In an industry as demanding 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 displayed in 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 provide industrial-grade computers, monitors, and workstations capable of surviving in the harshest environments. Industrial HMI systems improve communication, decision-making, and operational efficiency across different departments and divisions.
From offshore rigs to refinery control rooms, operators use our products to monitor complex systems, make faster decisions, and minimize downtime.
Rugged HMI systems are specifically designed to survive in these harsh environments, ensuring reliable performance even under extreme conditions. VarTech's solutions are used by companies around the world to enhance safety and efficiency in oil and gas operations.
Let’s look at how HMI systems are changing the game for industrial automation in this field, and how VarTech’s rugged products are built and designed to keep delivering in some of the harshest environments. HMI technology has many applications across different sectors, not just oil and gas.
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, enhancing operational efficiency in these challenging environments.
Modern SCADA systems enable multiple users to access and interact with data simultaneously, improving collaboration and oversight. By providing centralized access to these systems, HMIs ensure that operators can manage complex processes with greater ease and precision.
Ruggedized displays improve and modernize industrial operation by offering visuals of real-time system diagnostics and alarms, enabling operators to stay proactive while reducing response time. These systems show information in easy-to-read graphs, gauges, and trends, turning raw data into actionable insights. 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 ensures clarity and efficiency.
Additionally, real-time data on trends and KPIs supports enhanced decision-making for both operators and management, enabling more informed and timely actions.
Advanced alarming systems provide dynamic, context-sensitive information for troubleshooting problems quickly. Engineers play a crucial role in designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HMI and SCADA systems, especially in remote or critical environments.
Naturally, oil and gas production areas are harsh environments, with flammable gases, salt spray, vibration, and extreme heat or cold: That’s where VarTech Systems’ rugged computers, monitors, and workstations come in as a true differentiator.
Our line of rugged computers, monitors, and workstations been a go-to solution for control and monitoring in the field. HMI and SCADA systems interface with a wide range of equipment, such as control devices and machines, to improve operational efficiency and responsiveness.
One example is the ToughStation Workstation, a fully sealed HMI engineered for extreme industrial environments. Designed with enclosures built to meet IP66 and NEMA 4X standards, these systems, available as computers or monitors, protect against moisture, corrosion, and contaminants, is essential for offshore and coastal sites.
Additionally, our explosion-proof ToughStation Hazardous Area Workstations prevent internal sparks or heat from igniting flammable substances, making them indispensable in hazardous locations.
Many of our oil and gas customers use our Hazardous Area units in classified areas. VarTech Systems' offers DiamondVue and ToughStation computers and monitors that are certified for use in Class I, Division II environments where flammable gases or vapors may be present under abnormal operating conditions, typically accidentally or temporarily.
In addition to meeting safety requirements, our industrial computers and monitors feature sunlight-readable and glove-compatible touchscreens, keeping field operators in control regardless of the environment.
A massive efficiency gain for our customers is how easily our products integrate with existing SCADA systems.
We have a partnership with Rockwell Automation subsidiary ThinManager® to support seamless integration with their widely used thin client software. VarTech’s computing solutions provide an integrated platform that unifies operational components, data sources, and communication networks, enhancing efficiency and control across industrial applications.
We also support wide temperature ranges, anti-glare coatings, and optically bonded LCDs to improve display clarity and durability in outdoor conditions. Water-resistance, corrosion-resistance, and readability in direct sunlight ensure reliability in the toughest conditions. The durability of our HMIs leads to long-term reliability, reducing replacement costs and maintenance expenses.
Efficiency depends greatly on fast decision-making in the field.
Large-format touchscreen displays such as our 32" and 43" ToughStation Purge-Protected Computers and Monitors enable operators to access real-time data, control processes, and respond to alarms immediately.
Equipped with 4G-LTE Internet connection upon request, our products' remote monitoring capabilities lower operational costs by reducing the need for on-site personnel, streamlining operations further. Mobile network access allows engineers to monitor operations and make adjustments from separate locations, reducing needs for site visits for routine inspections and maintenance, saving time and minimizing operational disruptions.
Thanks to VarTech’s AI-computing capabilities, complex data can be 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.
HMIs utilize technologies like edge computing to process data locally, further enhancing their efficiency and responsiveness. Edge and cloud connectivity enable secure data exchange for advanced analytics and remote monitoring.
Advanced HMI and SCADA systems also enable real-time monitoring and control from any remote location, even those that are geographically isolated or difficult to access.
The oil and gas industry is evolving rapidly with the advent of AI, advanced automation, and data-driven decision-making. VarTech Systems' industrial computing solutions are designed to meet the demands of modern operations, supporting AI integration, remote monitoring, and reliable field-level control in harsh environments.
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 DiamondVue computers, monitors, and workstations 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.
Please fill out our contact form, call us, or email us and we will connect with you shortly.
Based in Clemmons, North Carolina, VarTech Systems Inc. engineers and builds custom industrial and rugged computers, monitors, and HMIs.
