Today, the functional diversity of a machine is important for sales success. However, the question of whether the user can master the increasing complexity is more important. User-friendly visualization is therefore crucial for customer satisfaction. To create it, the machine manufacturer needs the right tool.

Consumerization

The requirements for a modern user interface have changed significantly in recent years. Experts speak of "consumerization", by which they mean that users increasingly expect similar functionality in a business context as they do in their private lives. The daily experience of using smartphones or tablets is decisive here. Users today expect mobile access to applications, intuitive user guidance and features such as gesture control, multi-touch functionality and multilingualism. For system operators, future-proofing their investments is also particularly important.

The solution sounds simple: the use of web technologies enables the development of visualizations that meet all these requirements. HTML5, CSS and JavaScript in the front end as well as client-server structures for content distribution have proven themselves across the board. But which machine manufacturer can afford to employ not only PLC programmers but also web developers and user interface designers to equip their machines with professional web visualization? For this clientele, Lenze offers a solution that is easy to use and provides the basis for meeting users' requirements in terms of user-friendly visualization.

No programming necessary

The solution includes the Easy UI Designer, an application for Windows computers that contains ready-made operating elements ("controls") and templates for complete pages. The controls can be used in various designs, can be inserted into the visualization via drag-and-drop and linked there with PLC variables. The OEM therefore does not need specially trained web developers to develop the interface.

In addition, the Fast UI runtime is required on a Lenze controller. The c520 and c550 models can currently be used for this purpose. They provide the necessary performance to easily master the communication of visualization data to the client in addition to PLC control. The range of suitable controllers will be expanded in the future.

Responsive design

The OEM is completely free to choose the size, resolution and orientation of the display. The web visualization can be configured in a responsive design that adapts to the available screen.

OEM-friendly implementation

The Easy UI Designer already comes with a range of templates, for example for user management, the alarm system and recipe management. For the development, Lenze relies on the expert support of a specialist in UX design. Dr. Julia Jürgens, who holds a doctorate in usability, pays attention to contemporary, easy-to-use elements and page templates. At the same time, the templates are designed in such a way that the OEM can quickly adapt them to their corporate identity (CI) and needs. The machine visualization can be easily individualized with its own logo, the corresponding colour scheme and specific elements in the header and footer of the interface.