Top 5 Control Engineering articles, January 19-25: High-performance HMIs, third-party systems for a DCS, the cloud and mobility technology, more

Articles about high-performance HMIs; integrating third-party systems with a DCS; the cloud and mobility technology; efficient controls require feedback; and SCADA, HMI differences were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 19-25. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra January 26, 2015

Control Engineering Top 5 most read articles online, for Jan. 19-25 covered high-performance HMIs; integrating third-party systems with a DCS; the cloud and mobility technology; efficient controls require feedback; and SCADA, HMI differences. Link to each article below.

1. High-performance HMIs: Designs to improve operator effectiveness

Users and system designers consider how changing HMI strategy can help make operators better at their job and reduce those confused phone calls. 

2. Integrating third-party systems with a DCS

Several considerations need to be made when interfacing a distributed control system (DCS) to a third-party system, including the choice between using SCADA or peer-control solutions. 

3. Moving to the cloud with mobility technology

Human machine interface (HMI) applications and industry are connecting to the rapidly expanding cloud to cut costs, speed implementation, and provide worldwide access to data. 

4. Efficient controls require feedback

Control design: Closing the feedback loop with the appropriate sensors improves equipment and process efficiency. Identify areas where feedback can improve and optimize machine operation and process control. Carefully select from available process control and measurement sensors, and ensure each loop is programmed with the right parameters. 

5. Differences between SCADA and HMIs

For a system to qualify as a SCADA system, it should have elements of both control and data acquisition whereas HMIs often lack control capabilities within themselves. 

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, January 19-25, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.