Over two decades of HMI experience

Since the 1980s, Beijer Electronics has been a pioneering force in HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development. Over the course of many years, we’ve developed an exceptional understanding of operator panels and information software, as well as the demands they face worldwide.

The following are just a few milestones in a long history of HMI innovation.

1981
•    Beijer Electronics is established. Work as an agent for automation systems leads to the development of proprietary control products, which in turn paves the way for the company’s HMI business.

1986
•    The first Beijer Electronics operator panel, MAC-G, is released. This is a handheld panel with a text display. Additional models are added in the coming years.

1990-1994
•    The MAC 50F operator panel inaugurates a new product series whose unique innovations include transparent mode and networking. The series represents a new concept with a focus on user-friendliness and easy programming.
•    The MAC series is expanded with five more panels, ranging from small text displays to the first panel with a graphic display, the MAC 90. The use of graphics is a first among European products.
•    Beijer Electronics programming software begins using a Windows platform.

1996
•    Work begins on a new product series for a brand-label customer. Continuously developed, the series includes twelve panels and is sold worldwide.
•    New emphasis is placed on design. Industrial designers are brought into the development process and special attention is given to ergonomics.
•    Color graphics and touch-screen displays are introduced.

1997
•    Ethernet functionality via TCP/IP is introduced.

1998
•    Beijer Electronics is the first to offer HMI with web functionality. In addition to handling e-mail, the operator panels act as web servers and can be monitored and controlled via intranet and Internet.

1999
•    A US subsidiary, Beijer Electronics Inc., is founded with its office in Schaumburg, Illinois.
•    The popular CIMREX series of operator panels is introduced.

2001
•    Multi-language support is offered for the first time, making it possible for users to switch languages while a panel is in operation.
•    The introduction of dual-driver support allows panels to communicate with two different types of automation equipment and act as a gateway between them.
•    CEZAR, a new PC-based HMI system, is released.
•    A German subsidiary, Beijer Electronics GmbH, is founded with its office in Stuttgart.

2002
•    Beijer Electronics OPC Server is released.
•    An additional US office is opened in Westlake Village, California.

2003
•    The CIMREX series is extended with two new operator panels, bringing the total number to 13.

2004
•    EXTER, a new series comprising five operator panels, is released. The series’ groundbreaking design places high emphasis on ergonomics and intuitive function.

2005
•    Beijer Electronics acquires Hitech Electronics Corp., a Taiwan-based company that develops and sells HMI.
•    Beijer Electronics wins the 2005 award for European HMI Hardware Vendor of the Year.
•    The EXTER series receives the prestigious iF Product Design Award. Six new panels join the series.

2006
•    Beijer Electronics opens a new office in Hamburg, Germany.
•    The EXTER K30 panel is awarded the iF Product Design Award.
•    A new series of affordable operator panels, the H-series, is launched.

2007
•    Beijer Electronics acquires Lauer, a German HMI producer with a strong presence in central Europe.
•    Beijer Electronics opens a new office for the US East Coast in Kernersville, North Carolina.