In many facilities, multiple HMI panels are in use simultaneously – for example, on long production lines or complex machines. When multiple people start processes, change parameters, or acknowledge malfunctions at the same time, operating conflicts and safety-critical situations can arise. HELIO offers the Exclusive Control feature to address this problem.
Exclusive Control determines which client currently holds exclusive operating rights. Other users can still view the current status, but critical actions remain locked as long as the right is assigned.
Additional mechanisms:
- The header shows at a glance whether exclusive operating rights are currently in use.
- Operating rights can be requested and are automatically assigned by HELIO.
- Control rights can be requested even if another user already holds them – HELIO guides users through this process via an integrated workflow.
- Control rights can be released again.
In practice, the status is displayed in the header, making it immediately clear whether control is free, currently held by the user, or occupied. If the operating permission has already been assigned, the current user receives a notification and decides for themselves whether to release it – a controlled handover that is particularly valuable during maintenance work.
Three practical recommendations:
- Always keep the status visible
- Secure critical functions specifically
- Plan a clear approval workflow
Exclusive Control is a simple yet effective feature that reduces operating errors and makes it clear at all times who is currently in control.
