Customizing Industrial Computers for Your Environment

Sending an average laptop to work in a warehouse environment is like substituting a little red wagon for a lift truck. You might be able to move a few small items, but it isn't built for the job and certainly won't last long.

Dusty, dirty, noisy, rough environments are simply no place for a regular laptop. For harsh environments like those associated with warehouses, ports, logistics operations and every other stop on the supply chain, industrial computers are a better option. Since they serve such an important role in ensuring the efficient transport and tracking of goods, every company wants to make sure they choose the right one. And, since every company has its own set of circumstances — including environmental conditions, software requirements and data entry needs — customization is key to choosing the right industrial computer.

At the top of every manager's wish list is a computer that delivers a favorable total cost of ownership and results in a good return on investment. Nice words, but how do you choose a computer that does both for your particular environment while also maintaining safety and efficiency? Following are some factors to consider.

Ruggedness

If you're using a computer in an industrial or warehouse environment, you need it to be rugged. An ingress protection or IP rating is the first consideration for protecting your investment against dust and water.

The minimum requirement for computers operating in most industrial environments is IP65, which protects against both dust and water. The first digit indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid foreign objects. A “6” means it is dust tight; there is no ingress of dust.

The second digit indicates protection against the harmful ingress of water. A “5” means water projected by a nozzle against any of the computer's enclosures from any direction will have no harmful effect.

The other rating to consider is the military standard for ruggedness known as MIL-STD-810. You'll want your computer to meet or exceed the specifications set by the Department of Defense for vibration, high and low temperatures, functional shock and drops.

The bottom line is, if your equipment can't last in your environment, you'll end up repairing or replacing it repeatedly. Those costs add up, and when you factor in the $700 to $800 average productivity loss due to downtime, the value of the investment takes on even more importance. A computer that works reliably equates to workforce productivity and efficiency.

Physical Requirements

Will the computer be mounted to a lift truck, order picker or other type of industrial equipment and draw power from the machine? Will the operator be standing or seated? Do you need the computer to be removed from the machine and operated as a handheld device? All of these considerations dictate the type of computer and screen size you'll need for optimal performance.

Machine-mounted computers generally come in a variety of screen sizes to accommodate safe operation within limited cabin space. Ranging in size from about eight inches to more than 15 inches, this type of computer can be machine-mounted for operators who are standing or seated. Look for a screen size big enough for the operator to see clearly on a computer that fits safely within the cabin without obstructing the operator's view. If the computer needs to be used outside, a sunlight-viewable screen should be considered.

Because machinery runs on different voltage levels, a computer that can accommodate multiple voltages will be more easily adapted to new equipment.

A built-in backup battery can allow continuous use of the computer without pulling power from the machine. This is helpful when changing a lift truck battery or making last-minute data entries after powering down the machine for the day. A battery that provides 20 minutes of backup power is usually adequate.

Data Collection

Efficient and accurate data entry is essential. That's why we moved to computers from handwritten log sheets in the first place, right? Whether you gather data through 1D or 2D barcode readers, entry on a keyboard or touchscreen, voice commands or RFID readers, your computer hardware has to work for the operators and within physical constraints and existing technology to collect and process data accurately.

Manual data entry is the method most vulnerable to error, but the hardware you choose can help minimize mistakes. Keyboards and touchscreens should be easily operable by both a gloved and ungloved finger. Because workers on the floor tend to use improvised writing tools like screwdrivers and nails, touchscreens need to be tough to stand up to the abuse.