Dedham, Mass.— Intensifying global competition is driving manufacturers to lower production costs, and many are seeking analyzers able to provide rapid, near real-time results with little operator oversight. Consequently, one technique with these abilities, process infrared systems (PIRSs), is likely to grow dramatically over the next several years, according to the "Worldwide Process Infrared Systems Outlook" from Automation Research Corp. (ARC).

The report states that, though growth will be strong among the many PIRS methods, the largest increases will be in the more advanced and sophisticated full-scanning PIRSs. For example, Fourier transform-near infrared (FT-NIR) systems will likely grow at almost 20% annually. The study projects that, while sales growth will be strong, revenue growth will be more modest. ARC's researchers add that recent optical technology advances in other industries is having a spillover effect, allowing PIRS suppliers to provide more robust and accurate systems at a lower cost to end-users.

In addition, other technical advances are increasing reliability and cutting costs of dispersive PIRSs, which should spur even more growth for these products, according to the report. As a result, there are likely to be particularly strong competitive pressures between the more traditional near infrared and the newer FT-NIR methods. For more information, visit www.controleng.com/info.