Hoffmann + Krippner announces ‘cloud-ready’ HMI extension for industrial panel PC family

flexx-HMI® for open architecture flexx-IPC® series provides OEMs with low-cost HMI platform that supports any browser on any device

Input device specialist Hoffmann + Krippner has further extended its flexx-IPC™ customisable panel PC concept with the launch of a software platform that will reduce the time and cost of human machine interface (HMI) development and deployment. Using flexx-HMI OEMs can rapidly create optimised HMIs that seamlessly integrate with industrial automation, process control and other deterministic PLC- and controller-based applications.

The new flexx-HMI® technology allows OEMs to quickly and easily develop advanced and intuitive HMIs that harness the power of Hoffman + Krippner’s Microsoft Windows Compact 7-based flexx-IPC panel PCs. These PCs use the company’s innovative membrane input technology to support cost-effective front panel customisation in order volumes as low as just 20 units. A selection of flexx-HMI drivers supports more than 100 PLCs and controllers, while the HMI software provides comprehensive ‘cloud-based’ support for secure, remote access via any web-enabled device.

OEMs looking to create advanced user interfaces for the platform can purchase a comprehensive development environment from Hoffmann & Krippner. Using project wizards this development environment dramatically simplifies the building of HMI applications including data source creation, screen design, testing and deployment. Once the HMI has been created it is possible to provide users with access to a cloud-based service that supports monitoring and control access from any browser on any hardware.

Discussing the launch of flexx-HMI, Ian Ritson, Hoffmann + Krippner’s UK MD comments, “OEMs developing small to medium volumes of automation systems are looking to keep cost and development time to a minimum. With various low-cost customisation options flexx-IPC panel PCs address this requirement and flexx-HMI is a natural extension to the hardware platform. By allowing them to tailor the runtime engine to the specific application or PLC and by providing a route to rapid HMI development, testing and deployment in a Windows CE environment, OEMs can deliver HMIs at a fraction of the cost of more traditional solutions without any compromise on functionality.”

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About Hoffmann + Krippner

Founded in 1972, Hoffmann + Krippner has become a global leader in the design and development of high-quality and innovative input solutions for a diverse range of industries ranging from electronics and industrial automation to medical, pharmaceuticals and food processing. The company, which has its headquarters in Buchen, Germany, offers a broad portfolio of technologies that ranges from standard membrane keyboards to completely customised input systems encompassing housing, electronics and software.

For further information and reader enquiries please contact:

Ian Ritson
Hoffmann + Krippner Limited
St. John’s Innovation Centre
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0WS
Tel: +44 (0) 1223 421889
E-Mail: i.ritson@flex-ipc.co.uk

Issued by:
Birgit Schoeniger
Pinnacle Marketing Communications Ltd
Green Park House
15 Stratton Street
London, W1J 8LQ
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8429 6554
E-mail: b.schoeniger@pinnaclemarcom.com
Web: www.pinnacle-marketing.com

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