HMI Design & Programming for Industrial Automation
Industrial Control Systems, Inc. (ICS) has specialized in Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design and programming since our founding in 1998. We create intuitive, high-performance operator interfaces that give your production team the information and control they need to run your facility safely and efficiently.
What Is an HMI?
A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is the screen or panel that operators use to interact with automated equipment. A well-designed HMI displays machine status, production data, alarms, and controls in a clear, logical layout that reduces operator errors and speeds up troubleshooting. HMIs range from small touchscreen panels mounted on individual machines to large multi-monitor operator stations in a central control room.
HMI Platforms We Work With
ICS develops HMI applications on all major industrial platforms including Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View ME (machine-level) and SE (site-level), Inductive Automation Ignition Perspective and Vision modules, AVEVA (Wonderware) InTouch, Siemens WinCC and Comfort Panels, and Pro-face and Maple Systems panel PCs. We select the right platform based on your existing control infrastructure, environmental conditions, and operator requirements.
Our HMI Design Philosophy
ICS follows ISA-101 high-performance HMI design standards. This means we create screens that prioritize situational awareness over flashy graphics. Our designs use consistent color schemes where gray indicates normal operation, and color is reserved for abnormal conditions that require operator attention. We organize screens in logical hierarchies from plant overview to area detail to individual equipment, allowing operators to quickly drill down to any point in the process. Every screen is designed to answer the operator’s key question: is everything running normally, or do I need to take action?
HMI Services We Provide
Our HMI services include new application development, legacy HMI migration and modernization, screen redesign for improved usability, alarm management and rationalization, recipe and batch interface development, multi-language support, mobile and web-based interface development, and operator training on new systems. We handle everything from a single machine panel to a facility-wide operator interface system.
28+ Years of HMI Expertise
HMI design was one of the founding services of ICS, and we have developed operator interfaces for over 2,500 projects. Our clients include major manufacturers like Mars Petcare, Church & Dwight, Ajinomoto, Pillsbury, and International Paper. We understand the practical needs of production environments and design interfaces that operators actually want to use.
Ready to improve your operator interfaces? Call (417) 624-2331 or request a consultation.
Related Services
View All Services | Frequently Asked Questions
Maximize Your Equipment Performance with OEE Tracking
Combine your HMI Design & Programming | Operator Interface Solutions capabilities with our OEE & MES solutions built on Ignition and Sepasoft. Track Availability, Performance, and Quality in real time to identify losses and unlock hidden capacity.
Learn About OEE & MES Solutions →