The use of electric cars is quickly becoming commonplace around the globe, with the adoption of such vehicles being seen in nearly every industrialized country. In 2018 alone, the amount of electric vehicles in use nearly doubled from the previous year to 5.1 million according to the International Energy Agency, an autonomous intergovernmental organization.
With such a meteoric rise in the consumer use of such vehicles, we cannot discount their viability in the industrial space. Electric vehicles are not only better for the environment, but also better for the productivity of the industrial sector. Integrating electric cars and electric vehicles into your industrial or warehouse space can lead to boosts in productivity and worker health.
Electric Vehicles: Not Just For Commuters
When one thinks about electric vehicles, thoughts gravitate towards the big name electric car companies that are seemingly always in the headlines. While these companies are making great strides in the mileage range and cost of consumer electric vehicles, other companies have been innovating electric vehicles for industrial use under the radar. In fact, many industrial vehicles—from forklifts to personnel carriers— have electric vehicle variants ready for use.
F15 Touchscreen Industrial Computer
These vehicles are less noisy, and more versatile than their combustion engine counterparts. The lack of a noisy combustion engine makes these vehicles the perfect platform for mobile working. When paired with touchscreen industrial computers with programmable function keys, electric vehicles become the ultimate mobile workstation. Allowing for one hand use, touchscreen industrial computers plug directly into your electric vehicle and connect directly to your warehouse management system or network.
Better For The Environment, Margins, And Workers
Everyone knows that electric cars are better for the environment, but as an added bonus they are also better for margins. The cost to operate electric vehicles is half the price of combustion engine vehicles, according to the U.S. Department Of Energy, owing in part to the relatively stable price of electricity compared to oil-based fuels. Electric vehicles can take out the worry about how fluctuations in the global oil supply will affect your operating expenses, cutting travel costs in half and normalizing your budget—all while giving you the peace of mind knowing that your company has made a small step towards a greener future.
In addition, electric vehicles are safer to operate than their older combustion engine relatives. Electric cars are favored by consumers not only for their low operating cost and environmental impact, but also their lack of dangerous fume exhaust. Prolonged exposure to exhaust such as carbon monoxide can lead to serious health complications, including heart problems and brain damage. Fumes spit out by traditional industrial vehicles can slowly cause these health problems for your workers, leading to increased medical expenses or worse. Electric vehicles offer a safe, promising alternative to a workplace problem damaging the environment, margins, and workers.
Electric Vehicles: The Future, Today
Electric vehicles are poised to take over the transportation sector, and industrial vehicles are no exception to this. When upgrading your fleet to include electric vehicles, make sure your workers get the most out of this investment by equipping them with touchscreen industrial computers.
Industrial grade computers are the backbone of oil and gas market, being critical to the locating, acquiring, and selling of oil-based products. These computers differ from their commercial counterparts in key ways that affect their ability to perform in the harsh environments commonly found in the oil and gas sector. Oil rigs present a unique problem, being exposed constantly to water and sea air. This unique problem requires a unique solution, and Tangent has that solution in the form of their line of industrial grade computers. Tangent’s award winning industrial grade computer lineup is the perfect solution to digitizing oil rigs.
Industrial Computer
Our lineup features PCs that sport:
IP64, IP65, IP66, IP69K sealed water resistant/waterproof
Operating temperature ranges as wide as -4° to 140°F
Military grade shock resistance
Military grade vibration resistance
Fanless cooling technology
TPM high security modules
Watchdog timers
Rugged Mini E3
Rugged Mini PCs
Offshore Oil Rigs are designed with every square foot in mind, and making the most out of the limited space available is critical. When you need a fully functional workstation but don’t have the room for a bulky PC tower, Rugged Mini PCs from Tangent are ready to go. We have created a fully fledged industrial grade computer in a mini frame, but with the power one needs to run diagnostic software and pumps. With powerful Intel I7 processors and up to 32 gigabytes of ram, these industrial computers don’t sacrifice power for their size. Their fanless cooling systems prevent dust and particle build up common in commercial computers, and with military grade shock and drop resistance available these PCs are built to last.
