Plant Control System with an Optimized Client/Server Architecture
Larger plants are typically operated using multiple operator stations, requiring a client-server architecture.
Does your plant have only one operator station? Then the Machine Operation with HMI might be the right solution for you.
The Unified-E App Manager is the central control module for an efficient HMI server architecture. It enables fast, stable, and synchronized plant operation by acting as a gateway between HMI clients and control systems such as PLCs. In Gateway Communication, all operator devices with the Unified-E Client connect to the Unified-E App Manager, ensuring a consistent data foundation.
The Unified-E App Manager is installed on a Windows computer, transforming it into a gateway PC or server for HMI clients. Instead of accessing PLCs or databases directly, the individual HMI clients communicate exclusively with the Unified-E App Manager via a secure HTTPS connection.
Machine data such as alarms, diagrams, or CSV logs are recorded and processed by the Unified-E App Manager on the gateway PC—independent of the currently active or connected operator stations.
A plant operation with multiple operator stations is easily implemented with the Unified-E App Manager.
HMI Clients for Windows, Android, and iOS
Unified-E supports HMI devices and operator stations running Windows, Android, and iOS. This gives you full flexibility when selecting your operator devices—stationary Windows panel PCs, Android panels, rugged tablets, or even smartphones as remote HMIs are all possible. Multiple users can simultaneously access, monitor, and operate the plant.
Contact us for recommendations on suitable hardware suppliers.
Easy HMI Development with the Unified-E App Designer
The entire plant control visualization, including plant schematics and alarm tables, is created in the HMI design softrware, Unified-E App Designer—without requiring duplicate configuration for different display sizes!
Once the plant operation interface has been configured, it is installed as an operator app on the Unified-E App Manager. HMI clients register once for this operator app in the App Manager.
If changes in the HMI editor need to be applied to HMI clients or operator devices, the process is extremely simple: The operator app just needs to be updated in the App Manager, and all operator devices will automatically receive the update upon their next connection.
Integrated Communication Drivers for PLCs and IT Endpoints
When using gateway communication via the HMI server, all available communication drivers provided by Unified-E are supported. These do not need to be purchased or downloaded separately, as they are already integrated into the software.
The most important protocol connections:
- OPC UA: Enables easy integration with various controllers, including B&R, WAGO, and Codesys-based controllers.
- Modbus: Supports numerous endpoints in industrial automation.
- Siemens: Compatible with all standard S7 controllers, including S7-200 Smart and Logo controllers.
- Allen Bradley: Supports Micro800, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix controllers via Ethernet/IP.
- Beckhoff: Supports TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3.
- SQL: Provides read and write access to SQL databases.
- JSON / HTTP: Allows reading and writing of selected datapoints (tags/variables) from a web server.
Gateway Licenses – Tailored to Your Needs
Your HMI for plant control or monitoring can be easily configured using the Unified-E App Designer, which is available for free in the download section.
For plant operation using the Unified-E App Manager as an HMI server, Gateway Licenses are available. The Gateway License is activated in the Unified-E App Manager. For development purposes, you can use the free Developer License.
Depending on whether smartphones are used for remote plant monitoring and alarm notifications via the internet in addition to local operator devices, the following license options are available:
- Basic License (Fixed Price): Ideal when all operator devices are within the local network – available at a fixed price. This is a hardware-bound license linked to the lifespan of the gateway PC. A license transfer to another operator device is possible twice within the first 10 years after purchase. During the license period, you receive unlimited update support for the software of the HMI system.
- Standard License (Subscription): Ideal when, in addition to local operator devices, smartphones are also used for remote monitoring via the internet – available as a subscription with annual billing.
Detailed information on license types and pricing can be found under Pricing.
Why Choose Unified-E as an HMI Operating System for Plant Control?
- Multiple Operator Stations – Operate plants with multiple HMI devices simultaneously
- Live Updates – Keep all HMI clients up to date in real time
- HMI Server – Unified-E App Manager for centralized data management
- Hybrid Operation – Combine Windows HMIs, Android HMIs, or smartphones as remote HMIs
- HMI Development in the Unified-E App Designer – Intuitive configuration
Typical Applications
- Packaging and Filling Plants – Control of filling volumes, labeling & quality control with centralized recipe management
- Water Treatment Plants & Sewage Facilities – Real-time plant monitoring of critical parameters with smartphone HMI clients for technicians
- Pharmaceutical & Chemical Production – Recipe management & seamless process monitoring with access via HMI panels and mobile devices
- Energy Supply & Power Plants – Control room monitoring with remote access via smartphone for maintenance technicians