Krones Relies on VisiWin 7: Connected HMI
Krones AG (“Krones”), an internationally operating manufacturer and provider of turnkey filling and packaging solutions, presented their new HMI platform based on the VisiWin 7.2 software at the Drinktec 2017 fair in Munich. Krones uses the non-sector-specific HMI software developed by INOSOFT GmbH (“INOSOFT”) for machine operation, process monitoring and data storage. The open, flexible and powerful tool is a keystone of Krones’ future-proof HMI solution, which was created according to Industry 4.0 design principles. Over the course of following year, Krones has successively implement the VisiWin based “Connected HMI” on their packaging, palletizing and filling machines as well as on parts of process technology lines. The INOSOFT software allows Krones to be even more flexible in creating HMI solutions that are tailored to their customers’ needs. Furthermore, the user interfaces have become even more user-friendly.
“Companies in the beverage and food industry demand easily customizable and easy-to-use HMI systems. With the new platform, we wanted to minimize complexity for the users while still allowing for the complexity of the HMI applications and the increasing wish for customization. Thanks to VisiWin, we have achieved this goal,” explains Thomas Stauber, Head of Visualisation Systems at Krones. “We were particularly convinced by the openness and the flexibility of the VisiWin software. Developing the new HMI platform was great teamwork.”
VisiWin’s openness is the cornerstone of “Connected HMI”. Software developers at Krones and INOSOFT worked together to create a set of new HMI functions. The convenient VisiWin editor allows application engineers to simply reuse these functions to create customized HMI applications quickly and efficiently. Moreover, with VisiWin, Krones will be able to use the same software platform for nearly all of their machines and lines despite varying requirements. The use of a common basis across different machine types results in a consistent navigation and visualization concept thus improving usability. Furthermore, ease of use and lean programming enhance security and reliability and, as a consequence, machine availability.
"VisiWin is modular, open and future-proof. With version 7.2, innovative user interfaces can be created that are graphically characterised by an ergonomic, intuitive and individual design. At the same time, they offer an almost unlimited range of functions for logic and interaction. These strengths come into their own in Krones' high-end lines", explains Stefan Niermann, Head of Business Development at INOSOFT. "We are pleased that a major industry player like Krones relies on our software and that we were able to help develop an innovative visualization platform."
The INOSOFT software offers three different types of user interfaces (UIs). Krones uses the “Modern UI”, which is based on Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), the powerful graphical framework by Microsoft. Complex logic can be implemented and third-party components seamlessly integrated with .NET programming. Modern UI allows to implement high-end animated images as well as sophisticated designs and 3D images. Multi-touch and gesture control is also supported. As an alternative, the UI types “Classic UI” and “Web UI” can also be used. Whereas the former stands for simple HMI solutions and migration from older versions of the software, the latter creates cross-platform user interfaces based on HTML5 and JavaScript for mobile devices.
“The modular design of the software allows us to create HMIs even more quickly implementing the latest UI concepts,” says Stauber. “Our new HMI platform includes an intelligent software concept as well as innovative hardware. The HMI display housing was specially designed to meet the requirements of the beverage industry and exceeds the hygiene standards by far. All materials were carefully chosen: A combination of stainless steel and glass and the application of the hygienic design principles provide for an even more efficient and thorough cleaning.”
Last but not least, the INOSOFT HMI software complies with important international food industry standards such as those of the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). By the way, for machines and lines that are sold internationally, language and country settings can easily be changed.
VisiWin 7-Based Krones HMI Wins Several Design Awards
After winning the iF Design Award in early 2018, the “Connected HMI” took home the “Red Dot Award: Best of the Best” in the same category (Communications Design) in autumn. In February 2019, Krones is going to receive the German Design Award from the German Design Council.
About Krones:
Valuable raw materials like water, plant proteins and oats; raw milk; or hops, malt and yeast go into the making of high-quality beverages and liquid foods. Before they are ready to leave the factory, they must pass through a number of individual steps. And the Krones Group offers the right solution for each one, from the making of the product itself to state-of-the-art filling and packaging systems right through to plastics recycling, intralogistics and digital technologies. Each day, millions of beverage bottles and cans are processed on Krones equipment. Krones solutions are also used in the food and semi-luxury food industries as well as the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, Krones employs some 18,500 people around the world and generated 4.720 billion euros of consolidated revenue in 2023. Around 90 percent of that was from outside Germany. The 2,600-strong international service team delivers fast, targeted support to customers – no matter where or when it is needed. The Krones Group includes the listed parent company, Krones AG, plus more than 100 subsidiaries and offices worldwide.
An important factor throughout Krones’ success story is the company’s continuous investment in research and development. More than 7,058 registered patents and utility models attest the company’s exceptional capacity for innovation. “Solutions beyond tomorrow“ is the corporate vision under which Krones seeks to contribute to customers’ commercial success and support them on their path to a sustainable future. Because, at Krones, success in business and corporate responsibility go hand-in-hand.
For more information about Krones, please visit www.krones.com