As someone interested in networking and computer security, pfSense is an excellent open-source software solution for building a DIY router.
With pfSense, you have complete control over my network security and configuration and can customize the software to fit your specific needs.
Plus, building a pfSense router using a mini industrial PC is much more cost-effective than purchasing a commercial router.
Not to mention, it’s also a fun DIY project.
You can modify and extend the software to suit your needs. That allowed you to create a router tailored to provide the level of security and performance you need.
In addition to its excellent security features, pfSense has many other valuable features, such as support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and load balancing. Also, you can create a highly flexible and scalable network.
5 Benefits of Using Industrial Mini PC for pfSense router
Compact size:
Industrial mini PCs are significantly smaller than traditional desktop computers, making them a more convenient option for building a router.
Low power consumption:
Industrial mini PCs are designed to be energy-efficient, which can save on power costs.
Ruggedness:
Industrial mini PCs are built to withstand harsh operating conditions, making them well-suited for industrial settings.
Reliability:
Industrial mini PCs are designed for 24/7 operation and are often equipped with fanless cooling and solid-state storage to ensure maximum uptime and reliability.
Flexibility:
Industrial mini PCs are customizable and can be configured with various hardware and software options to suit specific needs.
A Step-by-step guide to DIY pfSense Router using a Mini PC
Step 1: Purchase a mini industrial PC that is compatible with pfSense.
Step 2: Download the pfSense installation image from the pfSense website and burn it to a USB drive.
Step 3: Connect the mini industrial PC to a monitor and keyboard, and insert the USB drive with the pfSense installation image.
Step 4: Power on the mini industrial PC and follow the on-screen instructions to install pfSense.
Step 5: Configure your network settings in pfSense, including assigning static IP addresses and setting up firewall rules.
Step 6: Connect your mini industrial PC to your network by connecting one Ethernet port to your modem and the other to your network switch.
Step 7: Regularly update pfSense and adjust your firewall rules to ensure the best possible protection for your network.
By following these steps, you can easily build your own pfSense DIY router and take control of your network.
Why I Chose a Mini PC to Build My pfSense Router
Building a router with a mini PC has been a rewarding and satisfying experience. It has allowed me to take control of my network security and configuration and has given me the ability to create a router for my specific needs. Plus, it’s been a fun project that taught me much about networking and computer security.
So, you’re trying to figure out what kind of computer would be best for your business, and you happen to work in the industrial sector.
If you’ve been working in the field for some time and are stuck trying to decide which brand or model would be best for your office, you should look here for guidance.
Industrial computers are systems that can accommodate high mobility, broad temperature ranges, harsh working conditions, and chemical resistance.
Installing industrial computers to automate operations or improve productivity is vital for industrial business owners who want to take their factories to the next level by automating processes or increasing efficiency.
How To Choose The Best Industrial Computer
When picking an industrial computer, keep these things in mind:
1. Processing Power
The processing power of the industrial PC should be your first consideration. Make sure it can meet the data processing demands of your company.
Purchasing an industrial PC that can be quickly modified to accommodate future needs is also crucial.
2. Storage
Storage is also a major factor. Make sure your industrial PC has enough storage space for your company’s demands. For example, suppose you need to store a lot of information. A high-capacity industrial computer is what you need in that circumstance.
3. Customization
Industrial computers are customized to fit your company’s unique requirements.
When selecting an industrial computer, it’s important to look for one that can be quickly customized to fit your specific demands. Adding your preferences to the industrial PC will make it more convenient and productive.
4. Support
Support is another important factor to think about when selecting an industrial computer. Choose a provider of industrial computers available around the clock if you need help.
You may receive it immediately whenever you need assistance with your industrial computer.
What Are The Benefits Of Industrial PCs?
An important advantage of industrial PCs is their resistance to the kinds of harsh conditions that would destroy a home computer.
Such conditions are just OK for fanless industrial computers because of their resistance to harsh temperatures, shocks, and vibrations and their ability to function in dusty, dirty surroundings.
