How Custom HMI Design Improves Operator Efficiency in Automated Systems

Executive Summary

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) play a vital role in industrial automation by enabling operators to monitor, control, and respond to machine activity. Poorly designed HMIs can slow operations, cause user errors, and hinder production efficiency. Custom HMI design aligns interface functionality with operator workflows, reduces cognitive load, and improves decision-making speed. This white paper examines how well-crafted, application-specific HMIs can transform operator effectiveness in automated environments.

What is a Custom HMI?

A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a visual dashboard or touchscreen panel that allows users to interact with automated systems. Custom HMIs are tailored to the specific needs of a production line, machine type, or user role—ensuring relevance, clarity, and usability.

Custom HMI characteristics include:

Role-specific screen layouts
Graphical display of real-time data
Contextual controls and alerts
Minimalistic, intuitive navigation
Language and accessibility customization

Key Benefits of Custom HMI Design

Improved Operational Accuracy: Custom HMIs reduce operator errors by presenting only relevant information and controls in context-sensitive formats.
Faster Response Times: Real-time alerts, clear status indicators, and simplified controls enable operators to act quickly during faults or exceptions.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance: Visual guidance, lockout indicators, and confirmation prompts prevent unsafe operations and ensure adherence to protocols.
Reduced Training Requirements: Logical screen layouts and user-friendly icons help new operators become proficient with minimal training.
Increased Uptime: Custom diagnostics screens and embedded troubleshooting guides accelerate maintenance and fault resolution.

Design Best Practices

User-Centered Design: Engage operators during development to capture real workflows and priorities.
Consistent Layouts: Standardize navigation, button placement, and color coding across screens.
Alarm Prioritization: Use color and hierarchy to distinguish critical from non-critical alerts.
Responsive Design: Optimize for different device types—i.e. touchscreens, tablets, or desktop panels.
Localization: Support multilingual operation and visual cues for international teams.

Artisan Edge and HMI Integration

Artisan Edge enables smarter HMI design by:

Aggregating machine data in real time for display on custom interfaces
Providing API access to connect HMI layers with edge analytics and control logic
Supporting remote dashboards via secure browser-based interfaces
Offering flexible deployment across embedded panels or centralized control stations

Use Case: Assembly Line Optimization

An electronics manufacturer implemented custom HMIs across multiple assembly cells:

Reduced operator response time to faults by 43%
Increased OEE visibility and line-level accountability
Reduced onboarding time for new staff by 35% through role-based screen configurations

Conclusion

Custom HMI design is a high-impact, low-cost strategy for improving operator efficiency in automated systems. It bridges the gap between complex machinery and human decision-making, driving productivity and reducing error rates. Artisan Technologies provides the tools and expertise to deliver scalable, intuitive HMIs integrated with real-time machine data.

To improve operator performance through smarter HMI design, contact us at sales@artisantec.io or visit www.artisantec.io.