Sensors-the cost of ownership

The recent Technology Foresight programme has identified sensors and sensor information processing as a key cross sectorial subject for the UK's competitive future. This paper suggests that innovative technology is only the enabling feature in the development of competitive and commercially viable sensors. Estimating the cost of ownership of process measurement is complex but rewarding. There is a strong element of judgement in such calculations and a clerical collection and collation of facts is likely to be unproductive. Strong internal communications and active participation in pre-competitive development work is likely to provide early insights into significant market forces. The need for users to become involved in steering new technology for the needs of particular market sectors is highlighted by considering the use of Smart transmitters and the emergence of serial communications for process measurements.