User interfaces are getting smarter

In 2019, we expect the trend of increasingly smart interfaces and control panels to manage and optimize automation processes to pick up even more speed.
Don’t even think about complex PLC interfaces. Consider instead the simplicity and versatility of an iPad.
Why? As mentioned above, to deal with the growing skills gap. Companies are having a hard time recruiting and retaining skilled labor for increasingly automated production environments. When the old guys leave, the new guys don’t have the experience or insight to make things work. In lieu of experienced staff and more training, user interfaces must become more intuitive and easy to understand. Customers need interface solutions that capture and transfer collected experience. Operators must be able to quickly and easily do what they need to do. We will see more YouTube-like “how to” videos, “if this happens, then do that” instructions, and better visuals instead of more text.