Category: Industrial Computers

all-in-one PC

All-In-One-PCs On The Automotive Assembly Line

Michelle

The automobile industry famously pioneered the assembly line, and since then has constantly innovated the manufacturing process of automobiles. In the information age, this innovation can be seen in the increasingly-computerized factory floor’s ability to produce cars with maximum efficiency. However, outdated or mismatched industrial computers can have the reverse effect on a factory, slowing down the assembly line and robbing the floor of productivity.

 

That’s where All-In-One PCs from Tangent can make the difference, providing factories with a standardized approach to computing. With All-In-One PCs, every computer in a factory can be the same model, from logistics control systems to RFID scanners. Having standardized industrial computers on the factory floor means that workers operating multiple stations throughout the day won’t have to readjust every time they encounter a new computer. Instead, workers can move confidently from station to station without any hiccups, improving efficiency dramatically.

 

The factory floor can be a harsh environment, and it may seem as though All-In-One PCs can’t take the punishment required of an industrial computer. But the All-In-One PCs from Tangent not only meet the standards set by industrial computers, they exceed them. For instance, the R14 All-In-One PC from Tangent not only features military grade shock resistance, but IP65 water resistance. The R14 All-In-One PC also comes with a magnesium alloy casing, making it 33% lighter than traditional aluminum housed industrial computers, but just as durable. The R14 clocks in at a mere 4.3 pounds, this lightweightness coupled with an up-to 18 hour battery life means that workers can rely on the R15 to be both an ergonomic and lasting tool for their entire work day.

 

All-In-One PC
                      Tangent’s R14 All-In-One PC 

 

For areas with minimal worker movement, the VITA KW All-In-One PC line from Tangent provides a mounted industrial computer solution. The VITA KW line sports four different sized computers, ensuring that no matter the size of a work area, there will be room for a Tangent All-In-One PC. When equipped with the RFID reading module, the VITA KW line can process automotive parts moving around the factory without needing outside peripherals to do so. The VITA KW line also sports impressively durable touch screens that are rated for IP65 water resistance, ensuring that the ease of access workers come to expect with the R14 line of tablets will be met by the VITA KW line.

 

Both the R14 and VITA KW line All-In-One PCs come with one year warranties and 24/7 United States based technical support. No matter the time of day, if there is ever a problem on the factory floor, it  can be immediately resolved with the least impact on productivity. When it comes to creating or updating an assembly line, Tangent All-In-One PCs provide the computing power and durability necessary to make it an efficient one.

Maintain a Healthy Workforce with Tangent

Michelle

Promoting clean and sanitary work areas isn’t just incredibly impactful in medical settings. Illness costs US employers $530 billion per year in lost productivity, per a 2018 report from the Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI).  Thomas Parry, IBI’s President says that the cost of poor health to employers is greater than the combined revenues of Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, eBay and Adobe. Although illness and sick days are inevitable in a workforce, there are measures that businesses can take to mitigate the spread of germs and infection in their offices. Tangent offers several solutions to bolster healthy habits and reduce easily preventable ailments.

The L24 24” all-in-one desktop computer is the latest offering from Tangent’s business computer series. Being an all-in-one system already cuts down on cluttered desktop space and dust gathering on components and cables. Unlike most desktop computers, the all-in-one PC is treated with an antimicrobial coating that helps prevent the spread of bacteria and the growth of mold spores. The coating has the added benefit of preventing degradation of the plastic materials, giving the computer’s enclosure a longer life and the resilience to stand regular cleaning.  Speaking of cleaning, this all-in-one PC’s enclosure is also rated at an IP65 level of protection against water and dust intrusion. The screen can be sprayed with sanitizer and wiped down without any adverse effects. The L24 comes with both touch and non-touch screen models to best suit business needs. For those requiring touchscreen, the ability to thoroughly clean the screen is monumental to healthy utilization.

Businesses that prefer a traditional mouse and keyboard setup will also need antimicrobial protection and disinfection. For those use cases, Tangent offers antimicrobial, washable keyboards and mice. Most workplaces don’t give a second thought to all the bacteria, old food, and grime on these peripheral devices, but they can be the difference between a productive day or someone calling out. These antimicrobial treated items are an excellent complement to the L24 all-in-one PC.

