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Siemens 6RA7031-6DV62-0 Simoreg Compact DC Converter

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  12 month warranty on new - 6 on used
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753

Where can you find lesser
known brands?

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We regularly hear from customers looking for lesser known brands in addition to some of the leading brands we stock. Even if you are not looking for parts from a major brand, we can help! We stock and can source a wide range of brands, including factory automation and machine spare parts for a range of industries, from metal fabrication to process engineering. Here are just a few of the lesser-known brands we can source and supply:
  • Berger Lahr
  • Yaskawa
  • Indramat
  • Allen Bradley
  • Heidenhain
  • Modicon
  • Omron
If you're looking for obsolete components or rare spares from a lesser-known brand, just get in touch with us and we will usually be able to help. It is important to bear in mind that it can sometimes take our team a little longer to source parts from lesser-known brands, as we want to get you the best quality parts at the best possible prices.

Spare parts, wherever you are in the world

From discontinued products to new items currently in production, we can export parts and items almost anywhere in the world, including countries such as the Middle East, Turkey and Russia. Wherever you are in the world, our team can source and supply quality products at competitive prices, often much cheaper than you will find elsewhere.

A full service

Sometimes you are looking for a company that goes the extra mile. As well as sourcing old or rare parts from lesser-known brands, we can purchase your old automation stock and help with removing your old automation equipment and machinery, so you don't have to spend more money than you need to hiring another company to take care of this.

How can we help you?

Testing, repairs and upgrades all fall within our remit too, so whether you are looking to have your LCD screens or spindle drives repaired or need upgrades carried out for your numerical control boards, we're here to help. Our team uses dedicated test rigs to carry out tests on all equipment and parts are repaired to the original manufacturer's standard. This means the parts you get back are in a condition that is as good as new.   Whether you need repairs, upgrades or automation equipment removal or are simply searching for parts from lesser known brands such as Reliance Electric or Magnetek, our expert team is here to help. Just get in touch with us by filling out the Contact Us form on our website, or request a callback today.
754

Air-Core Reactors – Dry Type

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Air-Core Reactors (ACR) provide a linear response of impedance versus current which is essential for numerous applications. The dry type design is maintenance free and environmentally friendly.

There's a range of air core reactors to cater for various market segments such as power generation, T&D networks, industrial facilities, OEMs and electrical test laboratories. Air-Core-Reactors-–-Dry-Type

For both industrial environments and networks, a broad range of cost-effective solutions:

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  • Current-limiting reactors

    limit the fault currents to levels compatible with existing protection/control equipment and as a result provide for a very cost-effective solution.

  • Neutral-earthing reactors

    are connected between the neutral of a power system and earth to limit the line-to-earth current to a desired value under system earth fault conditions.

  • Smoothing reactors

    reduce the harmonic currents and transient overcurrents (ripple) in DC systems.

  • Harmonic filter reactors

    are usually connected with capacitors and resistors in filter circuits to reduce harmonic content in the network which cause higher losses, high neutral currents and interference with computer and telecommunications equipment and which are responsible for high harmonic distortion levels.

  • Shunt reactors

    compensate for the capacitive currents of long transmission lines or cables, allowing more active energy to pass through the system.

  • Damping reactors

    limit the inrush and outrush currents of capacitor banks.

  • Discharge reactors

    are used in the bypass/ discharge circuit in series compensation systems to limit the capacitor discharge current.

  • Arc-furnace series reactors

    provide the necessary power factor correction and limit the unstable arc-furnace current and voltage.

  • Power flow control reactors

    control the current into two or more parallel circuits.

  • Motor starting reactors

    are connected in series with a motor to limit the inrush current during the motor starting operation.

  • Special applications:

    test lab reactors are special ACRs used in test laboratories, mainly for current-limiting purposes. Other devices include duplex current-limiting reactors, split-phase shunt or zero tolerance reactors, etc.
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For extended technical information on these products please click here.

