Learn HMI Interface Secondary Development in 5 Minutes

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems play a vital role in industrial automation, enabling operators to interact with machines, monitor performance, and control processes. But what if you want to go beyond standard functions and customize the interface to better suit your needs? That’s where HMI secondary development comes in.

In just five minutes, this guide—brought to you by Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd., a leading supplier of smart industrial controllers—will give you a basic understanding of HMI secondary development and how to get started.

What is HMI Secondary Development?

HMI secondary development refers to customizing or extending the functionality of standard HMI software using development tools or APIs provided by the HMI manufacturer. This allows you to:

• Integrate new features (e.g., cloud data upload, barcode scanning)

• Customize UI/UX to fit different industries or workflows

• Connect with third-party systems (PLCs, sensors, databases)

At Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd., we help global customers implement intelligent automation solutions by offering flexible HMI products and professional customization support.

What You Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A compatible HMI device (e.g., Weintek, Siemens, Kinco)

• HMI development software (e.g., EasyBuilder Pro, WinCC, HMIWorks)

• Basic knowledge of PLC communication (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP)

• Familiarity with programming concepts (ladder logic, C, Python, or Lua—depending on your platform)

Need help choosing the right hardware or software? Our team at System Tech is here to assist.

Step-by-Step: Your First Custom Function

Let’s say you want to create a button that logs temperature data from a sensor and stores it locally.

1. Open the HMI development software
   Launch the design tool (e.g., EasyBuilder Pro) and load your project.

2. Create a UI element
   Drag and drop a button onto the screen. Label it “Log Temp”.

3. Assign a macro or script
   Use the built-in macro editor (often similar to C or Lua) to write a simple function like:

   

   Test and download
   Simulate on your PC, then download to the HMI and test the function on the real machine.

   1. Configure communication
      Set the PLC address (e.g., Modbus address D100) to match your sensor.

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   Tips for Fast Learning

   • Use templates: Most HMI tools come with example projects—learn by modifying them.

   • Check forums and YouTube: Many HMI brands have active communities and tutorials.

   • Document your work: Label buttons, keep notes on address mapping, and back up your project files.

   System Tech also offers technical documentation and sample code to help engineers accelerate development.

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   Final Thoughts

   Secondary development of HMI interfaces is a powerful way to tailor industrial automation systems to your exact needs.

   While mastering it takes time, you can start experimenting with custom scripts, UI elements, and device communication today.

   In just five minutes, you now have the foundation to explore further.

   Start small, test often, and keep improving.
   For customized HMI solutions and expert support, contact us at:
   📧 yhm@systech.com.cn | 🌐 www.aicontrolsys.com
   — Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd., Your Reliable Partner in Intelligent Control