What is BS EN 16705:2020?

BS EN 16705:2020 is a technical standard that has been recently released and is gaining significant attention in various industries. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of this standard and its implications.

The Scope of BS EN 16705:2020

BS EN 16705:2020 primarily focuses on the requirements for the evaluation of human-machine interfaces (HMIs) used in industrial control systems. It specifically covers the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of HMIs.

This standard takes into consideration various factors such as user experience, ergonomics, and safety, aiming to ensure effective and efficient interactions between humans and machines.

The Key Elements of BS EN 16705:2020

BS EN 16705:2020 outlines several key elements that need to be considered when designing and evaluating HMIs:

Visual Perception: The standard emphasizes the importance of visual display quality, legibility, and clarity of information presented on HMIs to ensure operators can easily interpret and respond to the displayed information.

Interaction Techniques: It provides guidance on choosing appropriate interaction techniques that facilitate easy and intuitive operation of HMIs. This includes considerations for touchscreens, knobs, buttons, and other input devices.

Feedback and Alerts: BS EN 16705:2020 addresses the necessity of clear and well-timed system feedback and alerts to keep operators aware of any critical or abnormal situations.

Navigation and Menus: The standard provides recommendations for organizing menus, icons, and navigation within an HMI to ensure logical and efficient access to various system functionalities and information.

The Benefits of Implementing BS EN 16705:2020

Adopting BS EN 16705:2020 can bring several advantages to organizations:

Improved Safety: By following the standard, organizations can minimize the risk of accidents caused by human error or misinterpretation of critical information in control systems.

Enhanced User Experience: The focus on user-centric design principles enables the creation of HMIs that are intuitive and easy to use, leading to higher efficiency and productivity.

Compliance with Regulations: Many industries have regulatory requirements related to HMIs. Compliance with BS EN 16705:2020 helps organizations meet these requirements and avoid legal issues.

Reduced Training Time: Intuitive and user-friendly HMIs reduce the time and effort required for training operators, enabling quicker onboarding of new personnel.

In conclusion, BS EN 16705:2020 is a significant technical standard that addresses the design and evaluation of HMIs in industrial control systems. Its implementation brings several benefits, including improved safety, enhanced user experience, compliance with regulations, and reduced training time. Organizations should consider adopting this standard to ensure effective and efficient interactions between humans and machines.