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Customer Benefits:

• High mechanical strength to withstand elevated shortcircuit forces • Low noise level for noise sensitive applications • Conservative temperature rise for extended service life • Customized space saving solutions for installations in compact areas • Surface treatment for protection against UV radiation and pollution • Minimum maintenance requirements and environmentally friendly
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Pro-Servo is not just a one-trick pony

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Here at Pro-Servo, we recognise the importance of your factory running smoothly. You may have used us in the past - for example, in an emergency to supply you with a motor or drive. Did you know, though, that we offer a range of services all designed to ensure that the machines you depend upon are working as they should? Here are just 4 ways we can help, other than in an emergency:
  1. Obsolete parts
We stock a massive range of machine spare that date back over 30 years. Pro Servo can work as an Equipment Support Partner with your business, meaning that we can protect your machinery against obsolescence. By using our carefully fostered network of trusted suppliers, we are able to find replacement parts for machines, even when the manufacturer has declared them obsolete. Whether the parts are new or refurbished we are often able to offer very low prices for hard-to-get items.
  1. Repair service
Pro Servo also offers a repair service. Using our dedicated test rigs we make sure every item can be fully functionally tested. We only repair items that can be properly tested, which offers peace of mind to our clients. The cost of drawn-out repair work can be huge, so we are dedicated to getting your machines up and running as soon as possible.
  1. Refurbished and used parts
The cost of equipment through Pro-Servo is discounted against manufacturer's list prices, which means we represent a very attractive option for those seeking new machine tools. We can also provide used and refurbished parts, which means an even greater saving.
  1. Removal
As well as repairs, and the sale of crucial equipment, Pro-Servo also can assist with the removal of your old machinery. This is a comprehensive purchasing service, meaning that if you simply want to remove the equipment, we can help you using our expertise in shipping. But if you are looking to sell your old machine parts, we might be able to purchase them from you and even arrange collection. All you need to do is call or email us with a list of what you are looking to remove or sell. See - we're not just a one-trick pony!
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Privacy Statement

This Privacy Statement is effective as of May 2018 At Pro Servo we recognise the importance of protecting your personal information and are committed to processing it responsibly and in compliance with applicable data protection laws in the EU. This Privacy Statement describes Pro-Servo's general privacy practices that apply to personal information we collect, use and share about consumers and other individuals within our clients, business partners, supplier and other organisations with which Pro Servo has or contemplates a business relationship. Why and how we collect and use your information We may collect your information as a company or an individual for various purposes, such as the following:
  • Access and use of websites or other online services  When filling in our website enquiry form, we will record information necessary to provide you with the requested service
  • Responding to your request for information, order, or support  When you contact us (online or offline) in connection with a request for information, to order a product or service or to provide you with support, we collect information necessary to fulfil your request, to grant you access to the product or service, to provide you with support and to be able to contact you. For instance, we collect your name and contact information, details about your request and your agreement with us and the fulfilment, delivery and invoicing of your order and we may include client satisfaction survey information. We retain such information for administrative purposes, defending our rights, and in connection with our relationship with you. 
  • Contacting employees of our customers, prospects, partners and suppliers  In our relationship with customers or prospects, partners and suppliers, they also provide us with business contact information (such as name, business contact details, position or title of employees, contractors, advisors and authorised users) for purposes such as contract management, fulfilment, delivery of products and services, provision of support, invoicing and management of the services or the relationship.
  • Marketing  Most information we collect about you comes from our direct interactions with you. You can choose to receive information by email, telephone or postal mail about our products and services, or sign-up for subscriptions. You can always opt-out from receiving personalised communication by sending an email to oprations@pro-servo.com.
Where we reference that we use your personal information in connection with a request, order, transaction or agreement (or preparing for the same), or to provide you with services that you requested, we do this because it is necessary for the performance of an agreement with you. Where we reference that we use your personal information in relation to marketing, improvement or development of our products or services, for reasons of safety and security, or regulatory requirements other than in connection with your agreement or request, we do this on the basis of our legitimate interests, or with your consent. When we collect and use your personal information subject to the EU Privacy Legislation this may have consequences for your rights. Information Security and Accuracy We intend to protect your personal information and to maintain its accuracy. Pro Servo implements reasonable physical, administrative and technical safeguards to help us protect your personal information from unauthorised access, use and disclosure. For example, we encrypt certain sensitive personal information such as credit card information when we transmit such information over the Internet. We also require that our suppliers protect such information from unauthorised access, use and disclosure. Retention Period We will not retain personal information longer than necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it is processed, including the security of our processing complying with legal and regulatory obligations (e.g. audit, accounting and statutory retention terms), handling disputes, and for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the countries where we do business. How to contact us If you have a question related to this Privacy Statement, please contact us by emailing operations@pro-servo.com. Your message will be forwarded to the Data Protection Officer. For the purposes of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the controller of your personal information is Pro Servo Ltd, Orchard Street 13, Bristol, BS1 5EH, United Kingdom, unless indicated otherwise. Your Rights You can request to access, update or correct your personal information. You also have the right to object to direct marketing. You may have additional rights pursuant to your local law applicable to the processing. For example, if the processing of your personal information is subject to the EU General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), and your personal information is processed based on legitimate interests, you have the right to object to the processing on grounds relating to your specific situation. Under GDPR you may also have the right to request to have your personal information deleted or restricted and ask for portability of your personal information. Right to Lodge a Complaint In the event you consider our processing of your personal information not to be compliant with the applicable data protection laws, you can lodge a complaint: Changes to our Privacy Statements From time to time we may update this Privacy Statement, as well as any other specific privacy statement. When making changes to this Privacy Statement, we will add a new date at the top of this Privacy Statement.  
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How to introduce factory automation, seamlessly

