The modern industrial worksite requires modern digital tools and solutions. Rugged industrial computers are the key to implementing these advanced tools. These devices combine processing power and reliability in a single package.
Succeeding in the industrial sector relies on understanding industrial computers, as well as their features, uses, and benefits.
Key Features for Industrial Computers
So, what is an industrial computer? As the name implies, it is a computer designed, tested, and certified specifically for the industrial sector. Industrial computers come loaded with features tailor-made for their intended environment, such as:
Rugged Construction
Factory floors, oil rigs, and construction sites are not known for being comfortable workplaces. This is true for computers as much as it is for people. Electronic devices face threats like harsh vibrations, extreme temperatures, and dust exposure. Any one of these issues could damage or even destroy a computer.
Industrial computers are designed to face these problems by integrating features like shock-resistant components, water and dust-proof casings, and fanless cooling. They are also tested under standards like MIL-STD-810 and IEC 60068 to ensure they’re ready for real-world conditions.
Legacy Compatibility
Many industrial workflows and machines were built before the modern digital age. This means they rely on I/O ports that most computer manufacturers no longer support. For example, a typical consumer-grade desktop PC won’t have the serial ports a steel stamping machine uses, meaning the two devices can’t “talk” to each other.
For this reason, industrial computers will include a range of modern and legacy ports. An industrial PC will feature serial ports next to modern connection options like USB, letting it work with all of a business’s equipment.
Customization Options
No two workspaces are the same, and features one might consider essential could be useless in another. Industrial computers often feature multiple customization options for their intended workspace.
For example, areas with harsh lighting will want computers with anti-glare filters on their monitors. If the intended role involves inventory management, an integrated barcode scanner will make that job a breeze.
Types of Industrial Computers
Different roles require different types of computers. This is especially true for industrial computers,
Industrial Panel PCs
Industrial panel PCs combine a computer and a monitor into a single device. This makes them perfect for any role that needs to display complex information, such as an inventory spreadsheet. Their intuitive touchscreens also make them ideal as a human-machine interface; rather than typing on a keyboard, workers can simply tap on the screen to input commands.
Industrial Mini PCs
Rugged mini PCs are typically used in areas with limited space, such as inside vehicles or assembly lines. Their small size and rugged construction lets them be used in areas too inhospitable for other electronics, providing computer support where needed most.
Industrial Tablets
An industrial tablet is the perfect companion for workers on the go or in the field. Lightweight and flexible, tablets are just as rugged as their static cousins but light enough to be comfortably carried throughout a work shift. They also have wireless connectivity options to ensure constant communication and data sharing.
Use Cases For Industrial Computers
Given the sheer variety within the industrial sector, there are nearly as many use cases for industrial computers. Some of the most common uses for computers in the sector include:
Automation
Automation is the greatest driving force for efficiency in the industrial sector, as machines take over jobs once performed by humans. However, controlling those machines still requires industrial-grade computers to input commands and receive information. Advanced forms of automation paired with industrial computers can even collect data for analysis. This lets manufacturers look deeper into their work processes and find areas to optimize.
Digital Twins
Digital twins are virtual counterparts of real-world objects and can be used to visualize and track said objects. For example, Italy’s state-owned railway network, the Ferrovie Dello Stato, uses digital twin tech to replicate its infrastructure. Their network recreates over ten thousand miles of tracks, making it easier for controllers to monitor. Industrial computers are used to track real-world objects and feed their data to the digital twin system.
Inventory Management
Managing a warehouse’s inventory via old-school methods and paper records was an inefficient headache. Modern computer-based inventory systems can automatically track products as they’re added or removed by scanning the barcodes on packages. This massively simplifies the process and lets workers focus on other tasks.
Vehicle Support
More complex vehicles, such as public transportation or commercial trucks, have multiple systems requiring onboard computer support. Occupancy tracking, specialized climate control, and navigation are just some of the functions that a built-in industrial computer can manage, letting the driver focus on actually driving.
Benefits of Industrial Computers
Implementing industrial-grade computers instead of consumer-grade options brings numerous benefits, such as:
Computer Support in Inhospitable Conditions
The greatest distinguishing factor between industrial-grade and consumer-grade computers is durability. An industrial computer can handle operating environments that would destroy other devices. A consumer-grade PC doesn't have the fanless cooling, shock-resistant components, or waterproof casing, features that are common in many industrial computers.
Lower Maintenance Costs
This advantage in reliability also translates to saving both time and money on maintenance. An industrial computer’s greater durability means fewer breakdowns and interruptions due to equipment failure. It also means fewer replacements being purchased, which helps save money in the long term.
Easier Data Collection and Analysis
In the past, businesses had to rely on manual data entry and collection if they wanted information to be analyzed. This lengthy and inefficient process also came with a massive paper trail that had to be filed, stored, and eventually disposed of. Industrial computers enable digital tools that can automatically record factors like a machine's output or how frequently it breaks down. With this information, businesses can make more informed decisions about their processes.
Selecting Industrial Computers: What to Look For
Purchasing new equipment is always a complicated process in the industrial sector. After all, you want your computers to last for years to maximize your ROI. When you’re shopping for upgrades, consider these questions above everything else:
Is it within our budget?
Purchasing new computers frequently means purchasing in bulk. No IT department wants to manage ten different models of panel PC for a single assembly line, after all. This means you must find a model that fits your budget, even when purchased as a fleet.
Does it have the features we require?
Every industrial role is different and will have different priorities. An assembly line manager will want an intuitive user interface, while a construction site foreman will want something lightweight and easy to carry. Consult with your end-users to determine what features you need, and ask for demo models you can test.
Is it reliable and secure?
The last thing anyone wants is their fancy new industrial computer breaking down or getting hacked the day you install it. When you’re consulting with computer manufacturers, ask them about the failure rates of their products. If possible, ask about the warranties they offer to cover such issues.
While you’re at it, ask about their cybersecurity measures. With the threat of cybercrimes becoming increasingly prevalent, protection features like access control and data encryption are increasingly important.
Can it be customized to fit our needs?
While having an effective base model is always good, most end-users need a degree of customization to get the most out of an industrial computer. Beefier processors for better performance, integrated barcode and RFID scanners for inventory management, and anti-glare filters for harsh lighting conditions are just some of the optional features an original equipment manufacturer can add to their computers.
Industrial Computers from Cybernet Manufacturing
Success in the industrial sector comes down to who can be smarter, more efficient, and quicker to adapt to changing trends. Integrating industrial-grade computers into workflows lets businesses achieve all of these objectives.
If you’re looking for new industrial computers for your business, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our range of industrial panel PCs, mini PCs, and tablets are ready for any work environment and can be customized to fit your specific needs.