User-centered Approach of Interactive HMI on PLCnext for Smart Factory Applications

This study explores the integration of a custom-designed Human-Machine Interface (HMI) with the PLCnext platform to improve industrial automation. PLCnext offers advantages over traditional PLCs, including real-time control, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and flexible programming. This custom-designed HMI features seven specially designed screens that allow remote monitoring and control through a web server, enhancing plant operations. Performance tests showed positive results, with an average of First Contentful Paint (FCP) of 0.4 seconds and a performance score of 89.1. This combination of PLCnext and HMI significantly improves efficiency, safety, and scalability in manufacturing processes, supporting Industry 4.0 advancements. The research proposes a user-centered approach to interface design within the PLCnext system, potentially speeding up the adoption of advanced automation solutions across various industries. By leveraging PLCnext's open architecture and the intuitive HMI design, this integration addresses key challenges in modern manufacturing, such as real-time data visualization, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control systems. The findings contribute to the ongoing evolution of smart factories and offer insights for future developments in industrial automation technologies.