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The end goal is lean, agile production process and system. There will be few manufacturers who are not exploring the ways in which technology can better connect, manage, measure and inform factory production, including integration of R&D, sales, buying and HR teams. If you are at the start of this (potentially never ending) journey to automate factory production and management, what sort of steps do you need to go through? Look before you leap There are some beguiling and well “packaged” options around to introduce automation to factory floors. No matter how urgently you need to grab a competitive edge, it's highly recommended that you thoroughly research what you actually need, not just what you want. What are the possibilities for your particular industrial operations and what tasks do you feel would be best served by automation? What kit and machinery can you buy now that will be adaptable and expandable to support future business growth? Test and plan Find ways to test your manufacturing automation projects before you make commitments. This could be witnessing the machinery first hand in someone else’s factory, or using modern technology such as Business Information Modelling. How will its footprint impact on the physical environment? Are the likely returns strong enough to justify the investment, and how will system implementation be best achieved? Taking time to agitate the solutions and their likely impact gives you time to secure staff engagement too, which can be crucial if automation is viewed with trepidation. No room for complacency Just because the machinery you invest in does things quicker, better and with improved data control and output, doesn't mean it will be perfect. Often the more sophisticated the machinery and technology are, the more complex it is to tackle problems. It's important to remember your automation systems and equipment will sometimes let you down. If they represent a substantial upfront investment, subsequent downtime can be disastrous. Once it is all in place, it needs to keep running smoothly to create the hoped for rate of return. When installing new automation systems, make sure you have a good stock of the spare parts most likely to be required. You should also set up a good working relationship with Pro Servo, so you can use their insights, speedy service and contacts to “plug gaps” as quickly as possible, at an affordable price.
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Automation in manufacturing,
is it for you?