What Is The Difference Between An Industrial PC And A Normal PC?
The typical consumer PC is designed to spend its life on a desk in an office, where it will spend eight hours a day operating under relatively benign conditions.
On the other hand, industrial PCs can function in extreme temperatures, far from any power source, and through significant shocks and persistent vibration without failing.
Conclusion
Find an appropriate industrial computer for your company’s needs. There are numerous options available, so it’s up to you to pick the one that works best for your company. However, investing a little time into obtaining the best industrial computer for your company will pay you in the long run.
The power of industrial PCs for AI Automation is undeniable. By uniting the processing power of centralized AI with the flexibility of an edge AI system, you can unleash the potential of your entire operation.
By reducing the need for costly and time-consuming human labor, you can achieve greater efficiency and accuracy in your production line.
One of the essential aspects of AI automation is the industrial PC. An industrial PC is a computer designed for use in industrial and manufacturing environments.
It is rugged and durable, with a fanless design that helps to prevent dust and debris from entering the system. Industrial PCs also have a wide range of I/O ports to connect to various devices, making them perfect for use in AI automation.
If you are looking for an edge AI solution that can handle the most demanding applications, then an industrial PC Links to an external site.is the right choice.
What are Industrial PCs?
Industrial PCs, or industrial personal computers, are a type of computer that is designed for use in harsh industrial environments. They typically have a longer lifecycle than consumer PCs and are designed for 24/7 operation.
These PCs are built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, dust, and other harsh conditions that would damage or destroy a standard PC.
Industrial PCs are used in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more. They are often used in industrial automation applications, such as controlling production line machinery or monitoring factory conditions.
Types of Industrial PCs
Rugged Mini PC
These PCs are designed to withstand tough conditions and are often used in harsh environments. Shock and vibration proof, removable drive bays to meet offsite data retention and storage, in-vehicle power support. Extreme temperature operation and wide range of input power.
Industrial Panel PC
These PCs are typically used in factories and other industrial settings. They are often mounted to a wall or other surface. It’s a Fanless industrial panel PC with a touchscreen interface. IP65, IP66, or IP69K sealed units for waterproof, dustproof operation. Programmable buttons for one-hand maneuvering on a forklift.
Industrial Tablets PC
Their Rugged design tested for shock and vibration resistance. IP65 Sealed enclosure for water and dust resistance. Multi-touch POS device with a barcode scanner, IC card reader, and MSR.
How can Industrial PCs benefit your business?
The benefits of industrial PCs for AI Automation are numerous. They can help you:
Automate and streamline your manufacturing processes.
It increases production speed, reduces errors, and increases the production efficiency.
Eliminate manual work so that your employees can focus on more strategic tasks.
Reduce equipment maintenance costs by eliminating downtime caused by equipment breakdowns.
5 things to check when choosing an Industrial PC for AI Automation
Choosing a suitable industrial PC for AI Automation can be a difficult task. There are many factors to consider, like processing power, graphics capabilities, storage capacity, etc. This article will give you 5 things to look for when choosing an industrial PC for AI Automation.
Processor: It is the heart of the IPC, so it is essential to choose one that is powerful enough to handle your AI applications’ demands.
Memory: AI applications can be memory intensive, so choosing an IPC with enough memory to support your needs is essential.
Storage: You will need to store your AI data somewhere, so choosing an IPC with enough storage capacity is essential.
Graphics card: Another important consideration is the graphics card. AI applications can be very demanding, so you’ll want to ensure that the graphics card can handle the workload.
In conclusion, AI automation is automating tasks that humans would otherwise perform. It can be accomplished by using industrial PCs. Industrial PCs are designed to be rugged and durable, making them ideal for AI applications. They are also powerful to handle the data-intensive workloads required by AI applications.
It’s a common misconception that industrial PCs are similar to conventional PCs, but that’s not true. While conventional PCs come pre-made, industrial PCs are assembled from the ground up by the factories or industries using them.