If a business only has a few antimicrobial protected all-in-one systems deployed but wants to apply protection to their remaining systems, Tangent also has a solution for that. SmartShield is a spray that provides an invisible antimicrobial barrier on computers and components for up to 90 days. It’s easy to apply, eco-friendly, binds safely to any surface, and sets in 3-5 minutes. It’s a wonderful temporary work around until the organization can invest in fully protected all-in-one PC solutions that don’t need to be re-sprayed every few months. It’s quite brilliant how easy it is to prevent illness in an office setting simply by providing computer equipment that will combat infection. It’s an investment that will boost business productivity and have a healthier, happier workforce.

Sticking With What’s Important

Michelle

The big buzz in tech news this week is an audacious and eyebrow raising product release from Apple. That’s not surprising coming from a company known for their high dollar gadgets and phones, but they really seem to have outdone themselves this time. For just $999, the world can own a new Apple monitor stand. Yes, just the stand. That’s right, it’s just a simple looking monitor stand with no features for a thousand dollars. I can only imagine that purchasers of it are going to be by those just aching to burn cash, but it’s really an unbelievably exorbitant and highly unnecessary expense for intelligent, serious business owners trying to run their operations efficiently. For that kind of money, you can get an equally good stand, a great monitor, and a brilliant industrial mini computer that will provide performance and reliability for years.

The Tangent Mini X industrial mini PC is as well suited to the factory floor as it is to the medical mobile cart or the office cubicle. At just a hair over two pounds, this ultra-slim industrial PC incredibly still has all the features, capabilities and I/O ports of a standard sized PC. As Apple touts their elegant looks, the Tangent Mini X’s setup also keeps a workstation area clean and saves on space. This is important for call centers with small cubicles, car computer installations, or any area that is short on room. Fanless operation paired with solid state hard drives means there are no moving internal parts that can potentially fail. The industrial PC has a sealed, ventless design that reduces all intrusion by dust, dirt, or liquids.Tangent has also included the newest ultra mobile processor, TPM 2.0 support, and up to 16GB of memory.

Tangent’s industrial mini PCs are power, longevity, and innovation packaged in an industrial grade aluminum and steel chassis PC that is largely out of sight in a work area. Apple is great at generating talk and theatrics, but the show does end, the sticker shock does set in, and many learn that there are more important things than a fancy brand’s name on their equipment.

mini pc

Ports Ports Ports!

Michelle

The Tangent E2 industrial mini PC is a literal lightweight at 4.6lbs and a petite 7.28″ x 7.75″ x 2.26″ frame, so it is shocking that there are over 21 input/output ports packed into it. Not only are they plentify, some are brightly colored for ease of use in the dark. Why in the world would one need that? For the many in-vehicle applications this like mini PC can offer, of course! From news vans, to stretch limos, to mobile clinics, the E2 can provide the computing power of a PC several times larger than it with the same reliability and performance. A limousine needs to be able to run both video and audio throughout its cavernous cabin while maintaining a sleek presentation that’s free of cables. A mobile clinic needs assured uptime and application speed to enter patient data.

A big consideration for in-vehicle computers is shock and vibration. Your standard off-the-shelf PC will clatter itself to death in a shaky car. Tangent’s industrial grade mini PCs have shock and vibration protection built into the enclosure and all the internals are purpose built to reduce movement. A solid state hard drive and the unique fanless casing ensure that there is no moving parts to break apart during operation. With stability precautions secured, the industrial PC can wow with its other capabilities. Two video ports provide for dual work monitors or flip-down entertainment monitors. Internet connectivity is achieved via an optional Intel wireless and bluetooth module and 2 wired LAN ports. Four USB ports offer connectivity for most any peripheral and the mic in/line out ports cover all the audio line needs. For serial components needing a solid and reliable connection, there are four DB9 Serial RS232 COM ports.

These industrial mini computers are no lightweight in terms of capability and utility. It’s a good thing that they are so durable and low maintenance. With their diminutive size, it’s easy tuck them away in tight vehicle cabin spaces without a worry about damage or having to fish them out for regular repairs. And with the varying types of power that can be encountered in a vehicle, Tangent made sure that the E-series mini PCs can be plugged into a wide range of voltages starting as low as 9 VDC and as high as 48 VDC. It really feels like they thought about all the variables involved with in-car computer applications and challenges.