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In recent years, technological advances have changed the face of manufacturing efficiency forever. Years ago, all manufacturing work was done by hand, however, computers and technology have now begun to take over the industry. Automation has begun to offer companies a manufacturing advantage in terms of mass production, speed and quality. But, like all new technologies, there are both advantages and disadvantages of adopting an automated system.   Advantages of automation   One of the greatest advantages that automation can offer a manufacturing business is reduced production time. An automated machine is able to carry out processes much faster and in greater quantities than a team of employees could. As every movement and process the machine needs to follow is coded in and simply repeated, there is no room for human error, ensuring more consistent quality and efficiency.   Using automated machines that don’t require employees to use the equipment offers increased safety for your staff. As tasks that could potentially pose a risk or injury can be completed automatically by a machine instead, the entire work environment becomes safer.   On top of fewer safety problems, automation can save you a huge amount in the long run on employee costs. As automated systems require fewer staff to run, savings can be made on staff pay, benefits and sick days, for example.   Disadvantages of automation   As with any new technology, it is important that you weigh up whether or not the advantages of the investment outweigh the potential disadvantages. For example, as much as requiring fewer staff to run your system can help you save on your overheads, it can contribute to high unemployment rates. If you are keen to run an eco-friendly manufacturing process, you should also take into account that some automated machines can produce more pollution.   Automated machinery can be one of the largest operating costs that a company may have to contend with. When compared to other types of equipment, the initial investment required for an automated system can be quite costly. Depending on the type of machine, the initial investment can be anywhere between thousands or millions of pounds. After purchasing an automated machine, there is also the potential for additional expenses such as process development or staff training.   When looking into an automated system, it is important to weigh up whether or not the advantages the system offers outweighs the disadvantages that you might experience. In any case, it is important to have spare parts lined up in case the worst should happen. To find out how we could help with spares for your equipment, get in touch today.
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Pack Expo 2017 – The 3 most popular food processing trends

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The Pack Expo 2017 event, which was held in Las Vegas, was eagerly anticipated with many people in the food and beverage industry. The world’s leading businesses involved in the industry were all there, whether exhibiting or networking. The show always provides a brilliant chance to see the latest trends and this year it wasn’t a letdown. These are the top 3 food processing trends we expect to see in the coming year:   Virtual reality   We expect an increasing number of businesses to take advantage of virtual reality and its ability to interact with food processing equipment and its space. The developments in technology now allow businesses to walk through their production areas and see the equipment in its place, to aid the planning and purchasing processes. The virtual reality equipment even allows users to interact with a machine and visualise how the machine carries out the production process. This useful simulation allows to check the machine meets the requirements of the business before purchasing.   Convenient, prepared foods   If you are in the food and beverage industry you will not have missed the rise in the number of popular meal kit companies and also the increase in online grocery companies. The event featured many businesses which service the convenience market, and they certainly created a buzz. Professionals in the industry know that consumers are seeking high-quality products which offer them increased convenience, such as pre-prepared meal kits and pre-flavoured meals. Consumers want to cook from scratch but they also want it to be as quick and convenient as possible.   Buildings designed around processing   Companies know how important the right machinery is for their business, which is why they are now designing the business premises around the machinery. An increasing number of businesses are finding that building and designing a new facility can result in a longer-term investment. We expect more businesses to consider the long-term aspect of the business and its production levels rather than an initial speed of bringing products to market.
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Why we need ISA-95 to support a smart manufacturing environment

