Choosing the Right Industrial PC

The HDD (hard disk drive) has been a staple in data storage for many years, while the SSD (solid state drive) has gained popularity due to its advanced functionalities. SSDs offer several benefits - they are smaller, faster, and quieter compared to HDDs. They also have a longer lifespan, consume less power, and are more resilient against vibrations and magnetic fields. Additionally, SSDs have lower access times and result in reduced latency. However, one must consider that SSDs typically come with a cost that is three to five times greater than that of HDDs.

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When to opt for an HDD:

• When large storage capacity is essential.
• When keeping expenses low is a priority.
• When accessing a vast number of programs.

Optimal uses for SSDs include:

• Quickly booting the PC and applications.
• Enhancing the accessibility of frequently used files such as photos, audio, and video.

Additionally, there are:

• Storage Servers: These standalone file servers are connected to a network and primarily function to centralize data storage for clients.
• The Cloud: This involves storing data remotely, making it accessible via the internet from anywhere.

Selecting the appropriate industrial computer that meets your workload demands and operates efficiently in your environment can be quite daunting. At CoastIPC, we engage with a diverse range of customers to assist in designing the core systems of the most sophisticated machines globally.

Our product specialists are dedicated to understanding your unique challenges and requirements. We provide targeted recommendations, insights, and system design support as needed. With our expertise in innovative technologies and their rapid evolution, you gain a vital advantage. Our build and service teams, located just south of Boston, are prepared to support you before the sale, during implementation, and should any issues arise.

When we discuss industrial PC needs with customers, we consider seven key factors to ensure you find the right match:

• Application (Customer Needs)
• Space (Dimensions)
• Environment
• Components
• Budget
• Timing

Let’s delve into the procedure CoastIPC employs to identify the ideal specifications for your new industrial computer.

Application (Customer Needs)

At CoastIPC, we always place the customer's end goals as our priority, but numerous factors can influence our specific product recommendations. While two clients may arrive at similar results, their individual circumstances could lead them on different paths. Consequently, a computer might appear suitable on paper yet may not provide the right fit in practice.

Take, for example, a PC designed for manufacturing versus one intended for warehouse or distribution settings. Although they may share similar specs, the manufacturing PC must connect to various wireless channels such as 4G, 5G, or Bluetooth. Conversely, the warehouse PC may only require a reliable WiFi connection. By recognizing these subtle distinctions, we ensure we build the most suitable systems every time.

CoastIPC seeks to uncover these needs through targeted client discovery questions:

How will you use it?

This specific computer might serve as a frontend to another control computer in a distributed system, or it might be a wall-mounted panel PC intended for heavy user interaction. Alternatively, it could be installed on the factory floor where it autonomously manages process control. The clearer we are about the application, the better we can optimize the PC components, balancing performance and installation requirements.

What type of application or solution is this designed for?

Understanding the intended application is crucial for ensuring performance. Here are a few examples:

• Industrial automation may require artificial intelligence support. We offer several computers with NVIDIA Jetson, enabling edge AI solutions.
• In terms of artificial intelligence, warehouse/distribution applications might rely on machine vision inspection. Such deep learning processes tend to require intensive computations, which necessitates a GPU or VPU component in our design.
• Telecommunications firms might utilize IoT to collect sensor data for predictive maintenance while monitoring critical equipment spread across vast distances. For such cases, CoastIPC would incorporate Jetson's edge AI platform for sensor data processing along with data acquisition components like remote I/O modules.

These starting points guide us in discussing the right direction for your specific solution. Our comprehensive approach and inquiry process help clarify the best way forward.

Space (Dimensions)

How much space do you have? The available space can affect performance, but the two do not always align perfectly. Finding the right balance is vital because sometimes the expected performance doesn’t correspond with the space available for installation.

If conflicts arise, we start by determining the minimum performance specifications required to run your desired software application. For instance, you might have substantial GPU needs. However, if the installation dimensions, output requirements, and ventilation demands pose limitations, we will strive to find solutions, possibly utilizing a POC-40 at the edge while placing a more sophisticated connected system in a more suitable location.

We assess the implications of installation space on the ideal PC components. We also explore alternative components that might make better use of the available space or consider different mounting options.

