ABB HMI programming in Kenya: CP600 control panels

ABB CP600 panels are the operator screens for AC500 systems. We design and modify CP600 projects in Panel Builder 600.

ABB HMIs we work on

• CP600 control panels: touch panels from 4.3 to 21 inches

Software: Panel Builder 600 in Automation Builder. Networks: Ethernet and serial to AC500 and other PLCs.

ABB HMI services

• Screens, alarms, trends and recipes
• Web access where configured
• Replacement of failed panels

What a good HMI screen should do

• Show the state of the machine at a glance, with clear colours for running, stopped and faulted
• Explain alarms in plain language, with the cause and what the operator should check
• Keep recipes, setpoints and counters in one place, protected by user levels
• Trend key values such as temperature, pressure, speed and energy
• Work in the language your operators use every day

How we approach an HMI project

1. Back up the existing HMI project and note the panel model and firmware.
2. Agree the screens with operators and supervisors: overview, detail, alarms, recipes and trends.
3. Build and test the project against the PLC tags, with simulation before going to site.
4. Install and commission on the machine, checking every button, value and alarm.
5. Hand over the project file, user passwords and a short operator guide.

Tips from our engineers

Keep tags in one place

Importing tags from the AC500 project keeps HMI and PLC in step and avoids typing errors.

Plan alarm texts

Clear alarm texts with the cause and the check to make shorten every stoppage.

Related guides

See also ABB PLC, HMI and drive services overview, ABB PLC programming, ABB VFD programming and commissioning, our HMI service page.