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Smart Manufacturing - The integration of various systems at the heart of a modern factory. To be truly ’smart’ in manufacturing terms, an organisation needs to have in place approaches that enable collaboration across numerous key areas, from conditions and demands on the shop-floor through to external factors impacting on to the supply chain or to cover new customer requirements. The added pressure, of course, is that all these factors must be monitored and reacted to in real-time. As processes may have developed over an extended period, this may mean for example that you have one element of the process using key data in a certain way, but that there is no efficient approach to passing that information into other related systems to control the overall flow around complete production. To smooth out how smart manufacturing can be adapted, the use of a more standardised approach is extremely important. This is where the ISA-95 standard definition of smart manufacturing comes to the fore. ISA-95 is a long-established standard to allow production system designers and engineers to apply common standards to the interfaces between different systems that form the complete factory environment. In recent years there has been a massive increase in the computerisation of control points across multiple systems, as well as the growing use of robots and the development of what is termed the ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’. The IoT sees intelligence added to all sorts of hardware in every aspect of our lives, from factories right down to the products they make. This changing world has led some people to believe that the ISA-95 standard is no longer fit for the role it was developed to cover. However, the true value of this standard as developed over the past twenty years is in fact that it isn't based on any one piece of technology or a particular implementation of one company’s approach to solving common issues. Rather, it is a genuinely open form of guidance that allows the implementer to model what they need across diverse areas, from production control, inventory management, QA, accounting and maintenance. As the ISA-95 standard is a developing and reactive approach, it remains fundamentally the best guide for creating efficient and responsive manufacturing and production solutions. As technologies and approaches such as Big Data are implemented, manufacturing will adapt them for their own value and improvements. However, new developments need to be recognised as complementary to and building upon the foundations that are so well defined and understood within ISA-95. However you choose to develop your factory’s smart manufacturing solutions, the key has got to be clarity and consistency as emphasised in ISA-95. This will ensure the best initial approach to provide production techniques that will allow your organisation to develop best practice smart manufacturing processes. These systems are vital for success if any company is to respond to the fast-paced demands of the modern world.
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Could automation show we’re not hard-wired to work?

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The coming automation revolution will have a profound effect on our economies and societies, and one of the most important questions being asked is what will people do when AI takes their jobs? It was a problem first addressed by economist John Maynard Keynes, who back in 1930 suggested that within a hundred years, the rise in productivity, combined with technological breakthroughs, could lead to a world in which no-one would need to work more than 15 hours a week. Keynes worried what would happen to us as a species if we were deprived of what he described as our ‘traditional purpose’, by which he meant the urge to work. Despite the fact that advances in productivity and technology mean the utopia that Keynes envisaged could be a reality, most of us are still working as hard as ever, and work still defines us in a significant way, shaping everything from our self-worth to our social status, and concerns about work or losing work play a major part in our politics. Yet science shows us that this urge to work is not a natural part of being human. For evidence of this, we only have to look at hunter-gatherer societies. Research conducted in the 1960s among Bushmen of the Kalahari showed that despite the inhospitable nature of their surroundings they were able to earn a good living yet worked around 15 hours a week. Other studies showed that their attitude to work was influenced most strongly by their belief that the environment would provide for them. They didn’t store supplies and had few needs. The shift to agriculture led to humans being able to produce more food, but it also put us at risk from new threats, from crop failure to diseases spread by livestock, and the only way to insure against these risks was to work harder. As farmers will attest, the amount of food you can extract from your fields depends on how much time and energy you put into working them. But the automation revolution is a moment as significant as the agricultural revolution. In the world’s wealthy countries, we are able to enjoy lives of material plenty and we are producing so much food that we are forced to throw much of it away. Yet we remain obsessed with the idea that everybody has to be productive, and this obsession threatens us and our planet. Many of the strategies devised to cope with the effect of automation tend to focus on finding new work for people to do. But this could, instead, be an opportunity for us as a species to recognise that we are not hard-wired to work by genetics, and that we need to rethink our approach to work.
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A day in the life of a Sales Agent at Pro Servo

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Your team is everything to you when you're a Pro Servo sales agent. While your day might be complex, challenging and rewarding in equal measure, it's the happy and relaxed office atmosphere that helps bring it all together, and makes starting every new day at work a pleasure. What started out as a daunting task with lots of information to learn has become so much easier, thanks to my team and the flexible environment. There is no such thing as micro-management, and I'm free to make my own decisions around how to structure my day. I can tailor my own client approaches, and come up with my own innovative ideas, with confidence that Pro Servo will listen as well as support me on my way to success. They say you should love what you do, and at Pro Servo I can honestly say that I do just that. I love dealing with people - one of the key skills as a sales agent - and I get the opportunity to harness my people skills every day. Plus, thanks to Pro Servo's great CRM support package, I'm free to get on with what I do best with technology supporting my work, not holding me back. Not everyone gets to do something worthwhile with their lives, but when I go to work I get the satisfaction of helping people with solutions they actually want, and I can help their businesses grow and thrive. Nothing beats the satisfaction of coming home and being able to say, 'I saved the day today', but that's exactly what you can do at Pro Servo. From parts emergencies to equipment failures, it's your responsibility to make sure your customers have the tools they need to do the job, and it's up to you to step up and deliver when nobody else can. To be able to come up with the solution, to get them the parts they need at a fair price, and to have them back up and running - sometimes on the same day? There's no better feeling. And the best thing is that this is my everyday, here at Pro Servo.
767

