Exactly. These analog control panels had been facing challenges in working efficiency and investment cost. As touch screens have been introduced, the control system became much easier to use. Touchscreen display shows not only switches and lamps, but also graphics, characters and/or alarm signals. So, factory workers are able to check the operation status at the same time as operating the control equipment. In addition, touch screen saved space and costs by eliminating switches, buttons, and wiring.

As another significant advantage of touch screen, it is easy to meet specification changes. For instance, the whole control panel may need to be replaced if new functions are added to the system in case of analog control panels. On the other hand, new functions can be added just by modifying software in case of control system with a touch screen.

Various touch screen technologies such as resistive, surface capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies are used.