Spectroscopic analyzers, e.g. near IR (NIR), play an increasing role in online anal. of a wide variety of processes.NIR was used for many years to analyze e.g. protein, fat, and moisture content of food products, octane numbers along with some other properties of gasolines and other petroleum products.Equipped with fiber optics, NIR analyzers circumvent many sample handling problems and are thus ideal for many online applications provided process environment requirements are fulfilled.Examples of some inhouse application developments for the process and pilot plants starting from the 1st online octane measurement analyzer connected to a process computer system in 1988 will be given.