As industrial manufacturing facilities expand by retrofitting existing spaces, they often face a new challenge: overcrowding. In space-constrained environments, traditional computing setups with bulky hardware, excessive cabling, and external power requirements pose significant logistical and compliance challenges.
With limited room for critical computing platforms and KPI visualization displays, essential control systems can be squeezed out—putting quality standards and productivity at risk.
To address these issues, manufacturers are turning to panel PCs. These integrated computing solutions with touchscreen interfaces and onboard processing eliminate the need for separate peripherals, reducing clutter and contamination risks. Their compact design allows flexible mounting on walls, control panels, or equipment, reducing clutter while ensuring efficiency.
Panel PCs are purpose-built for manufacturing environments, featuring fanless, sealed enclosures that resist dust and withstand frequent cleaning. With industrial-grade durability, customizable hardware, and IP-rated enclosures, these devices provide a robust, compliant solution.
“For manufacturers, panel PCs deliver an optimal balance of efficiency, cleanliness, and reliability—helping companies optimize space while meeting the highest quality and regulatory standards,” says Paul Shu of ARISTA Corporation, a leading provider of computing platforms and visualization display products for manufacturing environments.
Enhancing Efficiency with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Integrating single-cable Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology enhances the space-saving capabilities of panel PCs. PoE delivers both power and data through one cable, eliminating external power sources and reducing wiring. The latest high-power PoE (802.3bt Type 3/4) can provide up to 70 watts, supporting panel PCs as well as flat screens, thin clients, and workstations.
PoE-powered panel PCs streamline the deployment of KPI displays across the plant floor, simplifying installation, reducing costs, and improving operational efficiency by enabling centralized power management. Manufacturers can deploy PoE-enabled panel PCs up to 330 feet from a network switch.
Smart Mounting Solutions
Pairing PoE technology with smart mounting solutions maximizes space efficiency. Wall-mounted, swing-arm, or flush-mounted panel PCs minimize intrusion accessibility.
“In tight spaces, stainless steel pendant arms allow workstations to be extended, rotated, and repositioned as needed, then pushed back against the wall when not in use,” says Shu.
For manufacturers, combining panel PCs, PoE, and flexible mounting provides a scalable, cost-effective solution that maximizes space and production efficiency.
For more information, contact ARISTA Corporation at (510) 226-1800; on the web: https://www.aristaipc.com/; e-mail [email protected], or write to them at 48460 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538.