Case Study: How the Horner X7 Control Panel Automated Weighing and Dosing

A new fully automated dosing and weighing machine is controlled by a Horner X7 PLC with integrated HMI and I/Os. In this setup, the industrial panel manages recipes, temperature control, and precise weighing of ingredients. At the same time, it collects batch data, eliminates human errors, and ensures consistent food quality. What does it look like in practice?

Challenge for the Horner X7 PLC + HMI: Boost Quality and Production Efficiency

With manual dosing, weighing deviations occurred. Operators also occasionally set incorrect processing temperatures. These errors led to ingredient loss, production line downtime, and complaints from end customers. The manufacturer of industrial weighing systems and automation solutions, Tomassis Engineering, therefore sought a cost-effective, easy-to-integrate solution that would:

• Ensure precise weighing, mixing, and production parameter settings
• Minimize downtime and save costs
• Enable remote supervision
• And retain batch data for audits and recipe optimization

For machine control and operation, they chose the Horner X7 PLC with HMI, combining a logic controller (PLC) and a color touchscreen operator interface (HMI) in a single device. The panel communicates with SCADA and collects operational data. Thanks to remote access, it meets Industry 4.0 requirements and keeps production running smoothly without unnecessary downtime.

 Key features of the compact panel:

• Seamless SCADA integration
• User-friendly recipe management
• A data collection system for monitoring and controlling batches

Technical parameters of the Horner X7:

• 7″ display (800 × 480 px): ideal for recipe management and monitoring
• Scalable I/Os: flexibility for future needs; depending on the model, you can select the quantity and type of analog or digital inputs and outputs
• Communication options:
  • RS-485 for connecting weighing systems
  • Modbus TCP/IP for server integration
  • FTP client for easy access to data directly from the controller

Programming and software:

• Advanced Ladder within the Cscape development environment: efficient and reliable programming, free of charge
• WebMI: an add-on for quick setup and remote monitoring

What did Tomassis Engineering say about automating with the Horner X7?

“Now we have full control over the process right from the office. We eliminated human errors in weighing ingredients and temperature control. The solution also provides valuable data for every batch we produce.”

About Tomassis Engineering

Tomassis Engineering, based in Greece, has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing industrial weighing systems and automation solutions. With hundreds of installations across Greece, they specialize particularly in automated weighing systems and weighbridges.

Contact Us

Do you need a compact device that can control your machines, serve as a clear HMI for operators, and—thanks to scalable I/Os—collect operational data? Products from Horner Automation deliver effective control, easy integration, and higher productivity without downtime. They are proven in practice around the world.

Contact us at enquiry@foxon.cz. We will be happy to help you choose the most suitable configuration for your automation.