Industrial Grade Computer Panels
For quick access to information, or mounted computing solutions that still require a human operator, there’s Tangent’s lineup of industrial grade computer panels. These panel PCs are a flexible approach to computing, and provide oil rigs with easy-to-access mounted PCs. These industrial computers feature full touch screens that IP64, IP65, or IP69K water resistant allowing for outdoor exposure on oil rigs without worry. Their wide operating temperature means that whether its a cold night or blistering hot day, these industrial grade computers will operate just as they are needed. Oil rigs can be a messy environment to work in, and industrial grade computer panels are designed to withstand the messiest hands without affecting performance.
Industrial Tablet
Industrial Grade Computer Tablets
For workers who are constantly moving from one part of the platform to the next, industrial grade computer tablets are able to keep the pace. These touch screen tablets feature all of the benefits of an industrial computer in a mobile device. They are more than ready to experience an accidental drop without long term effects on performance, and their fanless design means that no dust or particles are getting in these guys. These tablets can be equipped with RFID modules, barcode readers, and more to perform vital functions on the go. For automated oil rigs, industrial grade computer tablets make the perfect diagnostic tool for the occasional checkup.
Perfect For Oil Rigs
While there’s no shortage of computer options available for oil rigs, Tangent’s lineup of industrial grade computers is a notch above the rest. Our three categories of industrial grade computers combine to make the perfect mix of solutions for the needs of oil rigs. These high powered, large capacity industrial computers can handle the toughest conditions oil rigs have available and operate as well as onshore models.
Though extremely important to any industrial setting, PCs are rarely built with these sorts of environments in mind. Commercial and consumer grade PCs simply do not meet the requirements of 24/7 operations in the industrial setting. Industrial PCs are the only PCs built specifically for industrial use, equipped with multiple durability features to ensure stable performance consistently. These feature-packed Industrial PCs are as easy to use as they are powerful, featuring the Windows operating system built in. At Tangent, we have built industrial PCs for every possible situation to ensure that every workstation has the right tool for the job. Our Industrial PCs fall into three categories, each with their own set of features and uses.
Industrial PC Panels
In the industrial setting, every square foot of space needs to be used as effectively as possible to ensure maximum efficiency. Relying on bulky computer towers to meet your industrial PC needs means that you have to sacrifice an entire desk’s worth of space for a single workstation. That’s where Industrial PC Panels from Tangent come in, providing all the power and features one comes to expect from a computer tower without the bulkiness. Industrial PC Panels from Tangent are all-in-one computers, meaning that they function as the tower, mouse, keyboard, and monitor of a traditional computer in one package.
These Industrial PC Panels are fanless and IP64, IP65, or IP69K certified sealed to be waterproof and dustproof. Coupled with their high operating temperature range, shock resistance, and vibration resistance, these Industrial PCs are able to withstand any industrial environment without damage to internal components.
F15 Industrial PC
F15 Industrial PC Panel
Great for: forklifts | small workstations
Programmable function keys
Fanless
IP65 sealed
Wide input voltage
VESA mounting
Wide operating temperature range
The F15 Industrial PC Panel from Tangent is the perfect all-in-one PC for forklift use, being built with multiple forklift-friendly features. The F15’s programmable functions keys give drivers the ability to assign custom commands for regularly used functions directly to easy to remember buttons This allows drivers to use the Industrial PC with one hand while operating the lift with the other. With a wide input voltage range and standard VESA mounting, the F15 is capable of being fit to nearly every forklift without hassle. The F15 can be customized to feature an RFID reader, allowing the Industrial PC to act as part of your factory’s logistics network without the need of complicated third party accessories.
Vita 474
VITA 474 Industrial PC Panel
Great for: forklifts | workstations | factory automation
Wide input voltage range
Fanless
Extreme operating temperature range
LCD non-glare touchscreen
Up to 32 gigabytes of RAM
The VITA 474 Industrial PC is a heavy duty PC that is capable of taking on multiple programs at once. The VITA 474 is customizable to have up to 32 gigabytes of RAM, which enables to the industrial PC to run multiple programs simultaneously without loading lag. This extensive amount of RAM in conjunction with a solid state drive means that loading times are kept to an absolute minimum. The 18.5 inch touchscreen display is backlit by an LED light, making the display easy to read in any lighting situation. A wide input voltage range allows this Industrial PC to be placed in any work environment, and to switch stations easily without converters.
