The role of HMIs within food processing
Modern food processing is all about control: about hygiene, processes, safety and speed. HMI panels – Human Machine Interfaces – are pivotal in this. They make it possible to control production processes in real time, signal malfunctions immediately and record data for traceability.
What makes an HMI panel special is how it makes technology accessible. Through a user-friendly touch screen, the operator controls complex systems, adjusts parameters and tracks important values such as temperature, fill levels or conveying speed – all from one clear screen. This prevents errors, increases efficiency and enhances the quality of the finished product.
Especially in the food industry the environment determines the right choice. Consider daily cleaning with aggressive agents, humid conditions and the need to minimize any risk of contamination. Therefore, our solutions come standard with a stainless steel housing, IP69K rating, antibacterial glass and chemical resistance to agents such as chlorine or peracetic acid.
Table of Contents
What makes a food-grade HMI suitable for your production environment?
Not every HMI screen is suitable for a wet, dynamic environment such as a meat or dairy line. At Gerbin Control, we pay attention to several factors: panel protection, choice of materials, and smart integration with existing systems. For the latter, we provide support for protocols such as PROFINET, Modbus TCP, and EtherNet/IP, which allow our HMIs to communicate smoothly with PLCs and cloud systems.
User-friendliness is just as important here. A bright, easy-to-read screen remains essential in dimly lit production areas. Panels with multi-user access ensure that operators, maintenance teams and quality staff can each use their own dashboard – tailored to their tasks and responsibilities.
A dairy producer we recently worked with was able to reduce its unplanned downtime by 30% by switching to capacitative 10-inch HMI panels. Real-time cloud connectivity also accelerated quality control. The food safety was not only secured, but demonstrably strengthened.
OPEN CALCULATION
OFFER IN 5 DAYS
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS
UL/CSA
AT HOME
Looking ahead: from local control panel to smart factory
HMIs are rapidly evolving from simple interfaces to intelligent nodes within a smart factory. Think systems that signal anomalies through AI, or voice controls that allow operators to work in glove mode. Even augmented reality is getting closer, with maintenance instructions projected live across the screen.
At Gerbin Control Therefore, we do not see HMIs as stand-alone screens, but as an integral part of the control system. Our expertise lies in combining robust hardware with flexible software that is ready for the future. We actively think along with you about hardware integration, scalability and digital security.
For companies looking to integrate new HMIs, or upgrade existing systems, we offer full support – from consulting to installation and maintenance. Thanks to our modular approach model, each solution is tailored to your specific production environment and prepared for growth.
Contact our experienced innovator
Cees Brasser
With more than 26 years of experience at the helm of Gerbin Control, Cees Brasser is your expert on panel construction for the machinery sector. Discover how his knowledge and insight can take your project to new heights. Get in touch now!
