Selecting an HMI: C-more Panel vs C-more Headless at AutomationDirect

HMIs are an essential part of any control system, and AutomationDirect’s signature C-More series HMI has numerous sizes and options for you to choose from. But how do you choose the right interface for the job? First, let’s look at the traditional touch panel HMIs, what everyone thinks of when they imagine user interfaces. Traditional C-More HMIs provide a physical touch screen installed directly on machinery. It’s great for operators who need hands-on, local control of equipment. These HMIs have distinct advantages. With these, Operators control machines locally, best for independent or isolated systems. They're easy for anyone to operate. The interface and hardware are combined. And, all that’s required to work is power and a PLC connection. However, in certain situations, traditional touch panel HMIs can have some drawbacks. Here, control is mostly restricted to the local area. Physical touch screens can wear out or become damaged, requiring the entire HMI to be replaced. Each enclosure needs its own dedicated, mounted HMI. And the screens are limited to specific sizes. Now let’s explore the headless HMI — a powerful but flexible alternative. A headless HMI gives flexibility when it comes to display options. Connect it to almost any standalone display or operate the controls through an app on remote devices, like tablets, smartphones, or desktop computers. Headless HMIs have a few situational benefits over traditional panels. There’s no need for a dedicated screen at every enclosure. You can use a touchscreen, display, or even TV paired with almost any keyboard or pointing device. Displays can be exchanged without ever going near the HMI. C-More headless HMIs can connect to any size HDMI monitor or TV, supporting standard resolutions up to 1080p. And inside the enclosure, the HMI is protected from hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, dust, water, or other contaminants. But as with any solution, there are trade-offs. Using an external display means more complicated installation and wiring due to the HDMI connection and mounting. Having the display separate from the enclosure can make interfacing or troubleshooting the project difficult. And systems utilizing remote access exclusively would require a stable internet or intranet connection and would require tighter cybersecurity measures. So, when is a headless HMI right for you? Headless HMIs are especially ideal if you need a predominantly remote access solution, flexibility, lower hardware costs, and non-standard display options They’re especially useful in distributed environments, like multi-site operations where real-time monitoring and control from a central location are essential. Choosing between a traditional panel mount HMI and a headless HMI comes down to your specific needs. If you want hands-on, local control, a panel mount HMI might be perfect. But if you’re looking for display flexibility, cost savings, or primarily remote access, a headless HMI could be the best fit. Visit automationdirect.com/c-more and let us find the right HMI for your needs. All C-More HMIs come with a standard two-year warranty, free, award-winning technical support, and of course, the quality and price you expect from AutomationDirect. As always, the C-More software is available free of charge. Try it today by clicking the link above. Whichever you choose, we’re here to help you find the right solution. Visit AutomationDirect.com to find everything you need, shipped directly to you! Click here to learn more about the C-More HMI. Click here to see more videos from AutomationDirect.