Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · HMI, SCADA and operations

Mimic diagram

Also known as: Process display, Process graphic, Process screen

German: Prozessbild

In HMI and process control systems, a mimic diagram is a graphical display that represents a process or machine schematically, with symbols for equipment and live values and states, so operators can supervise and operate it.

  • HMI and SCADA

In one sentence

A mimic diagram is an HMI display showing a process or machine schematically with live values, states and operator access.

Example

The mimic diagram of the cooling system shows the pumps, heat exchangers and valves with their states, the flow and temperature values and links to each faceplate.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Current practice (ANSI/ISA-101, high-performance HMI concepts) favors muted, low-color displays in which abnormal states stand out, and a display hierarchy from overview to detail, rather than photo-realistic P&ID copies.
  • Operation: Operators navigate from overview to area displays to faceplates. Consistent symbols and placement support fast orientation.
  • Documentation: Operating manuals should explain the symbol set and color conventions once and show each display with numbered callouts. Keep display names and tag names identical to those in the manual and P&ID, and show values with their Engineering unit.

Mimic diagram vs. P&ID

A P&ID is an engineering document showing all equipment, piping and instruments. A mimic diagram is an operating display that shows what operators need and can simplify or reorganize the P&ID.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on HMI engineering practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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