A Tablet to Fit Industrial Tasks

Michelle

The job requirements for an industrial refinery’s quality control inspector are understandably  hefty. They are required to monitor mechanical works in progress and evaluate completed work to ensure compliance with applicable codes and safety standards. In their work day, they are often on-site reviewing and comparing mechanical drawings for code compliance and for requirements on piping, pressure valves or other hardware repairs. This is a challenging enough job from behind a desk, but quality control inspectors are expected to work outdoors and in inclement weather conditions, as well as to wear fire-retardant clothing and personal protective equipment such as steel-toe shoes, ear and eye protection. The hazardous environment of a refinery requires heavy precautions and experienced workers using the right tools to complete their job. As they need proper attire, inspectors also need similarly protected industrial grade computer equipment in their role.

With a hand-held industrial grade tablet computer, an inspector can actively pull up blueprints and requirements while looking at plant infrastructure, fabricated and welded parts, worker processes, take pictures of questionable or old pipe fittings, red flag components,  complete QA reports and sign off on work. The industrial grade quality of the tablet is important to ensure that it can hold up to the harsh environment, constant movement, and perform to the degree needed.

The Tangent R10 10” industrial tablet has a rugged exterior design that is tested to handily withstand drops of up to four feet. It has PCAP multi-touch, an IP65 rating to prevent water, dust, ash or other contaminant ingress into the computer, and is fanless to also prevent harmful internal buildup. The R10 goes above and beyond other tablets with an optional combo data input accessory that offers smart card, MSR, and fingerprint reader that can be extremely useful for quick and secure access. It also has F1 & F2 programmable keys for fast, and repeatable actions which is useful for an inspector to mark items as pass or not pass on a checklist, or switch between forms, applications or drawings.industrial tablet

This industrial grade tablet’s internal components can be customized to suit the performance and storage needs of its purpose, and it has an optional desk charging stand so the tablet can be used with a full size monitor in the office and immediate be on the go again. Utility, durability, and flexibility can make all the difference in the effectiveness of a quality control inspector, and that has a huge impact on the safety and compliance record of an industrial operation.

medical computers

Doing A Whole Lot With Very Little (Computers)

Michelle

To most hourly employees, the work time clock is an annoying, but necessary evil. To payroll departments, it’s the most essential tool in the galaxy. And to IT departments, it’s something that needs to be available in lots of places around the company floor but also, out of the way. Most modern time clock stations are comprised of a touchscreen monitor, a badge card swiper, and some sort of computer system. In the spirit of space saving, many opt for a small form factor computer that sits on the back of the monitor but there are even more steps that can be taken to have a system that is reliable, long-lasting, practically imperceptible, and industrial quality. We all know that it quickly becomes nightmare when people can’t clock in and out. Tangent’s rugged, industrial mini computers are the perfect fit for such an application, especially if they need to accommodate even more functionality and environments harsher than a corporate office.  

The Tangent Rugged Mini Q industrial mini computer is considered an ultra mini form factor and comes with a surprising amount of features despite its diminutive size. The industrial mini computer has fanless cooling and mSATA solid state drive storage. Without any fans or moving disks to wear out and fail, the computer will have a longer usable lifespan and 24/7 uptime. This is key to applications that need to be at the ready at all times. An optional wireless card and antennas allow for fewer cables running to the system, which is great for kiosks that are wall mounted. At less than 5 inches in length and a weight of 1.35lbs, this ultra mini computer will barely be noticeable anywhere it is installed or mounted.

Rugged Mini Computer
Rugged Mini S

For a mini form factor industrial computer with a little more processing punch, the Rugged Mini S has an Intel 6th Generation Core series processor, Intel HD Graphics card, and up to 32GB of ram. Instead of just a time clock, you can have several other apps running like Office for shared calendars and email, perhaps guest check-in and forms software, office directories, or flash games for young clients in waiting rooms. Like the Rugged Q, this industrial grade mini computer system is also fan and disc free, can connect to wifi and be tucked away seamlessly behind a mounted monitor. And this is just two examples of the types of things that mini computers can do, and two of many types of mini computers that Tangent offers. From mundane repetitive tasks to processor heavy tasks, there’s an ultra mini industrial computer that can readily comply for many years.

