IEN: What innovations are in store for HMI/MMI users?

McCoy: Omron's HMI future is focused on simplifying factory maintenance needs. The idea is to provide maintenance capabilities that will virtually eliminate the need for a laptop computer from the factory floor. Omron's NS series HMI currently features a project simulation tool, ladder monitor utility for monitoring and changing PLC logic, Switchbox utility to easily monitor bit and word status information, and a device library that contains preprogrammed objects that provide operational status and setting information for a large number of Omron PLC, temperature controller, inverter, and DeviceNet devices. By utilizing these advanced features, Omron's NS series HMI has become a powerful maintenance tool providing users a gateway into their entire working system.

IEN: How important is embedded intelligence?

McCoy: Embedded intelligence is a primary development focus for all Omron products. Omron currently provides intelligent devices that provide diagnostic and maintenance information to reduce production downtime. By utilizing the NS series HMI in conjunction with these intelligent devices, the customer will have a powerful interactive tool capable of displaying elaborate maintenance information to provide detailed steps in identifying and troubleshooting any system malfunction.