In the rapidly evolving world of automation, success depends on leveraging cutting-edge software and systems to optimize machine performance from the ground up. Innovative electrical controls programming is at the forefront of our key solutions. At SDC our top-notch controls and software engineering teams are always looking for ways to improve how our machines operate, connect to databases, etc; prompting our latest update to our standards – the switch to using Ignition software for powering our HMIs.
While past software was capable enough to help run our custom automated machines, upgrading to a more innovative software system showed projected improvements in many different areas, including programming time. This robust implementation could offer flexible communication with the different softwares needed to run a machine to best connect our customers, providing the highest amount of realtime and historical data to monitor performance and optimize machine capabilities.
As a forward-looking automation leader, our goal is to continually optimize with the best technology available to keep our customers ahead of the competition. With better options for functionality and a needed software facelift to reflect our advancements in custom automation systems, Ignition was the perfect solution.
Our team’s first full adoption of Ignition software as a standard took place on a precision packaging automation line. While our traditional system met basic requirements, Ignition provided enhanced capabilities that not only improved this machine’s performance but also offered scalable benefits we could apply to future projects.
Considering this production line was our first Ignition HMI project, examples from previous projects for the general look and feel of our HMI screens were used, helping develop template foundations. During this time, we created a variety of style classes to carry over to future projects to give a consistent look and feel to our HMI packages.
Example: One specific template that SDC built from scratch for this project was for the manual servo screens. There were around 60 total servos for the entire machine, each requiring its own pop-up with device data specific to that servo. The ease of creating one screen and passing in parameters depending on the servo selected made this much easier to streamline in a short period of time, leading to more high-tech automation.
Interfacing with our customer’s database was a big deal with several database transactions happening every second:
Our team utilized Ignition’s capabilities to run 8 concurrent HMI touchscreen displays and 2 large format informational displays.
Sleek new HMI frame – Constructed from billet aluminum, the enclosure is custom manufactured by SDC to integrate all required features into a compact, sleek design. A large flush-mounted touchscreen provides intuitive access to machine controls, with ample space for displaying system statistics and operational data. The modern design is complemented by illuminated flush mounted push buttons, ensuring easy and efficient interaction for the operator.
Improved Programming Efficiency
Enhanced HMI Experience
Future-Ready Technology Alignment
Higher Customer Value
Standardization Across Projects
Improved Internal Engineering Efficiency
The adoption of Ignition software marked a transformative step in SDC’s approach to industrial automation, aligning the company with Industry 4.0 standards while significantly improving the development process and system functionality. By implementing the new standard HMI templates, enhancing database connectivity, and creating an enhanced user interface, our engineering team successfully reduced programming time and ensured consistent performance across complex systems. These innovations not only streamlined operations on the initial precision packaging automation line but also established a scalable foundation for future projects.
This strategic shift has strengthened SDC’s ability to deliver high-performance, data-driven automation solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. The improved visibility into real-time and historical data, combined with a sleek and intuitive user experience, empowers our customers to make better operational decisions and maintain peak machine performance. By leveraging Ignition’s flexibility and growing support ecosystem, SDC is well-positioned to continue innovating in the custom automation space, providing lasting value and a competitive edge for both SDC and our customers.
A: SDC adopted Ignition to align with Industry 4.0 principles and to enhance database connectivity, system performance, and scalability. While previous software met basic automation needs for industrial automation, Ignition offered modern features such as advanced scripting, modular UI development, and superior database integration—all critical for improving efficiency and future-proofing automation systems.
A: Customers benefit from more reliable and informative machine interfaces, improved real-time and historical data access, and intuitive HMI design. These enhancements lead to better decision-making, reduced downtime, and easier maintenance, ultimately helping customers optimize performance and stay competitive in their industries through our innovative electrical controls programming.
A: SDC developed reusable coding templates, custom PLC read/write routines with error handling, and a suite of HMI pages for alarms, production data, and manual servo controls. Additionally, a custom billet aluminum HMI enclosure with an integrated touchscreen provides a sleek, operator-friendly interface, complementing our high-tech automation.
A: The solution is highly scalable. The use of modern templates and style classes allows SDC to standardize HMI development across multiple projects, significantly reducing programming time and engineering effort while maintaining a consistent user experience.
A: By adopting Ignition, SDC has built a robust and future-ready automation framework. This strategic move enhances internal efficiency, improves customer satisfaction, and positions the company as a leader in smart manufacturing. The scalable and customizable nature of the solution ensures ongoing innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry.