Tangent S Series 19″
S Series Industrial PC Panels
Great for: workstations | carwashes | factory automation
IP69K waterproof
Vibration resistant
Shock resistant
Watchdog timer
Wide input voltage range
For areas where water exposure is an increased risk, the S Series of Industrial PC Panels from Tangent is the best solution. The S Series of Industrial PCs is customizable to be up to IP69K waterproof, allowing for the Series to be placed in water prone areas without worry. In addition to being waterproof, the S Series is built to be both shock and vibration resistant, allowing for these Industrial PCs to be placed in wet, rumbling environments where other PCs wouldn’t last a second. With built in watchdog timers, the S Series is capable of rebooting itself after experiencing errors without worker intervention. This allows these Industrial PCs to be placed in hard to maintain situations without fear of requiring excessive worker interaction.
Vita KW 19
Vita KW Series Industrial PC Panels
Great for: workstations | factory automation
Widescreen display
LED backlit LCD screen
IP65 sealed
Wide input voltage
Multiple sizing options
TPM high security module
The VITA KW Series of Industrial PC Panels is a line of highly customizable Industrial PCs that make versatile additions to the factory floor. With four different sizing options ranging from 15 inches to 24 inches, there’s a KW Industrial PC for every size workstation. Their wide input voltage range adds to their versatility, and standard VESA mounting makes this line highly adaptable. The VITA KW Series can be customized to sport a barcode reader, RFID module, and smart card reader to better connect to your logistics network. Whichever method of part tracking your factory uses, the VITA KW will be able to integrate into it. Built with TPM modules, the VITA KW Series is a high security Industrial PC that makes sure only authorized personnel are accessing sensitive data.
Industrial Tablet
Industrial PC Tablets
When the job requires workers to be on their feet, moving from one station to the next, Industrial PC Tablets can make all the difference. Instead of requiring workers to spend time logging in and out of workstation PCs, Industrial PC Tablets allow workers to have constant access to the files and programs they need to complete the job. Tangent’s line of Industrial PC Tablets is built to provide instant network access to workers, wherever they may be in the factory.
These fanless tablets are designed to be as low maintenance as possible, requiring little to no maintenance even in the dustiest of factories. Their mobility allows for workers to be as efficient as possible, completing tasks while on the move. When integrated into the factory network, managers can easily send out notifications to workers on updates to schedules, proposed meetings, and other useful information. At their core, Industrial PC Tablets are designed to allow workers an easier and more efficient way to work on the move.
Tangent R14
R14 Industrial PC Tablet
Great for: mobile workers | manufacturing | refineries
Military shock and vibration resistance
Discrete GPU
Magnesium chassis
Powerful Intel Processor
32 gigabytes RAM
Wide operating temperature range
Just because a worker is on the move doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have all the power of an industrial PC at their fingertips. The R14 Industrial PC Tablet from Tangent sacrifices nowhere in bringing mobile computing to your workers, featuring a powerful Kaby Lake Intel processor and up to 32 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM. The R14 can even be customized to feature the nVidia Geforce GTX 1050 graphics card for optimal visual performance These powerful components make the R14 the perfect all-in-one Industrial PC for workers who do not have a set workstation PC. The R14 is capable of replacing a workstation PC as the primary PC for a worker, and its lightweight magnesium chassis makes it an easy carry for them. WIth military grade shock and vibration resistance, the R14 can withstand accidental drops as well as rapid movements with ease.
Tangent P13
P13 Industrial PC Tablet
Great for: mobile workers | manufacturing | refineries
Removable batteries
Fanless
Wide input voltage range
VESA mounting
Linux ready
TPM high security module
The P13 Industrial PC Tablet from Tangent is ideal for workers who may be on the move one day, but at their desk the next. The P13 is capable of being mounted to a standard VESA mount, allowing this Industrial PC Tablet to quickly and easily transform into an Industrial PC Panel. Being an all-in-one PC, the P13 can be a worker’s primary tablet and workstation PC at the same time, saving them from having to constantly refresh logins and resync their data. The P13 comes equipped with a removable battery that can be charged on a separate charger, meaning less downtime waiting for the tablet to charge and more time performing. The P13 can be customized to feature the Ubuntu Linux operating system, saving IT departments the hassle of installing the operating system from scratch.
