Browser-based operator interface terminals gain popularity

Web-based operator interface (OI) terminals are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% through 2006, according to recent research from Venture Development Corp.

By Control Engineering Staff October 14, 2004

Web-based operator interface (OI) terminals are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% through 2006, according to recent research from Venture Development Corp . The report, The North American Markets for Industrial Electronic Monitors and Operator Interface Terminals , predicts spending of $14.8 million by 2006, rising from $9.6 million in 2004, and $11.1 million in 2004.

Web-based operator interface (OI) terminals are forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% through 2006, according to recent research from Venture Development Corp. (Illustration courtesy of Venture Development Group)

Web-browser terminals offer many advantages over other types of OIs, says the study, primarily by making use of existing networks. They can also act as a pager, PDA, computer, or e-mail client based on triggered times or events, says the report. Among other benefits cited by end-users in the survey are:

Reduced operation costs—users may build a single application instead a networked solution composed of multiple applications;

Accelerated application ROI due to lower maintenance and support costs;

Real-time access to data, which speeds up cycle times, improves product quality, and reduces costs of application development and maintenance.

A perceived drawback noted by many survey respondents is lack of security, although many precautions are available to address this problem. Concern about security, the report speculated, may be one reason end-users are increasingly outsourcing implementation of operator interface terminals to OEMs and system integrators.

To read more about this research report, click here .

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com