HMI Application Management - Case Study

Operations Efficiently Increased. A Case Study on Designing and managing a HMI Application Management Experience at a Port Facility.

– Case Description | Company Challenge

Designing and managing a Wonderware InTouch HMI (Human Machine Interface) application at a materials handling port facility can present several challenges.

Addressing these challenges requires a combination of technical expertise, collaboration, and understanding of the port facility’s unique operational requirements. By focusing on system integration, real-time data processing, user experience, customization, security, maintenance, and training, an effective Wonderware InTouch HMI application can be designed and managed to support materials handling port facility operations efficiently.

– Here are some common challenges faced in this regard

Materials handling port facilities consist of various interconnected systems, such as cranes, conveyors, sorting systems, and control devices. Integrating these systems and collecting data from diverse sources can be complex. Designing an InTouch HMI application that effectively interfaces with multiple systems and consolidates data from different protocols and formats is a challenge.

Port facilities operate in real-time, with high volumes of data generated by equipment and processes. The InTouch HMI application needs to handle this real-time data and provide timely updates and visualizations. Ensuring fast data processing, real-time monitoring, and responsiveness is crucial to support operators’ decision-making and maintain operational efficiency.

Designing intuitive and user-friendly visualizations is essential for operators to quickly grasp the status of equipment, workflows, and overall operations. The InTouch HMI application should present information in a clear and meaningful manner, utilizing effective visual elements such as graphics, trends, alarms, and process displays. Balancing the amount of information displayed while maintaining an easy-to-understand user interface is a challenge.

Port facilities may have unique workflows, equipment configurations, and operational requirements. Designing the InTouch HMI application to accommodate customization and adaptability is necessary. The application should be flexible enough to handle variations in equipment setups, different operating modes, and user preferences. Building a scalable and configurable application architecture allows for future expansion and adjustments.

Port facilities handle sensitive operational data that requires strict security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. Implementing robust security controls, user authentication mechanisms, and encryption protocols within the InTouch HMI application is crucial to protect data and maintain compliance with security regulations.

Continuous monitoring and maintenance of the InTouch HMI application are necessary to ensure its reliability and performance. Implementing mechanisms for real-time monitoring, alarm systems, diagnostics, and logging helps identify and resolve issues promptly. Regular updates, patches, and version management should be carried out to ensure the application remains up-to-date and secure.

Training operators to effectively use the InTouch HMI application and understand the visualizations and control functionalities is critical. Providing comprehensive training programs and user documentation helps operators navigate and interpret the application effectively. Offering ongoing support and assistance ensures smooth user adoption and maximizes the application’s potential.

Collaboration between the HMI designers, IT teams, and operational stakeholders is essential throughout the design and management process. Engaging with port facility personnel and operators to gather requirements, conduct usability testing, and seek feedback ensures the InTouch HMI application meets their specific needs and improves operational efficiency.

Company Overview

The Terminal, located in North Vancouver, is a key terminal facility operated by a parent corporation out of the U.S. The terminal serves as a vital hub for handling and storing various petroleum products, including ethanol, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The terminal offers essential logistics services, such as vessel loading and unloading, railcar transloading, and storage facilities.

20 Years of Operational Technology Excellence: A Case Study on the Evolution of OT Systems in a Materials Handling Port. HMI Application

The Terminal is strategically located on the Burrard Inlet, providing easy access for vessels and connecting it to major transportation routes. The terminal boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including deepwater berths, specialized loading and unloading equipment, and extensive storage capacity.

The facility’s key features include robust safety measures, adherence to environmental regulations, and a commitment to sustainability. The Terminal prioritizes the protection of the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring the safe handling and storage of petroleum products while minimizing the impact on the environment.

The terminal plays a crucial role in supporting the energy industry in Western Canada by facilitating the import and export of petroleum products. The Terminal acts as a vital link between producers, refiners, and consumers, enabling the efficient and reliable movement of energy resources.

QCAi Work

To overcome the challenges of designing and managing a Wonderware InTouch HMI application at a materials handling port facility.

By adopting these strategies, QCA Systems successfully overcame the challenges of designing and managing a Wonderware InTouch HMI application at this materials handling port facility. The result was an application that optimized operational efficiency, enhanced situational awareness, and empowered operators to make informed decisions for efficient materials handling operations.

QCA Systems engaged closely with the port facility stakeholders to understand their specific operational requirements and challenges. We conducted thorough requirements gathering and analysis to ensure the InTouch HMI application is tailored to address their unique needs. This included understanding workflows, equipment configurations, data sources, and desired functionalities.

QCA Systems ensured seamless integration of the InTouch HMI application with various systems and equipment at the port facility. We developed robust interfaces and established data connectivity with different protocols and formats to collect real-time data from diverse sources. We utilized Wonderware System Platform or other integration tools to streamline data acquisition from equipment and control systems.

QCA Systems designed an intuitive and user-friendly interface for the InTouch HMI application. We considered the context of the materials handling port facility and created visualizations that present critical information in a clear and meaningful manner. We utilized graphics, trends, alarms, and process displays to enhance operator situational awareness and facilitate informed decision-making.

QCA Systems designed the InTouch HMI application to be flexible and customizable to accommodate the unique workflows and operational requirements of the port facility. We provided configuration options and modular design principles that allowed easy adaptation to specific equipment setups, operating modes, and user preferences. This flexibility ensured scalability and future expandability.

QCA Systems optimized the InTouch HMI application for real-time data processing and responsiveness. We implemented efficient algorithms and data processing techniques to handle high volumes of data generated by equipment and processes. We designed the application architecture to support fast data updates, real-time monitoring, and rapid visualization rendering to provide operators with timely information.

QCA Systems implemented robust security measures within the InTouch HMI application to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. We utilized encryption protocols, secure authentication mechanisms, and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive operational data. QCA Systems adhered to industry best practices and relevant security standards to protect against cyber threats.

QCA Systems established proactive monitoring mechanisms within the InTouch HMI application to detect and address issues promptly. We implemented real-time alarm systems, diagnostics tools, and logging functionalities to track performance, identify anomalies, and troubleshoot problems. QCA Systems regularly update the application with patches and new releases to ensure optimal performance and security.

QCA Systems provided comprehensive training programs and support to operators and other users of the InTouch HMI application. We conducted training sessions to familiarize them with the application’s features, functionalities, and best practices for efficient utilization. QCA Systems offered ongoing technical support and assistance to address user queries and ensure smooth operations.

QCA Systems fostered a collaborative relationship with the port facility stakeholders throughout the design and management process. We regularly engaged with them to gather feedback, identify improvement areas, and align the InTouch HMI application with evolving operational needs. QCA Systems continuously sought opportunities for enhancement and innovation based on user feedback and industry advancements.

Key Results

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QCA Systems Designed and manages a Wonderware InTouch HMI (Human Machine Interface) application

QCA Systems is a trusted partner.
QCA Systems is a reliable and proficient System Integrator.
Asset Management and Maintenance are monitored and predictive.
QCA Systems applied the best security practices available.
Network complexity is high, so details are important.
Redundancy was incorporated into the design, which increased reliability.
The network was designed to scale.
The project was done with collaboration between IT and OT resources.
Maintenance and Upgrades are part of the support plan.
Network Monitoring was in the design from the start.
The Network design takes into consideration IoT devices.
Network security was paramount in the project.
Project management is effective.
QCA Systems addresses many challenges.

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