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Environment

Industrial PCs are distinctly different from desktop or laptop systems found in retail stores due to the need to withstand harsh environments. An industrial setting may demand 24/7 operational capability, something that typical PCs cannot endure. Key environmental factors include:

• Vibrations: Continuous vibrations, for instance, on a factory floor or inside a long-haul truck, can significantly impact the durability of internal and external PC components and connections.
• Dust: Not only dust but all airborne particles can harm internal components. Consequently, many industrial PCs are designed to be ventless and fanless.
• Water: Assessing waterproofing variations is crucial. We help determine your specific IP rating needs based on potential liquid exposure, such as steam or water that could jeopardize your equipment.
• Extreme Temperatures: The enclosure serves as the first defense against severe temperature fluctuations. Industrial PCs require components capable of functioning across a broad temperature range, some even operating from -40°C to 85°C without performance degradation.
• Other Hazards: Do obscure factors in your production process introduce potential hazards, like oil mist or off-gassed chemicals?

Components

Next, we’ll ask you to summarize the components necessary for your specific industrial application. It's essential to remember that most components need to function alongside your software operating system. Once we gather all specifications, we can evaluate your initial requirements. If you're weighing your options regarding component selection, click to read our blog on how to choose the right industrial PC components.

Processor

Evaluate how well your current computer manages its workload. You can do so by entering your model number on benchmarking websites to compare various manufacturers and generations. For new builds, start with the software requirements you need. We can provide resources to assist with this information.

RAM

Use the memory capacity of your existing computer as a starting point for consideration. CoastIPC can guide you in choosing the most cost-effective option or one that aligns with high-performance goals. For new builds, general application requirements usually lead to a solid choice.

Storage

Storage drive specifications determine not just capacity but also data transfer speed. Faster transfer rates can translate to better performance. We can help identify the best balance between cost-effective options and the latest high-performance storage components.

Input/Output

Your I/O requirements will influence the entire configuration, so it's helpful to draft a rough architecture map to visualize your project. We can assist in determining how many LAN ports are necessary, whether they should be powered or specialized, and what type of PoE setup is required. Other considerations include USB, Serial ports, Digital I/O, camera triggers, ignition functions, full PCIe slots, as well as 4G, 5G, or Cellular LTE options.

Network Connection

Is a wired or wireless connection essential for your setup? Consider necessary coverage across different network generations (4G, 5G). Certain applications may require continuous connectivity, which demands a wired connection. On the other hand, IoT sensor applications might benefit from advanced 5G connectivity, enhanced Wifi, LoRa, or a dedicated private network.

Temperature Range

The ambient temperature of the installation area might necessitate specialized equipment, such as rugged options with ratings between -40°C to 85°C.

Power

Consider the type of power source available at the installation site. Will you need to direct wire one? Also, will the power supply experience fluctuations like those found in vehicle-mounted systems? Component specifications place significant demands on power; for instance, high-performance GPUs can require over 300 watts.

Form Factor

Consult the technical specs regarding physical dimensions and considerations to plan your cabinet layout and any built-in components. Is a fan-based solution sufficient, or would a fanless design be more reliable?

Mounting

Mounting needs will depend on the installation location, main usage, and technical specifications. Industrial mounting solutions can include VESA, DIN rail, wall mounting, and rack mount options. When considering vibration, the inclusion of inexpensive rubber grommets can greatly extend product longevity.

Lifecycle

Bear in mind that lifecycle denotes the duration during which a product receives manufacturer support, rather than its reliability. When discussing options with the CoastIPC team, we aim to align the lifecycle of your device with your roadmap, ensuring that your operations continue to run smoothly with reliable, repeatable products.

Budget

We can help you define a preliminary budget range based on your specifications, or we can engineer a solution that strikes the best balance between your requirements and financial constraints. Whether you need a basic performance level or a highly powerful setup, we can align performance with costs effectively.

Timing

We maintain a stock of some of the most sought-after technology products, but in scenarios involving supply chain shortages, we are equipped to find alternatives that meet or even surpass your expectations without straining your budget. Rapidly changing timelines for delivery due to supply shortages and delays are accounted for; we commit ourselves to ensuring that the best products are ready when you need them.

Delivery

Our aim is to deliver a fully functional computer that is ready to use right out of the box. We conduct comprehensive testing and pay attention to intricate details, such as software application installation and updates, ensuring your computer is operational without delays. We take pride in not just providing the PC but also in facilitating an efficient setup and installation process.

Select the Right Industrial PC with Expert Guidance

CoastIPC combines industry expertise with state-of-the-art products to assist you in specifying, ordering, and installing your new industrial computer efficiently. Whether you have an exhaustive list of specifications or a complex set of needs entwined with budget constraints, we are here to help you build the PC that fits your specific installation and application.

We offer proactive and supportive services to anticipate your requirements and discover solutions during challenging supply chain conditions. Need assistance in finding the right solution for your project? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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