There’s Small, and Then There’s Mini

Michelle

Picture a small desktop computer in your mind. Even today, they are fair sized rectangular boxes that take up a considerable amount of space on the desk or underneath it. Now picture a mini PC… Is it just a tad smaller than the desktop? With Tangent’s line of industrial rugged mini PCs, you’d have to imagine quite a bit to approach the reality of their diminutive size and the fact that they are still full featured PCs.

rugged mini PC

Tangent’s Rugged Mini O PC is a fascinating little computer with a fully stainless steel and waterproof housing that is rated at an IP69K.  Because of its threaded sealed ports, external devices plugged into the ports will not introduce water or dust into the unit. The mini PC also has plugs for the ports when they are not being utilized to ensure protection from water and contaminants. A solid state drive and passive fanless cooling technology make the mini PC a perfect candidate for work areas that require extremely sanitary conditions, areas where dirt or high moisture is common, or any industrial environment where space or contamination is a concern. It’s a great PC for places like the Los Amigos Biological Station in the jungles of the Amazon in Peru, or even at an outdoor venue in Hilo, Hawaii where rain is a near daily occurrence.

RUGGED MINI

For those needing a computer in the most compact of spaces, the Rugged  Mini L2 PC is one of the slimmest of them all. This super mini PC weighs a paltry amount at just over five pounds, with a thickness of just 1.3 inches. It can easily be mounted underneath a desk, in a luxury car, on industrial vehicles, in AV closets for conferences rooms, and anywhere that has limited room but still requires a reliable and durable computer.  Even with it’s tiny size, the L2 mini PC still manages to provide 12 I/O ports including 3 display ports and 4 USB ports. The PC can accommodate wireless internet access, 16GB of memory, 2TB of storage and has shock and vibration resistance. It’s hard to believe all of these features fits in such a small computer.

Rugged Mini E3

So the Mini O is great for those needing a water tight system, and the L2 is a perfect fit in tight spaces, but what about extreme temperature environments like the cold of the frozen north or the heat of the desert?  The Rugged Mini E2 PC was constructed to easily withstand extreme temperatures from -40°F to 158°F. Protection for -40°F may seem like overkill, but just this year, those temperatures were recorded in the high north of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and that’s a normal winter temperature in very remote places like Grise Fjord, Nunavut, Canada. The temperature rating makes sense in a place like that, but what benefits would a mini PC have there? The housing in Grise Fjord is quite sparse and small; even the airport is considered more of a shelter than a terminal, so aviation and computer equipment all have to be as compact as possible. In our world and in business, there are a great variety of environments that require specialized equipment to survive and succeed.

Fanless Computer

No Dust Bunnies This Easter…

Michelle

No Dust Bunnies This Easter…

 

Finding dust build up inside a fan-cooled computer is like finding traffic in LA. It’s always there no matter how much you try to avoid it. Thousands of hours of fan-driven air movement and electrostatic charges make the internals of a PC or laptop a prime dust magnet. From a functional perspective, collected dust, dirt, hair and debris sucked into the computer can cause overheating by insulating vital components and blocking vents. When intake vents get clogged up, the exhaust fans will pull air through every other hole in the case, eventually clogging them with dust and fuzz particles as well.

 

What does all this dust being circulated around mean for the world outside the computer? Anyone with allergies knows that it means an absolutely miserable day. In a work or hospital setting, the amount of lint and filth floating around from computer fans can be potentially harmful, especially to those experiencing compromised health situations. So how does one ensure better air quality and clean PC internals when considering computer systems for an office? An industrial or medical grade fanless computer from Tangent will absolutely hit that mark.

 

Most every computer that Tangent produces operates completely fanless and without any moving parts. Fanless cooling is achieved through conduction, or passive cooling, techniques along with processing components that give off less heat.  Modern CPUs can run with less power than before and at a cooler rate. Solid state hard drives have no moving parts and therefore are immensely cooler than standard disc hard drives. The LED backlit LCDs on the fanless computers also have low power consumption and heat output, and the cast aluminum or stainless steel chassis casings absorb any internal heat and dissipates it like a heat sink. Fanless computers save on power, reduce all computer noise, and do not circulate dust and contaminants.

Fanless Industrial Computer
Fanless F15 Industrial Computer

Tangent’s professional fanless computer lines, the medical grade T, C, and E series, or the industrial grade KW and S series are the culmination of decades of advances in technology to reduce power consumption, increase speed, maximize durability and reliability, and provide a safe, clean working environment for its users. So much effort has gone into packing Tangent’s fanless computers with tons of features and options while still ensuring that they won’t overheat or fail. Many consumer grade PCs and laptops are moving towards a fanless model, but unless high quality components and construction are employed, as with industrial grade computers, there’s no guarantee for performance or longevity.

