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Computer Security Resource Center

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Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

Abbreviation(s) and Synonym(s):

Definition(s):

  The hardware or software through which an operator interacts with a controller. An HMI can range from a physical control panel with buttons and indicator lights to an industrial PC with a color graphics display running dedicated HMI software.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2 from NISTIR 6859

  Software and hardware that allows human operators to monitor the state of a process under control, modify control settings to change the control objective, and manually override automatic control operations in the event of an emergency. The HMI also allows a control engineer or operator to configure set points or control algorithms and parameters in the controller. The HMI also displays process status information, historical information, reports, and other information to operators, administrators, managers, business partners, and other authorized users. Operators and engineers use HMIs to monitor and configure set points, control algorithms, send commands, and adjust and establish parameters in the controller. The HMI also displays process status information and historical information.
Source(s):
NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2