Scada-systemsHow-ToBeginner · 4 min read

How to Design Navigation in SCADA HMI for Easy Control

To design navigation in a SCADA HMI, create a clear menu structure with intuitive buttons or tabs that link to different system views. Use consistent layouts and simple icons to help operators quickly find and control equipment.

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Syntax

Navigation in SCADA HMI typically involves defining screens and linking them with buttons or menu items. Each navigation element has:

Screen ID: Unique name for each view.
Navigation Control: Button, tab, or menu item triggering screen change.
Action: Command to switch to target screen.

xml

<Screen id="MainMenu">
  <Button id="btnPump" action="GoToScreen('PumpStatus')">Pump Status</Button>
  <Button id="btnAlarms" action="GoToScreen('AlarmView')">Alarms</Button>
</Screen>

<Screen id="PumpStatus">
  <Button id="btnBack" action="GoToScreen('MainMenu')">Back</Button>
  <!-- Pump details here -->
</Screen>

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Example

This example shows a simple SCADA HMI navigation with a main menu and two screens. Buttons let the operator switch views easily.

xml

<Screen id="MainMenu">
  <Button id="btnTemp" action="GoToScreen('Temperature')">Temperature</Button>
  <Button id="btnPressure" action="GoToScreen('Pressure')">Pressure</Button>
</Screen>

<Screen id="Temperature">
  <Label>Current Temp: 75°C</Label>
  <Button id="btnBack" action="GoToScreen('MainMenu')">Back</Button>
</Screen>

<Screen id="Pressure">
  <Label>Current Pressure: 120 PSI</Label>
  <Button id="btnBack" action="GoToScreen('MainMenu')">Back</Button>
</Screen>

Output

Displays MainMenu screen with two buttons: Temperature and Pressure. Clicking a button switches to that screen showing data and a Back button.

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when designing SCADA HMI navigation include:

Too many buttons on one screen causing confusion.
Inconsistent button placement making navigation hard.
Using unclear icons or labels that operators don’t understand.
Not providing a clear way to return to the main menu.

Always keep navigation simple and consistent.

xml

<!-- Wrong: cluttered buttons -->
<Screen id="MainMenu">
  <Button id="btn1" action="GoToScreen('Screen1')">S1</Button>
  <Button id="btn2" action="GoToScreen('Screen2')">S2</Button>
  <Button id="btn3" action="GoToScreen('Screen3')">S3</Button>
  <Button id="btn4" action="GoToScreen('Screen4')">S4</Button>
  <Button id="btn5" action="GoToScreen('Screen5')">S5</Button>
  <Button id="btn6" action="GoToScreen('Screen6')">S6</Button>
</Screen>

<!-- Right: grouped and labeled clearly -->
<Screen id="MainMenu">
  <Button id="btnTemp" action="GoToScreen('Temperature')">Temperature</Button>
  <Button id="btnPress" action="GoToScreen('Pressure')">Pressure</Button>
  <Button id="btnAlarms" action="GoToScreen('Alarms')">Alarms</Button>
</Screen>

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Quick Reference

Tips for effective SCADA HMI navigation design:

Use clear, descriptive button labels.
Keep navigation consistent across screens.
Limit buttons per screen to avoid clutter.
Provide easy access back to main menu.
Use icons only if they are universally understood.

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Key Takeaways

Design simple, clear navigation with labeled buttons or tabs.

Keep button placement consistent to help operators learn quickly.

Avoid clutter by limiting the number of navigation options per screen.

Always provide a way to return to the main menu or home screen.

Use intuitive icons and labels that operators understand easily.