 

The Difference Between a Panel PC and a Tablet

Michelle

The Difference Between a Panel PC and a Tablet

 

An industrial grade touchscreen panel PC may have many of the same features as a tablet, but its purpose is to provide an incredibly durable, impenetrable, fast, and powerful computer system that will last for many years.  Tangent offers four lines of industrial panel PCs to meet business needs ranging from elegant office spaces to extremely harsh environments to the open air outdoors. How is this sort of longevity achieved? For one, industrial touchscreen panel PCs are constructed with materials that are much stronger and resistant to wear than a consumer grade computer. Second, Tangent’s panel PCs (for the most part) are completely fanless and have no moving internal parts that can wear out and fail. Tangent’s panel PCs also go through rigorous testing to ensure that the temperature and enclosure protection rating given to it is accurate. In the performance category, an industrial touchscreen panel PC is a full-fledged computer system with the same type of hardware capacity as many high end desktop solutions, far outweighing the capacity of any tablet.

 

The tastefully classic and clean looking  KW series of Tangent’s panel PC gives any space a professional look, yet this system is much more robust than appearances can tell. The chassis is cast aluminum and has a protection rating of IP65 against water or dust ingress into the internals. Because of this rating, the computer can be wiped down throughout the day if needed. The panel PC also has versatile VESA mounting options, so it can be placed nearly anywhere. It works well in a number of capacities like as an informational kiosk in high traffic areas or a front desk computer for answering phones using touchscreen interfaces.

Flat Panel PCs

The incredibly sturdy and resilient S series of industrial panel PCs are perfect for the most harsh of working conditions. They are well suited to food processing plants, grimey industrial factories, farms, heavy weather stations, and anywhere else where a standard consumer computer will not survive. The S series are rated at an IP69K level of protection, which guarantees the internals are safe from the use of high pressure, hot water jets on the enclosure, cleaning solutions, and any sort of contaminate intrusion.  These industrial touchscreen panel PCs are housed with corrosion resistance stainless steel, are shock and vibration resistant, and have sunlight readable screens with UV coating. Not only is the S series panel PC fanless, but like the other offerings from Tangent, it’s has best-in-class integrated media and graphics performance backed by Intel Core processors.

 

It doesn’t take much to see that an industrial panel PC is so much more than just a big tablet. The more you look, the more that will surprise you in such an unassuming package.

Not a Monitor, An All-in-One Touchscreen

Michelle

At a glance, the Tangent VITA 474 19” panel PC looks just like a nice monitor. Sure, it’s very slim, sleek and unassuming. One could very easily pass it by on a wall or desk and never imagine that it is a powerful, fully featured all-in-one touchscreen panel PC. It even goes beyond just PC features and incorporates popular tablet computer components like a front-facing camera, integrated HD audio, wifi connectivity and Bluetooth wireless. With the Windows 10 app store and android emulators, you can take advantage of the highly responsive touchscreen while running mobile apps. But that’s not to say the Vita is just an oversized tablet. This panel PC is an industrial grade workhorse that can operate 24/7, at extreme temperatures, and has no fan or other moving parts. The front panel is rated at an IP64 level of protection against dust, water on contaminant intrusion.

This panel PC’s hardware setup is customizable to suit the needs of business, be it as an infotainment station for customers and patients, an electronic medical records keeping computer, or as an in-room patient care system. It is offered with an Intel 6th Gen Core i5 or an Intel Celeron processor, an Intel Skylake chipset, up to 32GB of memory, an optional RFID module for easy login, and hard drive/SATA drive options with storage of up to 2TB. The VESA 75/100 mounting bracket and optional stand allows for versatile placement of the panel PC for nearly any desired place: walls, arms, desks, or in-vehicle. The touchscreen is a sensitive, but durable PCAP 10 point multi-touch with a non-glare LED backlit LCD. All these features are packaged up in a flat panel that is only 16lbs.

If 19” isn’t quite the size you’re looking for, Tangent offers industrial panel PCs that range from 15” to 24”. Tangent also has lines of panel PCs that are more rugged and sealed for use in harsh or highly sanitized environments. The S-series panel PC has an enclosure that is rated at an incredibly secure IP69k, meaning that it can withstand being washed with jets of high heat water. The F15 panel PC has a cast aluminum chassis that is ruggedized for use outdoors or on vehicles, and has function buttons on the front for one-handed operation. Even with specialized features like these, the panel PCs all still retain the same functionality as all-in-one computers and tablets as to be truly versatile systems.