Industrial PCs are modified for industrial operations, available in different sizes, and used in high temperatures, dusty areas, and even in motor pools. They are known for working 24 hours non-stop without freezing or heating up and requiring almost zero maintenance.
Let’s look at the qualities of industrial PCs that make them suitable for industrial use and why they don’t require any maintenance.
What Are Industrial PCs?
Industrial PCs are computers designed to be used in industrial environments, such as during the manufacturing of goods.
They are made from materials that can withstand extreme dust, heat, and weather conditions, are highly configurable, have a long lifecycle, come with a large memory capacity, and feature a fanless and ventless design.
These PCs can be installed in laboratories, oil refineries, water-treatment plants, and factories. They can also survive falls. For example, if they fall on a concrete floor, their technical components will be okay.
Industrial PCs usually have the latest GPU, motherboard, RAM, graphic card, SSDs, and other technical specifications. For example, an industrial PC might have an Intel Core i9, an NVME SSD, a 3090ti, DDR5 ram sticks, and an MSI motherboard.
What Processes Do They Perform?
Industrial PCs are used to:
Monitor industrial processes
Control entire systems and machine tools
Monitor parameters like pressure or temperature
Supervise machines and tools
Display information relevant to the product being manufactured
Collect data from sensors and transmit it back to a central system
Run solutions on Microsoft Windows.
Industrial PCs vs. Normal PCs
There are several differences between normal and industrial PCs, such as:
Industrial PCs are supposed to run 24/7, while normal PCs are made to run for eight or ten hours a day.
Normal PCs are made from less resilient materials, so they stop running when subjected to extreme environments, such as intense heat or heavy shocks. Industrial PCs, on the other hand, can breeze through six-foot falls and bone-melting heat.
Industrial PCs are protected from water, debris, dust, fire, and shocks. In contrast, normal PCs aren’t; they usually don’t even have dust protection or water-resistant ratings.
Thus, if Industrial PCs are used to perform every function we could imagine, they should require maintenance. So, why don’t they?
Why Don’t Industrial PCs Require Maintenance?
Industrial PCs are robust and resilient. They have more heavy-duty technological components. So, they provide higher performance, are longer-lasting, and are more robust compared to conventional PCs.
However, their higher-quality components and stronger performance don’t mean they don’t require any maintenance at all. In fact, they do require yearly outer-body cleanings and a part change when needed — but that’s rare.
Therefore, industrial PCs don’t require regular maintenance; in fact, you can forget about these PCs for months on end, and they won’t suffer any problems. Why? Because they’re built to last.
Industrial PCs have a form factor between a nettop and a server rack and are used to produce products and services. Industrial PCs are higher dependable and precise standards and are generally more expensive than consumer electronics. In addition, IPCs often use complex instruction sets, such as x86, where reduced instruction sets such as ARM would otherwise be used.
Industrial PCs are well built-in in nature and are more useful in an industrial environment, which protects them from dust, water, debris (spoilage), fire, shock, or vibration.
Application
Industrial PCs’ primary work is to process control or data acquisition. In some cases, an industrial PC is used as a front-end to another control computer in a distributed processing environment.
Industrial PCs offer multiple features in terms of reliability, compatibility, expansion options, and long-term supply.
Manufacturing
Sturdy Industrial PCs are the best hardware platform for large-scale manufacturing that exceeds the labor limitations of the average human workforce. Machine automation has done what the internet did for a large number of products for communication. Having had a shaky start in its infancy, many manufacturers heavily rely upon industrial PC systems, not just for machine vision and robot guidance but also for the ability to collect valuable and important data from machinery and equipment for preventive maintenance and service, keeping them running and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure.
Packaging Inspection and Quality Control:
Another major application of IPC in manufacturing is the vision-controlled quality assurance that works much faster and with greater accuracy, which humans cannot do. Using machine vision and packaging inspection systems, manufacturers and food packaging plants automate the quality assurance of their products at a great speed.