Tangent R10
R10 Industrial PC Tablet
Great for: mobile workers | temporary workstations
Programmable keys
Fanless
LED backlit LCD touchscreen
VESA mounting
IP65 sealed
Drop rated for 4ft.
The R10 Industrial PC Tablet from Tangent is a lightweight solution to mobile computing, coming in at 4.1 pounds. The R10 is versatile, and perfect for situations where temporary computing power is necessary. With standard VESA mounting, the R10 can transform into an Industrial PC Panel without hassle and provide the same services as an all-in-one PC. With a LED backlit LCD screen, the R10 is easy to read off of in any lighting situation. On the go, the R10 is rated for a 4 foot drop and can easily brush off an accidental drop. With dust and water resistance, the R10 can be mounted or carried through dusty or damp environments without worry.
Tangent P10
P10 Industrial PC Tablet
Great for: point of sale service | logistics control
Cash drawer port
Docking station
Barcode, MSR, smart card reader
IP54 front panel
POS ready
The P10 Industrial PC Tablet from Tangent is a unique outlier in our industrial PC Tablet line, being built with point of sale(POS) services in mind. The P10 is the perfect all-in-one cash register solution, featuring a barcode scanner, magnetic stripe reader, and smart card reader for sale services. The docking station features a convenient port for fitting a cash drawer as well as multiple I/O ports for extra peripheral use. To declutter the register area, the docking station comes with a cable management system that keeps the sales area from looking messy. With Wifi built in, the P10 does not need to be plugged into a wall in order to access the internet, and can be placed freely. In the industrial setting, the P10 is perfect for completing small vendor purchases.
Rugged Mini PC
Mini Rugged Industrial PCs
We have already gone over how Industrial PC Panels can save precious square footage in the factory, but sometimes small isn’t small enough. That’s why Tangent built their line of Mini Rugged Industrial PCs, each equipped with the power of a full tower PC in a mini enclosure. These Mini Industrial PCs are small enough to fit in any work environment, whether it be on the factory floor or at the desk. Their sealed enclosures prevent dust buildup, allowing these Industrial PCs to operate with little maintenance. These Mini PCs are fanless, and feature passive cooling systems that are noiseless and efficient.
Tangent’s lineup of Mini Industrial PCs are built for situations where computing power is a must, but space is limited. As in-vehicle computers, Tangent’s Mini Industrial PCs can withstand the shocks and vibrations of driving without affecting performance. On the supply-chain, these Industrial PCs can be mounted in tight spaces to perform diagnostics, checkups, or other procedures. At the desk, Mini Industrial PCs are small enough to fit behind a monitor and save desk and floor space.
Tangent Rugged Mini E3
Rugged Mini E3 Industrial PC
Great for: in-vehicle computer | video surveillance
Fanless
Powerful Intel Processor
TPM high security module
Wide input voltage range
Extreme operating temperature range
In-vehicle computers are increasingly a necessity across many industrial sectors, from mining operations to warehouse logistics. The Rugged Mini E3 Industrial PC from Tangent is a powerful mini PC ready to perform as an in-vehicle computer. Its fanless design negates the buildup of dust and other contaminants, allowing the E3 to work in environments where dust and other debris are common. A wide input voltage range allows the E3 to be mounted in nearly every vehicle without extra converters, and an operating temperature range of -13°F to 158°F means that even on the hottest days the E3 will be performing optimally.
Rugged Mini Tank
Rugged Mini Tank Industrial PC
Great for: in-vehicle computer
Fanless
Powerful Intel Processor
Shock resistant
Vibration resistant
Wide input voltage range
Extreme operating temperature range
All of Tangent’s Rugged Mini Industrial PCs are built to be as durable as possible, but sometimes you just need a tank. The Rugged Mini Tank from Tangent is as durable as it is powerful, featuring military grade vibration resistance that makes this Industrial PC the perfect in-vehicle computer for mining equipment. The Rugged Mini Tank features a heavy duty steel enclosure with extruded aluminum that keeps the Tank’s components as secure as possible. The fanless design ensures that dust stays outside of the Tank, and not inside building up. With a wide input voltage range and operating temperature range, this Industrial PC can be equipped to nearly every industrial vehicle in any environment.
