Where does HMI/MMI fit in today\s Internet/intranet plant floor picture?
Luis Marerro: There are a number of ways HMI and the Internet can be integrated. For a machine level application, one solution is to provide a local HMI that monitors and controls a piece of equipment and then launch Internet Explorer from within the HMI application to access information that is available from the company intranet or to view plantwide production data. Internet connections can also help speed OEM installations, using the Internet and terminal services to connect to the system. With the elimination of custom interfaces, OEMs can focus on setting up the machines. Intranet access on the factory floor can help simplify tasks like troubleshooting. If someone needs to look up a manual, look on a drawing, gathering information posted on an intranet site is often faster and easier than manual searches. Some customers use a combination of the Internet and intranet to help complete maintenance activity. For instance, a maintenance order uses the last replacement part in stock. Pu
