In an industry as demanding and mission-critical as Oil and Gas, efficiency is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Every second matters, and every decision must be backed by data that is accessible, clear, and real-time. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology has become a central part of how Oil and Gas operations streamline their systems and keep their teams safe and productive.
At VarTech Systems, we have collaborated with industry leading companies in the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors to create Operator Interface Terminal Systems capable of surviving in the harshest environments.
From offshore rigs to refinery control rooms, operators use our products to monitor complex systems, make faster decisions, and minimize downtime.
Let’s look at how HMI systems are changing the game for industrial automation in this field, and how VarTech’s rugged Operator Interface Terminal Systems are built and designed to keep delivering in some of the harshest environments.
HMI technology serves as the bridge between human operators and industrial systems. HMIs help streamline access for teams to automation software, sensors, and control networks in remote offshore platforms, pipeline terminals, and hazardous processing plants.
Modern HMIs offer visuals of real-time system diagnostics, alarms, and allow operators to stay proactive while reducing response time. Whether that’s a technician checking pressure readings at a drilling rig or a supervisor tracking the performance of compressors at a gas plant, an HMI turns raw data into actionable insights.
All HMI systems are not built equal, however. Naturally, oil and gas environments are tough places with flammable gases, salt spray, vibration, and extreme heat or cold. And that’s where VarTech Systems’ rugged design comes in as a true differentiator.
Our line of rugged workstations and Operator Interface Terminal Systems has been a go-to solution for control and monitoring in the field. One example is the ToughStation, a fully enclosed workstation engineered for extreme industrial environments. Designed with NEMA 4X/6 enclosures, these systems are sealed against moisture, corrosion, and contaminants, which is essential for offshore and coastal sites.
Many of our Oil and Gas customers use our Hazardous Area units in classified areas. They're certified for use in Class I, Division II environments where flammable gases or vapors may be present either accidentally or temporarily.
In addition to meeting safety requirements, these Operator Interface Terminal System units feature sunlight-readable screens and glove-compatible touchscreens, keeping control in the hands of field operators regardless of the environment.
We recently deployed both a 15” DiamondVue industrial monitor and a ToughStation workstation as part of a well monitoring system—each serving a specific role in delivering reliable, rugged performance in harsh field conditions.
Operators now could see their tank levels, pump pressures, and valve positions at several off-site locations. This real-time visibility reduced the labor of manual inspections and allowed the detection of performance anomalies before they caused a shutdown. The outcome? Increased uptime and much faster response times.
A huge efficiency gain for our customers is how easily our Operator Interface Terminal System solutions integrate with existing SCADA systems. Whether a site is running Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or Schneider Electric platforms, VarTech’ products are engineered for compatibility and seamless integration.
Some of our units also include fanless, solid-state designs to reduce moving parts and minimize failure points. For example, the ToughCube series features An IP67 protected aluminum shell and a low-power system design, perfect for midstream activities with restricted cabinet space but high reliability requirements.
We also support wide temperature ranges, anti-glare coatings, and optically bonded displays to improve screen clarity in outdoor conditions. While these details may appear trivial, in industrial environments where safety and efficiency are paramount, visibility and durability are critical.
Efficiency depends greatly on fast decision-making in the field. Our touchscreen Operator Interface Terminal Systems enable operators to access real-time data, control processes, and respond to alarms immediately.
Thanks to VarTech’s edge computing capabilities, data is processed locally, significantly reducing latency compared to cloud-based systems. This direct approach avoids delays and communication bottlenecks caused by multiple data layers, ensuring quicker, more reliable responses where they matter most.
For control room applications, VarTech Industrial Panel PCs are available with a widescreen and multi-touch interface. These are used in supervisory roles where managers oversee large networks of transfer pumps, bore string transfers, and pipeline systems. Integrating all data sources into a single visual interface reduces operator fatigue and improves situational awareness.
The Oil and Gas industry is evolving rapidly with the advent of AI, advanced automation, and data-driven decision-making. As companies work to reduce emissions, improve safety, and control operational costs, rugged HMI systems are becoming essential. VarTech offers industrial computing solutions designed to meet the demands of modern Oil and Gas operations, supporting AI integration, remote monitoring, and reliable field-level control in harsh environments.
At VarTech Systems, we’re not just building computers and monitors; we’re designing reliable solutions that keep operators informed, responsive, and in control. Our rugged technology facilitates fast decision making in high-risk applications.
From upstream exploration to downstream refining, whether upstream for pipeline transportation or downstream refining, our ToughStation and Hazardous Location Operator Interface Terminal Systems help run safe and efficient operations.
If you’re ready to talk about upgrading your automation interface, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s build tough, let’s build smart!
At VarTech Systems, our Project Managers—with an average of 15+ years of industry experience—are ready to customize a computer, monitor, or HMI workstation solution to meet your needs. Drawing from extensive backgrounds in manufacturing, military, oil and gas, and marine applications, they provide expert guidance throughout your project journey.
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Based in Clemmons, North Carolina, VarTech Systems Inc. engineers and builds custom industrial and rugged computers, monitors, and HMIs.