Rugged Mini I
Rugged Mini I Industrial PC
Great for: video display | signage | mobile carts
Triple monitor support
vPro
Powerful Intel processor
Lightweight
Up to 32 gigabytes RAM
The Rugged Mini I Industrial PC from Tangent is a unique PC, being able to support up to 3 monitors at once. The Mini I accomplishes this by having three display ports, and enough processing power to support them all. With up to 32 gigabytes of RAM, the Mini I can reliably display programs on 3 seperate monitors with no lag from loading. This makes the Mini I ideal for situations where multiple display readouts must be shown at the same location. At a workstation, the Mini I is the ultimate tool for multitaskers, and allows for workers to work without having to scavenge around multiple tabs.
Rugged Mini FX
Rugged Mini FX Industrial PC
Great for: in-vehicle computer | factory automation | networks
Fanless
Wide operating temperature range
Wide input voltage range
VESA mounting
4x LAN ports
Military vibration resistance
The Rugged Mini FX Industrial PC from Tangent features a massive amount of I/O ports, making it an ideal Industrial PC for situations where multiple peripherals are necessary. The Mini FX features 4 LAN ports, allowing this Mini PC to be connected to multiple networks without unruly dongles. With wall mounting or standard VESA mounting options, the Mini FX can be placed in vehicles or on the factory floor. A wide input voltage range allows this Industrial PC to be moved from a workstation to a vehicle without the need for adapters.
Tangent Rugged Mini Q1
Rugged Mini Q1 Industrial PC
Great for: video display | signage |
Ultra mini PC
Flexible mounting
Wide input voltage range
vPro
Wide operating temperature range
We’ve seen today that Industrial PCs can come in all shapes and sizes, from 24 inch all-in-ones to mini PCs that fit under a car seat. But to really see the range of Industrial PCs offered by Tangent, we have to talk about the Rugged Mini Q1. At a mere 1.29 pounds, the Mini Q1 weighs less than 2 bottles of water, and is smaller volume wise as well. The Q1 is the ultimate Industrial PC for when size constraints are a top priority, and can be mounted directly behind a monitor. With options for DIN rail mounting, VESA mounting, and wall mounting, the Q1 can fit into any environment with minimal impact.
There is no longer any doubt that computers are an invaluable tool for the manufacturing process, and not just a trivial trend. The rise of networked computers being widely accessible has ushered in the era of industry 4.0, in which computing power is no longer a luxury but a base requirement. But not just any computer can withstand the conditions presented by a factory floor. Home computers are not built with manufacturing facilities in mind, employing fan based cooling systems that would choke up in a factory. Commercial computers are a step up, but also face durability issues in factory environments.
Panel PCs from Tangent are designed specifically for manufacturing facilities, and can be used in nearly every aspect of your factory floor. All-in-one Panel PCs from Tangent do not require a mouse, keyboard, or large bulky tower to operate. The entire computer is housed in a sleek, flat monitor that supports industry standard VESA mounting and can be placed anywhere. This space-efficient design saves valuable factory floor space, as panel PCs do not require entire desks to be placed for their use.
Tangent Vita KW 19
VITA KW Panel PC Line
The Vita KW Panel PC line from Tangent meets the demands of a manufacturing facility, with four sizing options to fit every workstation at the factory. Vita KW Panel PCs come equipped with both Ethernet and Wifi capabilities, ensuring that these panel PCs will be able to connect easily to your pre-existing network. Like all panel pcs, the Vita KW line does not require extra peripherals such as mice, keyboards, or towers to function; the built-in true flat touchscreen is as intuitive for workers to use as their own cell phones.
Not only is the Vita KW panel PC line better for workers, it is also better for the efficiency of the factory floor. Vita KW panel PCs can optionally be fitted with an RFID module, which allows the panel PC to utilize RFID tracking technology without needing an external third party reader. In factories where unfinished pieces are tracked and processed with RFID chips, the Vita KW line of panel PCs can streamline this process and allow for better data tracking. For factories that use standard barcodes for tracking, Vita KW panel PCs can be optionally equipped with built-in barcode scanners. Whichever logistics system your manufacturing facility uses, the Vita KW panel PC line will be able to track it.
