Tablets and smartphones are widely used in factories. They are used for data entry, system control, and equipment monitoring. Many machine automation software companies have developed commercial tablets for controlling and monitoring industrial equipment. Technological advancements towards IoT enabled equipment has resulted in remote device monitoring and control.
The industrial environment is known to be quite unforgiving for fragile devices and equipment. Most of the regular tablets cannot last long enough when used in these places. Surprisingly, there is a huge demand for improved machine reliability. This means maintenance and production systems need a lot of data. The appropriate way of feeding them is through the use of industrial tablets. You can find some of these tablets at geniatech’s store. Before buying one, make sure you consider these important factors.
Durability
Computer tablets in industrial environments are integrated into machine arms and manufacturing lines. Ideally, they are used as Human Machine Interface (HMI). For instance, they can be attached to carts, workstations, and forklift cages. For most of their lifespan, they are used in dusty, dirty conditions and areas where the temperature is extreme. You should note that industrial environments are not places for consumer-grade tablets and computers. The right tablet for these conditions should have high IP rating. This is to ensure the tablet is protected against moisture and other harsh elements.
Operating Systems
The right industrial tablet should have the capability to run with different operating systems. With technological advancements, it means the tablet in use now might not be suitable in the future when you upgrade your manufacturing systems. Also, it should support the modern I/O devices and handle high transfer speeds.
Touchscreen Design
In a factory setting, the important factors for a tablet are responsiveness and readability. That is because lighting on the factory floor ranges from extremely bright to dim. It is advisable to go for industrial tablets with LCD screens, wide viewing angle, and high resolution. Readability is essential because all the information ought to be viewed on the screen. If readability is not good, it might result in miscomprehension and errors.
Portability
This does not mean ability to operate the tablet without having it plugged in. Rather, it implies the ability to withstand harsh elements available in an industrial environment. Occasion drops are common on a factory floor. This means a consumer-grade device is out of use. There are different operations where machines, such as forklifts use on-board computing systems. In this case, a rugged tablet is the best option.
Conclusion
Data is important in manufacturing environments. It must be read and interpreted correctly to avoid unnecessary errors. As you know, downtime is unwanted in manufacturing. This is where reliability is more important than anything else. Industrial tablets are tested rigorously to ensure they can withstand the harsh elements of a factory environment. Ensure you get a device that meets the needs of your business and helps you achieve your production goals. The right commercial tablet will provide your business with many years of operation.