Asset Tracking:
The industry has begun to rely heavily upon industrial PCs. Retail and healthcare sectors have also implemented industrial PC hardware into their everyday operations and functions due to their ability to track and monitor assets and processes for inconsistencies and anomalies. This tracking assets process can be done more precisely and efficiently both on-site and remotely.
Simulation and Control:
Powerful processors are used on Industrial PC platforms to imitate and create simulations of potential real-world scenarios. This enables enhanced insights for analyzing and detecting risks, predicting further possibilities, and testing systems within any organization.
Remote Data Collection:
Data is important in the era of computerization, automation, and the Internet of Things. For example, remote IoT sensors can send and receive data about the use of remote machinery, tools, hardware, and other connected devices, which allows operators that deploy them to receive actionable data about operational processes, equipment fatigue, and overall performance. This data allows and assists control systems in knowing when to regulate the power to equipment, trigger actuators, adjust the temperature or pressure controls, and perform other operational functions extremely precisely.
Industrial PC a computer for industrial application. Industrial purposes such as production of services or goods. Industrial PCs have greater reliability and industry standards and typically cost more than consumer grade computers.
Industrial PCs are characteristically designed with components selected to withstand harsh and trying conditions. Encased within rugged housing, the internal components are housed within controlled environments.
Common Features:
Solid state, fanless cooling
Metal construction and enclosures
Mountable enclosures (such as VESA wall mount, panel mount)
Expansion card retention
Watchdog times for automatic system reset
Extreme operating temperature ranges, including freezing and scorching temperatures
Robust power supply
IP Ratings, such as dust proof, water resistant, immersion proof
Sealed connectors, MIL-SPEC or Circular-MIL
Heavy-duty controls and screens
Controlled access to the controls through the use of locking doors
Controlled access to the I/O through the use of access covers
Industrial PC Manufacturing
Industrial PCs are manufactured in smaller quantities.
Industrial PC Applications
Industrial PCs are used in virtually all industrial applications including outdoor kiosks, indoor farming, correctional facilities, self-driving vehicles, schools, fast-food restaurants, fitness centers, and airports.
Tangent offers specialized computers ideal for indoor and greenhouse farming. Humidity, dust, liquids, chemicals, extreme temperature and 24hr redundancy are some of the elements that industrial computers by Tangent were designed to provide.
Engineered for Indoor and Greenhouse Farming
Industry-specific computers have been custom engineered with components able to physically withstand environmental demands. The Vita KW industrial computer operates at temperatures between 32° – 95°F and humidity levels of 20% – 85% non-condensing, making it a versatile unit perfect for several crops and regions. While our S Series industrial computers offer operation in harsher environments with operating temperatures of 32 – 104°F and humidity levels of 10% – 90% non-condensing.
Configured for Peripherals
Tangent industrial computers like the Vita KW and S Series make monitoring easier with widescreen options. Comfortable viewing options allow end users to view and display automation data and make adjustments from their fingertips. Modern greenhouse sensors can detect the following: moisture, humidity, pump flow, temperature, PH, PPM meters for liquid fertilizers and additive chemicals. Adjustments to levels and equipment are then made to ensure the crop is at optimal levels necessary. With multiple port options, sensors requiring ethernet and USB connections can be configured to the industrial computers with ease. Optional Intel Wireless AC-7260 & Bluetooth configurations allow for the computers to connect to wireless devices. Wired or wireless, greenhouse and indoor farming staff make lighting adjustments, schedule automated irrigation and regulate temperature all from one industrial computer.
External connectors are bypassed with a variety of ports including USB, serial (rs232) or RJ45. Indoor and greenhouse farmers may be able to avoid the need for additional switches and USB hubs, with 4 ethernet ports that can act like individual ports, switch or network sharing, and over 6 USB ports and legacy ports like LPT1.
