Selecting a man/machine interface for a PLC based process control system [cement industry]

Selecting a man-machine interface (MMI) for a programmable logic controller. (PLC)-based process control system consists of two main components. One is the technical issues, such as selecting a hardware/operating system, such as DOS based machines, IBM Micro Channel-based machines, or VAX-based machines, and then making comparisons of the technical data and cost for the MMI software available for that platform. The second component of the selection process is the soft or emotional issues that include such things as personal preferences, like and dislikes about certain features offered by each alternative, etc. The process is neither easy nor short because it is quite difficult to determine how a particular package will perform in the real world based upon a sales room demonstration. It is best to get some real hands-on experience before coming to any concrete conclusions about a particular system