Background: I have minor experience with using Allen Bradley Studio 5000 over 5 years ago in my previous job. I have never created an HMI from scratch, only modified existing programs. Haven’t been online with a PLC since mid 2020.
I am currently trying to use the Ignition Maker Edition (non-commercial use only) to build a proof of concept that could then be scaled up with proper approvals.
Project details:
- Workplace consists of miles of conveyance
- Work order system is clunky and unintuitive
- The building SCADA system is resource intensive on laptops and completely unusable on any tablet/mobile device
- Primary goal
- Provide technicians with visual indicators of where work is physically located and priority of said work for increased efficiency
- Visual indicators will link to the work order website for technicians to perform required documentation steps
- Tapping on visual indicator brings up the work order number, details, and link to the work order page.
- Secondary goal (if possible)
- Also connect to building PLCs to display equipment condition states
- Track equipment faults and generate fault indicators once certain thresholds are breached.
Barriers:
- I don’t even know where to get started. I have a project started in designer, have a view started, but don’t see any type of draw or shape function like I think I remember from AB. For the equipment display I only need to be able to create rectangles and curves.
- Data acquisition/upload - I doubt I’ll be able to get permission to query the WO system directly at first. I need to be able to upload an excel sheet at first to provide the HMI with data for indicators
- SCADA - Same boat, I doubt I’ll be able to get permission to have my app “talk” to the building PLCs at first.