Compatible Touchscreens
Indoor farmers actively work to keep chemical and water levels balanced. This may be in the form of adding liquid fertilizer or manually adjusting a sprinkler system. Tangent Vita KW and S Series computers make the job easier with PCAP Multi-Touch screen options. Sensitive enough for a gloved hand or a bare hand, greenhouse farmers can come back to their unit while actively maintaining their greenhouse. The KW and S Series offer touchscreens made for gloves, including latex, nitrile, garden and work gloves. The touchscreen uses a pressure sensitive array of micro sensors vs common capacitive technology, allowing the screen to function when wet or dirty.
What’s more is that the Vita KW and S series industrial computers are enclosed in stainless steel chassis with a IP67 or IP54 rating (depending on which model you choose). Spraying down and cleaning the unit clean is an easy process requiring zero downtime.
Dust-Friendly Units
Greenhouse growers must also carefully maintain soil levels making sure there is enough moisture and replacing or adding medium where necessary. Greenhouse growers may need to add more top soil, coco, or wool rock. The process of medium adjustment often creates a dusty environment. Tangent’s Vita KW and S Series computers are fanless yielding redundant operation eliminating the risk of the unit getting clogged by dust. Industrial computers with fans for cooling suck in air which makes them susceptible to performance failure in environments of air debris. Tangent’s Vita KW and S Series industrial computers provide fanless cooling technology. A copper and aluminum solid-state heat pump efficiently and silently moves the heat away from critical chips on the motherboard, including the CPU and chipset. A cooling design ideal for greenhouse growers.
Nighttime Performance
Tangent’s KW and S Series computers are equipped with a back-lit, dimmable LCD screen making nighttime monitoring optically comfortable. Powered by a power adapter, these units provide 24/7 operation for day and evening use.
Tangent’s industrial computers feature all the specifications needed for optimal greenhouse operation. View our indoor farming computers here: VITA KW and S SERIES
The office environment is a controlled one. An office has air conditioning, is constantly cleaned, and would never have large industrial equipment in it. Commercial computers fit well into these sorts of environments. But just like you would never see industrial equipment inside an office, you ideally would never see commercial computers in an industrial workplace. The dynamic and ever-changing landscape of a factory, meat processing plant, or other industrial facility demands equipment that is suited for rougher environments. One of these demands is for shock resistance. A good industrial PC needs to be shock resistant so that it can perform in any situation.
Why An Industrial PC Needs To Be Shock Resistance
There are many situations that call for a shock resistant Industrial PC. Think about all the vehicles your facility employs, whether they be cranes or forklifts or even tractors: they all face situations that typical commercial vehicles could not handle. This may be a bumpy road — or no road at all. In any case, the computer you use in these vehicles also has to be able to withstand these conditions.
In areas like foundries where metals are cast, there are many routine operations that cause a great deal of shockwaves to be emitted. Over time, these shockwaves can cause damage to the delicate components used in traditional computers. By using an industrial PC with shock resistance, this damage can be avoided and your computers can last longer.
Vibration Resistance Is Also Crucial
Of course, shocks are only one part of the equation. Shock resistance refers to an object’s ability to take on a sudden force of acceleration. But what about constant, small forces? That’s where Vibration resistance comes in. Your industrial vehicles, even when being pelted by debris, may experience vibrations that could cause harm to standard commercial computers.
By using an industrial PC built with vibration resistance, these threats can be eliminated. An industrial PC built with an SSD amplifies this protection. SSDs, unlike disk-based HDDs, have no moving parts in them. They can withstand far more punishing environments than HDDs, and make their computer far more resilient.
Industrial PCs That Are Shock And Vibration Resistant
Rugged Mini E3 Industrial Computer
Of course, not every industrial PC has high shock resistance and vibration. However, many from Tangent’s lineup of industrial computers do. An industrial PC like the Rugged E3 from Tangent has both forms of resistance. The E3 is perfect for use in industrial vehicles of all varieties. Its small form factor allows it to fit in any small nook that your vehicles may have, and its extensive power options ensure there’s always an outlet for it. Outside of vehicles, Tangent’s S series is the perfect all-in-one Industrial PC with shock and vibration resistance. It can be mounted on any VESA 100 mount, and has a touchscreen for easy use.