The four questions you need to ask before pioneering a new process

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The food and beverage industry is ripe for innovation and investment in new technology. However, even if you're ready to blaze a trail with a new way of processing, it's worth asking yourself the following four questions based on lessons learned from previous transformations in the industry.   What's the lead time on your new equipment?   The chances are that if you're introducing a completely new piece of equipment or a revolutionary new process, it will take time to do the basic engineering. After all, your equipment provider will be as new to this technology as you are, which means it will take some time to come to grips with the best way to proceed. You'll need to factor this into your time to market to make sure your timings are accurate and feasible. Don't rush to market only to find you can't deliver.   What's your budget?   Obviously, you'll need to be prepared to invest to get your new process off the ground, but have you planned for all contingencies? Unplanned for costs can quickly derail your project, so consider working with a strategic partner who can help you innovate successfully and within your stated budget.   Will your current layout work?   The chances are that with a substantial investment in new equipment, you'll find that your existing layout no longer works for you. You need to think carefully about the space you have and how you can make it work in the future. Will the success of your new process mean that you'll require bigger premises? When you sit down to develop your long-term strategic planning, you'll need to consider how you can scale your space for future growth.   Do you have the time to get it right?   It really is critical that you do your research and truly understand the impact of a new process or new technology before you fully commit to it. Of course, speed to market will play a big part in your thinking, but you need to get it right before you plunge in unprepared. It's worth taking the time to work with all stakeholders because getting it right first is always better than being first but wrong.   If you do decide to stick with trusted older machinery, you might want to consider stocking up on spare parts that are sometimes difficult to get hold of. That's where Pro Servo can help. We can source the parts you need to keep your existing business up and running.
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The importance of keeping spares

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It's every production team's nightmare - a machine standstill. There's nothing worse than finding yourself hours or even days behind on a job because part of your production line breaking down due to requiring a part replacement. Not only can this cost a significant amount of money and affect business, it also leaves you with employees who you're paying while they are unable to do their jobs further down your workflow process. In an ideal world, you'll have a whole selection of spares tucked away for exactly this kind of situation, and, in fact, for many businesses, a catalogue of components to hand should be considered an essential. However, we know from experience and increasing job pressure that this isn't always the case, and that's when you find yourself stuck. Why keep spares on site? We've already talked about why a broken down machine is never a good thing for business - and why a whole family of spares should be in stock to keep your business up and running. In the current economic climate, having the capacity to be a flexible and agile manufacturing operation is of great advantage, allowing you to take on last-minute or long-term jobs at your will. Keeping a set of spares on hand can ensure your business lives up to its reputation as a reliable, efficient operation that your clients can trust, thanks to less downtime and better-maintained machinery. Efficiency and profitability At Pro Servo, we know the consequences of a delay at any stage in a workflow, and how this can affect the complete time and perceived efficiency of any project. We can work with your business to obtain both essential and critical parts for your machinery, keeping your business running smoothly, your systems free of delay and your competitive status assured. With our international reach and a list of top-tier clients across many industries, we can provide obscure and overseas parts at a cost and time-efficient price, so your business can keep downtime to a minimum. For more information about what we can provide for your business and how we can help your machinery keep on running and running, contact us today.
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Blog

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A useful guide to understanding the differences between robotics and automation

