Case Studies

Customizable UI in DMC's Flex Framework

Posted in LabVIEW, Test & Measurement Automation

Summary

DMC’s Flex Framework is a powerful tool that improves our development time for complex projects, and it provides our clients with access to an abundance of functional code modules. Projects have the potential to utilize our DMCquencer logic, User Access Level logic, module grid viewer, and many other code modules.

One pitfall for large and complex project frameworks is that they come with a predesigned and constrained User Interface (UI) that the new project must also adopt. The result is an application that only satisfies some of the project requirements and lacks personalization. The Flex Framework avoids this issue by utilizing HMI templates with subpanels and customizable tab containers. The result is a user experience that is individually tailored to the preferred workflow of YOUR system!

Flex framework hmi

Solution

Even though the Flex Framework provides our clients with several built-in functionalities, it doesn’t constrain our user interface or workflow design. The template HMI’s in our framework only contains a customizable tab control, radio buttons, and subpanels.

Sub Panels

By using subpanels, we can then create user interfaces and workflows that are tailored to each project. For example, one project may require a comprehensive view of all device activity as soon as the application starts up (shown on the left), while another project may require starting on a login screen to maximize security (shown on the right).

Subpanels and Login

Additionally, the framework has two independent HMI templates. The user can choose to simultaneously utilize both HMI templates for a dual monitor experience, which is an excellent option for projects that need to view a large amount of data at once during a test.

Testing FrameworkFramework on LabVIEW

The Flex Framework also integrates our user login toolkit to control the exposed functionality based on the current user’s credentials. The access level can control aspects such as button or screen visibility. For example, most applications need to hide the settings page unless the proper user is logged in.

Login

From screen layout and design to operator flow, everything about this HMI can be changed to suit a project's specific needs. In other words, adopting the Flex Framework doesn’t require settling for a cookie-cutter user interface. Individuals have full control over the system’s user experience and operating workflows.

These features are part of a powerful suite of tools called the DMC Flex Framework. Find out more about all of these tools here.

Learn more about DMC's LabVIEW Programming Expertise.

Customer Benefits

  • Customizable UI – Screen designs are not built into the template project. Instead, personalized UI designs are subpaneled into the template so that each application can be personalized.
  • User Access – Integration of our User Access toolkit allows program functionality to be dependent on the current user’s credentials.
  • Dual Monitor – Two template HMI screens allow projects to utilize independent dual monitors.