How to Create Animation in SCADA HMI: Step-by-Step Guide

To create animation in a SCADA HMI, use animation objects linked to tags that change based on real-time data. Configure properties like color, position, or visibility to update dynamically, often using built-in scripting or expression editors.

Syntax

Animation in SCADA HMI typically involves linking graphical objects to data tags and defining how these objects change based on tag values.

• Tag: The data point from the PLC or controller.
• Animation Object: A graphical element like a shape or image.
• Property to Animate: Visual property such as color, position, size, or visibility.
• Condition or Expression: Logic that defines how the property changes based on tag values.

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AnimationObject.Property = Expression(TagValue)

Example:
Pump.Color = if(Tag_PumpStatus == 1, "Green", "Red")

Example

This example shows how to animate a pump icon color based on its running status tag value.

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Tag_PumpStatus = 1  # Tag value from PLC

# Animation logic in HMI scripting or expression editor
Pump.Color = if(Tag_PumpStatus == 1, "Green", "Red")

Output

When Tag_PumpStatus is 1, the pump icon color changes to Green; when 0, it changes to Red.

Common Pitfalls

• Not linking animation objects correctly to tags causes no visual change.
• Using incorrect tag names or data types breaks the animation logic.
• Forgetting to refresh or update the HMI screen prevents animation from showing.
• Overusing complex scripts can slow down the HMI performance.

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Wrong:
Pump.Color = if(Tag_PumpStatus == "Running", "Green", "Red")  # Tag is numeric, not string

Right:
Pump.Color = if(Tag_PumpStatus == 1, "Green", "Red")

Quick Reference

Concept	Description	Example
Tag	Data point from PLC or controller	Tag_PumpStatus = 1
Animation Object	Graphical element to animate	Pump icon
Property	Visual attribute to change	Color, Position, Visibility
Expression	Logic to control animation	if(Tag_PumpStatus == 1, "Green", "Red")

Key Takeaways

Link animation objects to real-time tags for dynamic visual feedback.

Use simple expressions to change properties like color or visibility based on tag values.

Always verify tag names and data types to avoid animation errors.

Keep animation logic efficient to maintain HMI performance.

Test animations in the HMI runtime to ensure correct behavior.