Glossary · HMI, SCADA and operations
Faceplate
Also known as: Popup faceplate, Block icon with faceplate
German: Bildbaustein
In HMI and process control systems, a faceplate is a standardized pop-up display for one control object, such as a motor, valve or PID loop, that shows its states, values and alarms and provides the operator controls for it.
- HMI and SCADA
In one sentence
A faceplate is a standardized pop-up display for one control object, such as a motor, valve or loop, with its states and operator controls.
Example
Clicking the pump symbol on the process display opens its faceplate showing running state, mode, current, fault messages and the start, stop and manual/auto buttons.
How it applies
- Engineering: Faceplates are linked to library function blocks in the controller, so each motor or valve type looks and behaves the same everywhere. NAMUR and ISA-101 guidance favor consistent faceplate designs across a plant.
- Operation: Consistency lets operators handle unfamiliar areas safely. Commands on faceplates are subject to Access level and interlocks in the controller.
- Documentation: Document each faceplate type once, with all states, symbols, colors and buttons, and reference it from area-specific instructions. Screenshots in manuals must match the current library version.
Faceplate vs. block icon
The block icon is the small symbol on the process display (Mimic diagram). The faceplate is the detailed window opened from it. Both are usually delivered together as one library object.