Control Panel

Countless industries rely upon control panel technology in order to ensure efficiency, productivity and safety. From supervising the workflow of a manufacturing facility to monitoring the operational status of a nuclear power plant, these devices provide a centralized means of proactive oversight at all times.

While the term "control panel" is likely familiar to the majority of readers, there are still several questions to address. What is control panel technology in relation to how these systems work within a typical environment? What types of panels are available? Can a system control center be modified when necessary? What industries particularly benefit from the presence of a cutting-edge control panel? These are some of the concepts that we will address throughout the remainder of this article.

What is the Main Purpose of a Control Panel?

Wikipedia defines a control panel as a flat or vertical interface that contains various types of instrumentation. While this is perfectly true, these very same systems can be found within the digital domain. For instance, a control panel can sometimes be accessed through a cloud-based computing system by authorized personnel. Touch screen control technology is likewise becoming commonplace, as it tends to be easier to manipulate discrete metrics at any given time.[1]

Still, a control panel serves a rather straightforward purpose. It is designed to oversee certain operations within a real-time scenario. Once again, the components themselves will be based around the industry in question. Here is an example of the core features associated with an industrial control panel:[2]

  • Power and control circuits
  • Switches
  • Modular terminal blocks
  • Motor drives
  • Transformers
  • Visual aids such as oscilloscopes or voltage meters

Users can therefore employ a control panel to ensure that the system itself is functioning as it should.

Can a System Control Panel be Set to Specific Configurations?

There are numerous control panel types and in many cases, these can be fully customized in accordance with the needs of the customer. Some of these are more familiar than others. For example, computers are always outfitted with a sound control panel to oversee settings such as audio output, balance and third-party devices.

As mentioned earlier, a touch control panel is becoming commonplace within many commercial and industrial environments. Not only do these provide a straightforward UX (user interface), but other benefits such as durability and cleanliness should not be overlooked.

Control Panel Technology in Relation to Security and Surveillance Solutions

System and security in control panel technology has also advanced in leaps and bounds over the past few decades. A control panel can now support IoT (Internet of Things) systems in order to be fully integrated into a host of third-party devices. In terms of stationary surveillance solutions, examples include:[3]

  • Biometric sensors around entrances and exits.
  • Infrared cameras.
  • Motion sensors.
  • Remote monitoring software (such as mobile applications that alert the user in the event of a breach).

We can now see that a control panel is able to address a host of unique security-related requirements.

Industrial Applications

Other industries have likewise benefitted from control panel advancements. Some of these are directly related to everyday infrastructure such as motorway operations. Traffic technology systems can be used to immediately recognise the presence of an accident, to control density during peak travel times and even to alert drivers of bottlenecks. Of course, there are many other sectors that can leverage the power of even the simplest control panel. Some additional examples include:[4]

  • Hospitals (such as intensive care units).
  • Storage facilities that need to adhere to specific environmental settings.
  • Waste management and recycling centers.

Control panel applications are likely to become even more targeted in the coming years.

Conclusion: What is the Future of the Control Panel Industry?

Where is the control panel industry headed? One pertinent observation involves the ways in which these panels are powered. For instance, modern EFOY batteries use a system known as a Smart Battery Management System (BMS). This ensures that backup batteries are supplied with a reliable source of on-demand power in the event of a system fault. These lithium batteries are lightweight, extremely efficient and will have a minimal impact upon the environment.[5] As the humble control panel becomes "smarter", its applications will continue to expand. Simply stated, this technology is undoubtedly here to stay.