What are the advantages and disadvantages of Human Machine Interface?

A human machine interface is any software or device that aids a person/operator to interact with a machine, device or system. With the world having changed through constant growth in technology and innovations, machines have become more sophisticated. Human Machine Interface (HMIs) has also been improved greatly so as to enhance easier interaction with the constant - new technology.
HMIs can be found in multiple locations or applications be it in Automobiles, household appliances, handheld devices (smart watches, smartphones), machines, video games and a very wide range of applications in the industrial sector.

Advantages of Human Machine Interface

The advantages of Human Machine Interface are: 

1- Improved Productivity

A human machine interface improves the efficiency of a task that is being performed. Even though a person can perform a task, this kind of software/device enables more productivity. In an industry, using an HMI enables more work to be done in lesser time.

2- Satisfaction/ Pursuit of Happiness

With the ability to control a device easily, their use in entertainment and leisure systems have greatly improved the lives of people by increasing comfortability. For example, gamers can engage in online games from different locations.

3- Enhance Data Saving/Recording

They have high abilities in recording data. By entering commands into an HMI, the system to which it is connected to can automatically record the data. Such data can be used later for other purposes, for example, troubleshooting future mechanical problems.

4- Internet of Things

Internet of things refers to a collection of devices which are all connected to the internet. HMIs can also be connected to the internet since they are devices too. This enables applications such as remote control access and network monitoring.

5- Data Translation

Some HMIs translate data from industrial control systems into readable visual representations by humans. Thus an operator can be able to see the schematics of the systems and control them by for example switching pumps on and off in an industrial plant.

6- Reduce the Cost of Hardware

An HMI can reduce the cost that an industry incurs in terms of hardware like consoles, panels, cables. An HMI can replace hundreds of them thus saving on costs.

Disadvantages of Human Machine Interface

HMIs nearly have no disadvantages. Their effectiveness outway any flaws which are minimal. They are very useful and highly appreciated nowadays. Any issue regarding an interface may incur as a result of the following.

1- Security

HMI software systems have long been considered secure from any malware but with their connect-ability to the internet in these times, they pose a high risk of hacking. A flawed HMI could be a gateway for hackers to crash systems that may lead to loss of important security and confidential data.

2- Poor Interface Design

Most accidents involving machine and automobiles are attributed to human error but when they are investigated in detail, it is often concluded that they were in fact caused by poor designing of an HMI thus causing problems of interaction between the machine and the operator. A poorly designed interface can result in undesirable operational consequences and errors that may have devastating impacts on safety and performance.