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The terms “automation” and “robotics” are thrown around a lot these days by firms who want to better automate their production processes. However, there is a significant set of differences between the two and it is not right to continually use the two phrases interchangeably. Here is a quick rundown of the differences between automation and robotics. First off, let's define the terms - Robotics. Robotics is actually a discipline of engineering. It refers to the process of designing, building and programming robotic machines to perform given tasks. - Automation. Automation is not limited to physical products, but instead defines the process of automating a physical or virtual task that was otherwise performed by a human worker. A deeper look at each one:
  • Automation
Whenever automation is discussed, it is normally referring to software automation. So, taking away the need for a human to manually process some sort of digital task. This comes down to: - Business Process Automation - Streamlining daily business processes. - Robotic Process Automation - Not referring to physical robots, but instead, robotic software that can process tasks. - Intelligent Process Automation - An extension of the above, whereby robotic software becomes more intelligent over time at performing given tasks. As well as software automation, there is, of course, industrial automation. This is where machines are set up to perform given physical automated tasks.
  • Robotics
Robotics is much more specific than automation which encompasses a number of different processes. Instead, robotics is specifically referring to the use of robotic machinery to carry out tasks and to interact with the environment around them. They do so through a number of sensors which allows them to register their surroundings and make adjustments and decisions autonomously. The crossover between automation and robotics This is the point where there is a natural crossover between robotics and automation. Robots are often used to automate physical tasks, such as on a car manufacturing line. However, there are a number of circumstances where robotics is not automation. For example, if a robot were following a course from A to B via its sensory controls, then this is not replacing a human task and is not automation. However, if the robot was then using those independent abilities to transport goods for a given purpose, then they are being automated to replace a human carrying those goods. If you are a business owner looking to automate some tasks, then you will come across a mix of robotics and automation solutions. If the processes you need automated are digital in nature, then automation software solutions are what you require. However, if you own a manufacturing premises, then an advanced automated robotics solution will be helpful in carrying out those tasks and removing the need for human labour.
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How HMI systems are at the centre of your operation

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HMI, or Human Machine Interface, might sound like it belongs in the annals of the creepier Sci-Fi section of the library, calling up visions of people hardwired to computers, but the term is not as menacing as it sounds. HMI refers to any process whereby work is done through the medium of a human interacting with a machine: this could include using the self-service tills in a supermarket, withdrawing money from an ATM, even getting fuel at a service station.

HMI is not limited to customer-facing tasks, it can be found in industrial areas too. Oftentimes in factories, machines can be found doing the heavy lifting, literally, while humans monitor and control their processes via computer. These interfaces can be very basic – a glorified on/off switch, or they can be very complex, allowing the operator to give a series of commands via the touchscreen controls. It is important that the computers are resistant to dust, damp, temperature changes, chemical exposure and more – and if the environment is not suitable for them, an airtight room should be provided to ensure the controls remain in great condition.

Apart from doing much of the heavy work, HMI machinery can alert human operators to potential issues while they are still imperceptible to the human eye. Spotting issues early mean that problems can be averted before they turn into critical shutdowns or disastrous errors. Tests to prevent issues can be programmed to run during quiet times – this means that maintenance is kept up to date with minimal impact on production – and no need to pay any overtime!

Previously computer-operated machinery was complex and required highly trained operators – as well as being incredibly sensitive to dirt, dust and even static electricity. These days, they are much more user-friendly and designed for intuitive ease of use, which means that one or two people can easily be left in charge of a whole factory full of machines.

Whenever possible, the best and most up to date HMI system should be put in place with detailed and clear policies regarding repair and replacement. When possible, repair should be considered as a first resort: training staff to use a new system is likely to be expensive and the transition will mean a dip in productivity and income while the system beds in and the best way of working is found. However, once the system is up and running the benefits will announce themselves almost from the start.

If you are looking to advance your company’s HMI offerings, call us at Pro Servo today or click contact us to get started today.

  Featured Image: Pexels