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How to Open Third-Party Application from Factory Talk View HMI

Question:

I am currently utilizing Factory Talk View Machine Edition Runtime HMI software. I am trying to set up a button that, when pressed, will open a third-party local application window and bring it to the front of the HMI screen. Can you please provide me with guidance on how to do this? Thank you.

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The HMIs running FactoryTalk Machine Edition, also known as Panelviews, operate on a customized version of Windows CE. These devices are limited in their ability to run third-party applications, as software must be specifically designed for Windows CE compatibility. Unfortunately, popular applications like Chrome and APKs are not supported on these HMIs.

According to hardaysknight, HMIs running FactoryTalk Machine Edition, also known as Panelviews, utilize a customized version of Windows CE. These devices are limited in terms of running third-party applications, as they must be specifically designed for Windows CE compatibility. Unfortunately, Chrome and APKs are not supported on these HMIs. However, there is a Windows application available to launch the HMI, which can be used on any full Windows system. To achieve what the original poster (OP) is attempting, VB Scripting would be necessary to provide access for launching external applications. It's important to note that the scripting feature is only enabled in Factory Talk Site Edition. A quick Google search reveals a sample code for launching an external application using VB Scripting. By incorporating this code into a button, users can easily launch different applications by simply changing the file path. Just keep in mind that FactoryTalk SE is required for this functionality.

BeepBob mentioned a Windows application that initiates the Human Machine Interface (HMI), suitable for running on various Windows systems. The task at hand may necessitate VB Scripting to access and launch external applications. However, this scripting capability is exclusively available in Factory Talk Site Edition. A quick search reveals a code snippet: Dim objShell Set objShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell") objShell.Run("""c:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe""") Set objShell = Nothing Insert this code into your button, adjusting the path to the desired application. It's essential to utilize FactoryTalk SE for this purpose. For more detailed guidance on running Ignition on a PanelView Plus 6, visit Inductive Automation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. How can I open a third-party application from Factory Talk View HMI? To open a third-party application from Factory Talk View HMI, you can use the System Application Manager (SAM) feature. By configuring the SAM, you can launch the third-party application using a button or trigger within the HMI interface. 2. Can I bring the third-party application window to the front of the HMI screen? Yes, you can bring the third-party application window to the front of the HMI screen by utilizing scripting or communication commands within Factory Talk View. This allows for seamless integration and visibility of the third-party application alongside the HMI interface.

FAQ: 3. What steps are involved in setting up a button to open a third-party application in Factory Talk View?

Answer: To set up a button that opens a third-party application in Factory Talk View, you need to configure the button properties to trigger the launch of the application. Additionally, you may need to write scripts or use communication commands to ensure the application appears in the forefront on the HMI screen.

FAQ: 4. Is it possible to interact with the third-party application through Factory Talk View HMI?

Answer: Yes, it is possible to interact with the third-party application through Factory Talk View HMI by establishing communication protocols or utilizing scripting functions. This enables seamless data exchange and control between the HMI interface and the third-party application.

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