S Series Of Industrial Computers
Worry Less About Damaging Your Computers With Tangent
Your facility has no doubt gone through changes since the beginning of the pandemic. Now is the time to consider what other changes can help keep your facility running smoothly. An industrial PC from Tangent will help it do just that. For more information, contact Tangent Sales today.
Bottlenecks in shipping have affected consumers and producers alike. With current trends, the supply chain crisis is unlikely to resolve in the near term. Everything from cars to computers is facing delays in production in one form or another. During times like these, companies across all sectors need reliable tools that they can depend on. With a supply chain crisis, there is simply no sense in risking further delays in production with fault equipment. Industrial PCs have become a common fixture in many industries. But when was the last time your company audited and upgraded its equipment? As demand once again surges to pre-pandemic levels, now is the time to sort out upgrading your facility with the latest industrial PCs to ensure it emerges from this crisis in fighting shape.
But not every brand of industrial PCs is building equipment that will last your facility for years. Many computers are designed with either low-impact resistant materials, small operating temperature ranges, or lacking in ports. Tangent industrial PCs are built for a wide range of applications, all while performing in nearly any environment.
Industrial PCs: Variety Of Form Factors
One of the most valuable resources any industrial facility has is its square footage. Factories can only produce as much as they have room for. Oil rigs are notoriously cramped spaces as well. Making the most out of every square foot is crucial to increasing productivity. Tangent understands this and has designed their lineup of industrial PCs to fit in nearly every space.
VITA KW Line Of Industrial Computers
Not every location is suitable for a full desk setup. Yet, a computer may be extremely necessary in an area with limited space. Small form factor industrial PCs like the VITA K22 from Tangent are perfect for these situations. The Vita K22 does not require a mouse or keyboard to operate with its touchscreen. With standard VESA mounting, the K22 can be placed in nearly any environment.
Instead of having to rely on a far away control center, workers can check up on an area’s equipment by using a wall mounted industrial PC like the Vita K22. This computer can also run Android, meaning it is compatible with Android specific applications.
Other industrial PCs offer even smaller form factors. The Mini E3 V2 from Tangent offers all the power of a desktop computer in a tiny package. The E3 is a mere 3.15 inches tall, and around the width of a small laptop. This industrial PC can be placed in nearly any situation, and makes a great in-vehicle computer.
Industrial PCs: Built Tough
While job sites take safety seriously as priority these days, safety for industrial PCs is a whole different matter. Standard PCs that are used in offices and homes do not have to be built to withstand industrial conditions. On an oil rig, there is the constant threat of water seeping into a computer. In factories, shaking and drops are a routine occurrence.
A good industrial PC needs to be able to survive in a variety of environments with damage to the unit. Tangent’s industrial grade PCs are built with all working environments in min. The Mini E3 is designed with an extruded aluminum enclosure complete with heavy duty metal. This casing, combined with its advanced design, allows it to withstand 50 G, half sine, 11 ms of shock and 5 Grms, 5- 500 Hz, 0.5 hr/axis worth of vibration. The E3 can be used in a variety of situations where moving parts routinely cause damage to PCs.
Many of Tangent’s industrial PCs feature shock and vibration resistance. These features also make them perfect for use in large industrial vehicles, as their constant movement won’t be a problem for the PCs.
Industrial PCs: Fanless and fanned chassis design.
Many industrial sites make use of materials that produce dust, or exist in areas where dust is routinely kicked up. While your workers have masks and other PPE to protect them from dust, what about your industrial PCs? Many computers utilize a fan-based cooling system. This cooling system circulates air throughout the body of the computer in order to keep its delicate components cool enough to function properly. However, in order to feed air into these fans, these computers require ventilation.
In an area where dust is common, this simply won’t do. PCs would be breaking down constantly as they filled up with debris. That’s why Tangent’s industrial PCs make use of a fanless cooling system. This system utilizes passive cooling technology to keep the computer running at a cool temperature. Because there is no fan, these units do not need ventilation and are protected from dust at all times.
