Challenges
- Insufficient CPU performance for responsive HMI interaction and local analytics
- Exposure to moisture, chemicals, and vibration in indoor and outdoor equipment installations
- Limited connectivity flexibility across sensors, PLCs, and legacy control devices
- Tight enclosure and retrofit panel mounting requirements across multiple system designs
- Requirement for UL-aligned hardware to streamline safety and regulatory approvals
Solution
- Premio’s industrial touchscreen HMI panel PC (SIO-W224C-I5)
- IP65-rated front panel for resistance to washdowns and chemical exposure
- Intel Core i5-class processor supporting responsive UI and edge data processing
- Multiple I/O options including serial, USB, and LAN for system integration
- Out-of-band remote management for diagnostics, updates, and service efficiency
- Stainless Steel SUS316 construction with pressure valve for durability and reliability
- Optical bonding technology for superior display clarity in humid and wet conditions
- UL-friendly design and documentation
Benefits
- Faster, more intuitive operator experiences
- Reduced service costs through remote diagnostics
- Consistent, rugged platform across product families
Company Overview
The organization develops smart water technologies for residential, commercial, and light industrial markets worldwide. Its portfolio spans pool and spa equipment, filtration systems, and intelligent water management solutions designed to improve efficiency and reliability. Future innovation centers on connected HMI experiences, predictive maintenance, and globally scalable platforms.
The Challenges
Performance Bottlenecks in Legacy HMIs
As user expectations increased, existing HMI platforms struggled to deliver smooth and responsive interfaces. Delays in screen transitions and limited processing headroom restricted the ability to introduce advanced visualization and analytics. The company required a CPU platform capable of supporting modern HMI software while remaining stable in embedded deployments.
Harsh Environmental Exposure
Many systems operated in pump rooms, outdoor enclosures, or chemically active environments. Moisture ingress, vibration, and cleaning processes placed constant stress on electronics. Without adequate protection, system longevity and reliability were at risk.
Fragmented Connectivity Requirements
Each product line relied on a different mix of sensors, PLCs, and legacy peripherals. Inflexible I/O options forced customization and increased integration time. A unified platform needed to support diverse connectivity without redesigning control architectures.
Installation And Retrofit Constraints
Space limitations within existing control panels complicated upgrades and slowed field deployments. Mounting flexibility was critical to support both new system designs and retrofits. The HMI solution needed to adapt to varying enclosure layouts with minimal modification.
Compliance And Certification Complexity
Safety and regulatory reviews added time and cost when hardware lacked clear alignment with UL requirements. The company sought a solution that simplified documentation and accelerated approval cycles. Compliance readiness became a key factor in platform selection.
The Solution
Industrial Touchscreen HMI Platform
Premio’s industrial touchscreen HMI panel PC (SIO-W224C-I5) served as the foundation for the new standardized interface strategy. The system delivered the performance and durability required for water system environments. It allowed the company to modernize HMIs without reengineering existing control logic.
IP65-Rated Front Panel Protection
The sealed front panel protected the display and touch interface from splashes, washdowns, and chemical exposure. This design ensured consistent operation in pump rooms and outdoor installations. Field reliability improved even in demanding maintenance conditions.
Intel Core i5-Class Processing
The integrated Intel Core i5-class processor delivered smooth HMI responsiveness across applications. It also enabled local data logging and edge analytics to support predictive maintenance initiatives. Performance headroom allowed future software enhancements without hardware replacement.
Flexible I/O Integration
Multiple serial ports, USB connections, and LAN interfaces simplified integration with sensors, controllers, and PLCs. This flexibility reduced customization across product lines. Engineering teams were able to deploy a single platform globally.
Remote Management And Serviceability
Out-of-band management capabilities enabled remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and troubleshooting. Service teams could resolve issues without onsite visits. This significantly reduced downtime and operational costs.
Versatile Mounting Options
Panel and VESA mounting support allowed clean installations in both new builds and retrofit scenarios. The HMI fit seamlessly into tight enclosures. Deployment consistency improved across manufacturing and field installations.
UL-Friendly Design
UL-aligned hardware design and documentation streamlined compliance reviews. Certification timelines were shortened. Product teams gained confidence deploying the platform across regulated markets.
The Benefits
Improved User Experience
Operators benefited from faster response times and intuitive interfaces that improved daily interaction and control accuracy.
Reduced Service Costs
Remote diagnostics and updates minimized truck rolls and shortened service cycles, lowering ongoing maintenance expenses.
Scalable And Reliable Standardization
A rugged, compliance-ready platform enabled consistent deployment across multiple product lines and global regions with support from Premio’s Los Angeles-based engineering and service teams.
Conclusion
By adopting a standardized industrial touchscreen HMI, the water technology provider modernized its control experience without disrupting existing systems. The solution delivered performance, durability, and connectivity needed for today’s connected water infrastructure. The platform now supports scalable innovation across products and markets.