visualization system, we consistently focus on openness and industry standards. Our technology basis is the .Net framework and the very powerful graphics interface WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation). A highlight of our VisiWin platform is the fact that our software allows users to seamlessly integrate tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio and Blend for graphics and logic. This enables users to individually design their process visualization and use all degrees of freedom when implementing their own functions. At the same time, we enable them to create client projects using HTML5 technology so that our interfaces can also be displayed in any browser and on smartphones or tablets. Our user interface supports responsive web design specifically for this purpose. As a long-standing member of the OPC Foundation, we rely on OPC UA for our interfaces. With this technology mix, we are well positioned to integrate future technologies - such as the Microsoft Hololens.

Operating a system step by step: The Hololens glasses from Microsoft can project instructions into the user's field of vision.

© Inosoft

What does the future of process visualization look like?

Niermann: In our opinion, the first step is to manage the increasing flood of data. The aim here is to ensure that the relevant data is sent securely and efficiently to the right person in the right way. As part of this, role-based operating concepts and therefore new devices are becoming increasingly important. We are already talking about the 'post-touch' era, which means that in future, data will be processed for all kinds of devices and wearables such as data glasses or watches.

At recent trade fairs, we and other companies have already presented initial ideas and applications for augmented reality (AR) with data glasses. A combination with virtual reality (VR) is also conceivable. For example, AR glasses worn by service personnel on site, such as the Hololense, could generate a scanned 3D image of the room and the machines in it and forward this to an expert who is located elsewhere, for example in a company headquarters, and is equipped with VR glasses. The expert would then be able to analyze the situation in 3D and transmit 3D instructions. Up to now, such scenarios have mainly involved maintenance and servicing tasks. The next step is then machine operation. However, we believe that it will take some time before AR and VR glasses become established in industry, as the technologies are not yet fully developed in terms of suitability for everyday use and readiness for industrial applications. The first applications could be in environments where helmets and protective goggles are mandatory and visualization is merging with protective equipment. In general, we assume that these applications will establish themselves alongside the classic industrial PC in the future. However, they are unlikely to replace them any time soon.

At the same time, the topic of 'fog computing' is gaining in importance. We are seeing a trend where data increasingly needs to be processed and anonymized locally before the meaningful data is stored in the cloud and processed further. Inosoft is already able to support these requirements in addition to the interfaces.