This not only prevents the industrial PCs from overheating, but also saves maintenance costs and time as well. Your IT department will not have to routinely dust these computers nearly as often, and can instead focus their efforts elsewhere.
Maximum Water And Dust Resistance
Dust of course is not the only environmental enemy that your industrial PCs face. Water exposure is a constant threat to any form of electronics. Just a few drops can take out an entire computer, and halt a facility’s operations. In an industrial environment, liquids can appear from any number of sources entirely by accident. Industrial PCs need to be built with this in mind.
Rugged Mini O Industrial Computer
That’s where the Rugged Mini O comes in. The Rugged Mini O features an entirely closed off enclosure that keeps water out, and your computer operating. The Rugged Mini O features all the IO ports that your facility requires, but with plugs to keep them safe from water. This industrial PC meets the highest IP standard possible for water and dust protection. This IP69K rating means that this industrial PC provides protection against ingress of dust and high temperature and high pressure water.
The Rugged Mini O is perfect for applications like in food processing plants. There, it can be hit with high pressure hoses without worry of damage. This industrial PC can also find a home on oil rigs where water routinely splashes up to the platform. It features a mounting system to fit it in multiple locations as well.
Extreme Temperature Operation Comes Standard
Extreme weather events are becoming more common with each passing day. One rarely talked about weather event is heat waves. Heat waves have become more common, but are seldom tracked in the same way that other weather occurrences are. Still, as temperatures rise, the industrial sector will need to adapt. Their equipment will need to also.
Most industrial PCs cannot handle high temperatures, and for good reason. Computers in general fail to operate at high temperatures. Too long at these temperatures, and the PC’s CPU can sustain serious long term damage. They need advanced cooling systems in order to fend off extreme heat.
The Rugged Mini O features such a cooling system. It can operate in areas up to 140°F. Most industrial facilities rarely get this hot, but can quickly become far too overheated for standard computers. Other facilities can routinely reach these temperatures. In either case, the Rugged Mini O provides ease of mind in knowing that your facility can function even in extreme heat.
Sometimes however, just the opposite is needed. In refrigerated facilities, extreme cold resistance is needed for computers. Just a dash of humidity in a refrigerated facility can cause ice crystals to form inside a computer. When the computer thaws out, the ice can turn into water and damage the unit.
Industrial PCs like the Rugged Mini C1 from Tangent can be used in temperatures as low as -40°F without damage to the unit. This makes it perfect for use in freezing areas in meat or food processing plants. It can be used directly inside these areas and connect directly to in use machinery.
Reduce Down Time
One area that industrial facilities need to be mindful of when purchasing new industrial PCs is their support services. While it may seem trivial, the last thing you want is for your industrial PCs to stop working, and your IT department to be on hold with the supplier for hours. These sorts of delays are only exacerbated by the supply chain crises, and can cost your company in both time and money.
Tangent offers extensive warranties for all of their industrial PCs. This warranty ensures that your computers work as intended and meet our rigorous standards. We also back these industrial PCs up with an extensive support network.
Any time there is an issue with a Tangent industrial PC, your IT department can call Tangent’s support hotline for assistance. Tangent agents are based in California, and are intimately acquainted with all of Tangent’s industrial PCs. They understand the importance of reducing a facility’s downtime, and will work tirelessly with your team to get your system operational.
When there are no crises, this hotline is still available for routine maintenance and care advice, as well as general technical inquiries your IT team may have. The best part? Tangent’s crackshot team of support professionals are available on a 24/7 basis. Tangent knows that an emergency can strike in a moment’s notice, any time of the day. We want to ensure that whenever — and we mean whenever — there is an issue with one of our industrial PCs, that we take care of it immediately.
Extensive IO Port Options
Just because Tangent’s lineup of Industrial PCs feature small form factors, doesn’t mean they sacrifice in their usability. Tangent’s industrial computers are designed to be used in a variety of applications. This means that they need to be adaptable and compatible with a range of different peripherals and applications.