Tangent S Series 19″
S Series Panel PC Line
Industrial computers need to be able to withstand the toughest environments a factory floor can offer, and the S Series panel PC line from Tangent was designed with this fact in mind.The S Series is IP69K certified to be extremely water resistant, being able to withstand blasts of stray liquids with ease. The fanless cooling design of the S Series negates dust ingress, ensuring that the S Series can operate in dust filled environments as effectively as dust-free ones. Panel PCs not only need to survive potential water damage and dust build up, but also physical conditions common in the manufacturing process. The S Series of Panel PCs are rated for 1G vibration resistance, meaning that the S Series can be mounted in conditions in which other computers would not be able to withstand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The use of advanced technology in automotive manufacturing has been commonplace since the 1960s when car manufacturers first pioneered the use of industrial robots and then went on to make them standard in car assembly by the 1980s. Having seen tons of videos of robots welding chassis and components together on the automotive shop floor makes one think that the entire process is automated. But what’s surprising is that on the assembly side of things, automotive manufacturing is still quite people-intensive. In the past, industrial touchscreen computers were largely used for monitoring and quality assurance purposes. However, newer tech has seen the advent of things like collaborative robots that can help factory workers with challenging tasks, delivering materials, or assisting with heavy materials. Drones have been developed and deployed to inspect parts or potentially hazardous environments, while the factory staff control and investigate the proceedings on an industrial touchscreen PC. GM is even now using exoskeletons for repetitive operations in manufacturing. Workers wear a glove and they are given added strength and dexterity, but eventually they will also pass on their repetitive work tasks to a computer. Car manufacturers state that this is only the beginning in their quest for automation. In GM’s vision, the entire assembly floor will one day be a streamlined and automated flow of events.
The place for human intervention will no longer need to be in harm’s way on a hazardous assembly line, but with the tools and technology to be able to complete the same tasks using industrial touchscreen computers. Tangent’s All-in-One industrial PCs are created to be ready for the great ideas and automations of the future, whilst being able to withstand and succeed in the harsh and demanding environments of existing manufacturing sites. The S Series industrial all-in-one comes in a 15 inch, 19 inch, or 22 inch touchscreen monitor, built with a stainless steel enclosure that is IP69K rated as being fully waterproof. This series is also offered with a fanless design for reliability, longevity, and a noise-free operation which can be critical in manufacturing plants that must minimize dust circulation or ambient sound. The CPU is an Intel 3rd Gen Core i5, offering best-in-class integrated media and graphic performance to keep up with ever evolving (and moving) assembly line requirements. The units are available not only with VESA 100×100 compliant mounting, but also an optional tilting side mount, or with a sunlight readable panel with UV protection coating. This industrial touchscreen computer doesn’t even need to be indoors to provide effective utility! Another convenience is the S-Series’ optional Intel wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, removing the need to route ethernet cabling to the computer. This prevents clutter and maintains a clean work environment.
The automotive industry is always looking for process improvement through the use of innovative, reliable technology. Supporting smarter and safer technological endeavors is the heart of Tangent’s industrial computer offerings. The S-Series industrial touchscreen PCs are but a shining sample of the targeted work that Tangent does to bring quality and scalability to the manufacturing floor.
Booming the Brewing Industry: One Flat Panel PC at a Time
We can’t think of a grassroots industry in California that’s had as big a boom as the craft beer industry has in recent years. In 2016, San Diego County alone was home to one hundred and twenty five licensed craft breweries – the most of any region in the United States. In that same year, craft breweries all over the state contributed $7.3 billion to the state’s economy, so it’s clearly a high profile industry. With so much competition, breweries often move to expand their brand and distribution through on-premise bottling and canning. The size and scope of these operations can vary a great deal, and the technology used to manage them is pivotal to a successful business.
It’s posited that the most important step that goes into the mass production of bottled beverages is the one in which bottles are sealed with caps. Capping mistakes can cause quality control issues, with some serious cases forcing the brewery to abandon whole crates of bottles. This can be devastating to the bottom line of a small craft brewery. Not only will a loose or missing cap make bottles unfit for shipment, it allows contaminants into the beers that can make them unsafe for consumption, and that poses a lot of potential liability risks for the company. Poor labeling and miscounts can also plague production lines. That’s why it’s important for companies to invest in quality monitoring system for their bottling operations, and this can be efficiently achieved through the use of industry grade flat panel touchscreen PCs.
