Automations-Panel
Also: Automationspanel, HMI-Panel, Bedienpanel, Bedienterminal, Operator Panel, OP, Industrie-Panel, Automatisierungs-Panel
AI-generated
An automation panel is an industrial-grade operator panel that serves as an HMI interface between operating personnel and automated systems in intralogistics. It enables manual control, monitoring, and parameterization of conveyor, storage, and picking systems directly on-site.
Key facts
- An automation panel forms the HMI interface between operating personnel and the control level of automated storage and conveyor systems.
- The industrial protection rating (IP rating) of the panel must be matched to the actual ambient conditions in the warehouse.
- Communication protocols such as Profinet, EtherNet/IP, or OPC-UA determine which control systems a panel is compatible with.
- Long lifecycle commitments and guaranteed spare parts availability are critical in intralogistics, as systems are often operated for 10 to 20 years.
What is an automation panel?
An automation panel is a stationary or mobile operator and display device used on automated systems in warehousing, production, and logistics. It belongs to the HMI layer (Human-Machine Interface) and connects operating personnel to the underlying control level – typically PLCs (programmable logic controllers), SCADA systems, or warehouse control systems. The difference from a standard touchscreen lies in its industrial design: enclosures, displays, and input elements are engineered for dust, moisture, vibration, and continuous 24/7 operation.
How does an automation panel work in practice?
During ongoing warehouse operations, the panel displays real-time data on system status – such as conveyor utilization, fault conditions, or buffer fill levels. Operating personnel acknowledge fault messages, trigger manual interventions, or switch operating modes (automatic, semi-automatic, manual). Many panels communicate with the control level via standardized fieldbus protocols such as Profibus, Profinet, or EtherNet/IP. Newer devices additionally support OPC-UA, enabling integration into higher-level IT systems.
Visualization is typically configured by the system manufacturer or integrator. Common content includes system graphics, status indicators, buttons for defined actions, and alarm histories. The operating logic is closely tied to the process and should be designed as intuitively as possible to prevent operator errors in fault situations.
What matters when selecting a panel?
Several factors must be considered when selecting an automation panel:
- Protection rating: IP65 or higher is required in cold storage facilities or areas with cleaning cycles. Dry office environments can tolerate lower protection ratings.
- Display size and operating concept: Depending on system complexity and the amount of information to be displayed simultaneously, diagonal sizes between 7 and 21 inches are common. Glove-compatible touchscreens or hard keys may be advisable depending on the environment.
- Interface compatibility: The panel must be compatible with the controllers and communication protocols in use. Manufacturer-proprietary solutions simplify configuration but make future replacements more difficult.
- Lifecycle and spare parts availability: In intralogistics, systems run for 10 to 20 years. Long-term delivery commitments for replacement devices and stable software versions reduce maintenance risk.
- Mounting concept: Panel mounting, pedestal, swing arm, or mobile version – the choice depends on the installation location and available space.
Since automation panels vary considerably depending on vendor and project, it is advisable to align requirements with the system integrator at an early stage and to evaluate reference installations under comparable conditions.
Related terms
- AGV
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- AMR
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.
- AR
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real field of view in real time. In intralogistics, AR is used primarily in picking, maintenance and training.
- Aktuator
An actuator is a technical component that converts electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control signals into mechanical movement or force. In intralogistics, actuators control conveyor belts, diverters, grippers, and lifting elements in automated systems.
- Automatiklager
An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.