Industrial PCs like the Rugged Mini C1 feature a plethora of IO ports for all of your peripheral needs. It features 4 DB9 serial ports that are perfect for all of your legacy equipment needs. Many industrial facilities are making use of technology that is still highly efficient, but features outdated cables. Instead of having to work through a mountain of adapters, the C1 can connect directly to these devices.
The C1 also features 8 USB ports. 4 of these ports are USB 3.0, and can handle high-data transfer cables to provide lightning fast responses. 4 are USB 2.0 and fully compatible with USB 2.0 devices. The C1 also has 2 HDMI ports, making it perfect for situations where dual displays are not just desired, but needed.
Tangent: Here Today And Tomorrow
The challenges facing the global economy are expected to be around a bit longer. As your production lines try to keep up with demand, now is the time to ensure that when the supply chain gets back into shape, you are ready. Tangent’s industrial PCs are perfect for upgrading your oil processing facility, refrigerated warehouse, or general industrial space. For more information, contact Tangent Sales today.
Pharmacies are one of the most important areas in any hospital. While doctors help diagnose patients and recommend medication, it is the pharmacy where these efforts come to a head. However some pharmacists are still lacking in the tools they need to do their job safely and efficiently. Medical grade PCs can help your pharmacists with reading prescriptions, keeping track of inventory, and more.
Electronic Prescriptions That Prevent Error
A widely cited study in the Journal of the Royal Society Of Medicine found that 15% of studied clinical histories were illegible. Doctors no doubt had the best intentions while writing these clinical histories. However, the fact remains that handwriting leaves room for error. This is especially true for prescriptions. If a patient receives a handwritten prescription and gives it to their hospital pharmacy, there is the chance of the pharmacist misinterpreting it.
Tangent E24B Medical Computer
This can have disastrous consequences for both patients and hospitals. Doctors and Pharmacists can cut down on this margin of error by using medical grade PCs to transfer prescriptions. Doctors can use medical grade PCs like the E24B from Tangent to safely send medication recommendations to their hospital’s pharmacy. After that, Pharmacy technicians receive the prescription through their own computer in a completely legible format.
Easy Access To Patient Medical Information
Your doctors have access to their patient’s medical history, and so should your pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians can access relevant medical information from their medical grade PCs. The M24T from Tangent features a touchscreen. Technicians can use this touchscreen to quickly view patient information, making sure that they are giving their patients relevant advice.
Tangent M24T Medical Computer
All medical grade PCs from Tangent feature these touchscreens. These touchscreens are fully sanitizable, and can be cleaned with regular detergents found in the hospital.
Medical PCs That Work With POS Devices
Inventory tracking can be a hassle, especially in the pharmacy. Nowhere else is the level of precision expected as high as it is in the pharmacy, and for good reason. One small mistake can lead to potentially monumental consequences for a patient. Pharmacy technicians perform pill counting and inventory management, but their medical grade PC can help.
T-13 Medical Tablet from Tangent
Medical grade PCs like the T13 from Tangent are designed to interact with POS systems. The T13 comes with an optional barcode scanner, and can even act as a POS system with the right software. This computer can help keep track of inventory, keep track of payments, and keep a digital record of patient drug usage.
Handling Drug Information With Medical PCs
Knowing Drug information is one of the primary tasks of a pharmacy technician. They need to be able to tell patients the ins and outs of a medication, including how to use it and the possible side effects. While the information that regularly comes with medication can provide knowledge to your technicians, the use of medical grade PCs offers entirely new insights for them.
Tangent Medix M8
Medical grade PCs like the M8 tablet can be a great tool for your pharmacy technicians. This handheld medical device displays information while being able to fit in the palms of your technicians.
Bring Your Pharmacy Into The Future
Medical grade PCs are revolutionizing healthcare by making hospital staff more efficient and giving them access to the medical information they need. Don’t neglect any department in your hospital’s digital revolution, including your pharmacy. For more information, contact Tangent Sales today.