An excellent offering in the industrial flat panel, all-in-one computer space is Tangent’s Vita 474 19” flat panel PC. Coupled with capacitive sensors and production line management software, the Vita 474 is a powerful, durable, and reliable computer that can keep up with the demands of any bottle production schedule. It’s fanless design lends itself to reliability and helps maintain a clean working environment. The IP64 rated front panel of the PC offers protection against dust and water (or beer) splashes and can be wiped down without damaging the unit. The flat panel PC has both wired and wireless internet network interfaces, which allows for additional monitoring from stations within or outside the brewery. The PCAP capacitive touchscreen feature makes switching between applications or focusing on particular stations a breeze. Storage space on the flat panel PC can go up to 2TB with a hybrid SSD/HDD drive and can be equipped with up to a beefy 32GB of memory. Other handy features include a good variety of communication ports for peripherals, VESA 75/100 options for flexibility in mounting the flat panel PC, and a very wide operating temperature range of -4ºF to 122ºF. Depending on the software used, the flat panel PC can be configured for communication with most PLCs and motion controllers.
Production management and monitoring is a key component to any successful distribution operation, and equally important is the equipment used to ensure those tasks are handled with accuracy day in and out. Flat panel all-in-one PCs offered by Tangent have been tried and tested to stand to the rigors of industrial use, and can be customized and scaled to suit the needs of businesses both small and large. Because brewery business needs can vary as much as their beers do, Tangent creates products to best suit those needs.
Shaping up Shipping and Receiving : One Panel PC at a Time
Staying on top of technological advancements for shipping and receiving operations is important for a good number of reasons, but the most pivotal are business process improvement for increased revenue, and ensuring safety in the workplace. E-commerce is greatly driving the need for detailed warehouse dock data as more businesses ship direct to customers. Online shoppers have grown accustomed to same-day delivery and real-time visibility into an order’s status.The shipping industry is now able to be centered around speed and accuracy while maintaining a safe work environment due to specialized computers like vehicle mounted PCs, handheld tablets catered to industrial use, and industrial panel PCs.
The majority of warehouse dock work and shipping processes rely on barcodes to identify and track the movement of inventory, and RFID and Geofencing (using GPS) are gaining popularity for tracking as well, so flexibility is important for the computer systems in use. Tangent has a variety of panel PCs to suit these ever-evolving needs of business. The Vita KW series fanless panel PCs offer a 2D barcode scanner, IC card reader, MSR, and RFID capabilities. Because screen size requirements vary for industrial settings, the Vita KWs come in 15”, 19”, 22”, and 24” touchscreen sizes. The Tangent F15 industrial grade panel PC can be equipped with a 3G module and with a GPS module. In terms of power and capacity, the Vita KW’s are equipped with Intel 6th Gen Core i3/i5 processors (except the 24”), up to two terabytes of storage, and 8GB of memory. In addition to robust computing speed, the systems are fanless and contain no moving parts, which is a huge benefit for enterprises looking to reduce downtime. Supply chain is all about streamlining and adhering to strict schedules, so a reliable and durable system is key.
For forklift operators, vehicle-mounted industrial panel computers are usually the most productive and operationally safe option. Working a computer while operating a lift truck obviously carries some inherent risk. The aforementioned F15 model rugged tablet has ten programmable function keys on the front panel that allow for one-hand operation and efficiency for repetitive processes. The F15 Panel PC is also flexible in its mounting options. It has VESA 75/100 mounting capabilities for a number of applications, including in vehicles and forklifts. Another point of safety on the Tangent industrial panel PCs is that they are built to be IP65 or higher rated to protect against water and contaminant ingress into the system. And who doesn’t love a bold safety orange on a tablet casing?
As businesses and consumers push for faster processing and more accurate data, flexible and customizable computing solutions from Tangent continue to provide the highest of quality and efficiency to its customers. The many panel PCs offered can be mounted in shop vehicles, on walls, telescoping arms, or on stands. They can be configured for wifi, scanning/tracking technologies, and multi-touch features. They can withstand the wear and tear of a warehouse environment and the varying temperatures that might be encountered in them all over the globe.
