Because digital signage is highly visible it is an effective platform for communication in areas where normal communication methods prove challenging. Large premises such as warehouses are often noisy locations with a workforce spread out over a large distance. Often, due to the need for employees in these areas to be moving about, communication platforms such as email are not feasible, so getting information across can be a challenge.

The advantage of digital signage for these warehousing and industrial locations is that the visibility and ability to upload information, remotely and instantly, means that communication is possible over large areas. But digital signage in these sorts of areas does pose a few challenges, namely because of the actual environments.

Many industrial type locations are not the ideal areas to run a screen network due to the environmental conditions. Some warehouses may be dusty environments; other locations could be chilled or wash down areas. All these elements could damage a normal digital signage display so a more protective solution is required.

As with outdoor digital signage, industrial digital signage requires comprehensive protection. For chilled and freezer environments, this may mean maintaining the temperature of the LCD screen above zero, while wash down and dusty areas need an impervious LCD enclosure to prevent ingress from particles or moisture, both of which could disable a digital signage display. Digital signage in industrial locations also needs adequate physical protection to prevent damage to the screen – especially in areas where forklift trucks and other machinery could knock into a screen.

When looking for industrial digital signage solutions, a good place to start is to make sure the screens have been built to sufficient NEMA of IP standards. For dusty environments, this means an LCD enclosure built to at least IP 54 (NEMA 3), while for wash down environments, a rating of IP 65 (NEMA 4) will be required to protect from water.

Shatterproof screens are also necessary in these environments, especially in areas where food is produced, as broken glass caused by an accident can lead to shutdown of production and cause possible contamination.

For frozen and chilled environments, heated LCD enclosures are usually necessary to maintain a stable internal temperature. The heating systems need a thermostat to prevent overheating.

Digital Signage in Industrial Locations is a post from: Armagard

Armagard's Penc 700

Unsure what to do, Brembo, who amongst other things provide brakes for MOTOGP, the world GP motorbike championship, thought they would need to continuously replace their PCs, knowing they would soon fail due to the high level of carbon dust, or start using industrial computers, compromising on performance and costing far more than standard equipment.

Not wanting to compromise on their production IT, the brake specialists turned to Armagard and their PENC and SENC 700 computer enclosures.

Designed to accommodate standard PCs and monitors, Armagard’s PENC 700 computer enclosure is IP 54 rated, providing dustproof protection. While the stainless steel SENC 700 provides waterproof protection too, enabling washdown.

With a their computers housed in the Armagard enclosure, dust and other airborne particles are unable to penetrate, providing the optimum dust-free environment for their shop floor computers.

Director of ICT at Brembo in Bergamo, Italy, said: “After introducing the solution offered by Armagard, we have solved our problems and dramatically reduced the frequency of failures. Armagard have provided a product that fully satisfies our needs. “

Armagard – Breakdowns in Brake Production is a post from: Armagard

Of course, industrial computers are designed to work in the rough and tumble world of the shopfloor, but they do come with several restrictions, which is often the reason so many of Armagard’s customers opt to use industrial computer enclosures instead.

Firstly, for reliability purposes, industrial computers do tend to use tried and tested components, and while this makes the solid-state devices more dependable, it does mean that the processors and chips are far older and loss proficient than more modern systems.

Secondly, most shopfloor IT systems have to communicate the office computers and this can cause problems when different hardware, operating systems and software programs try and communicate. As industrial computer enclosures allow the standard office IT to be taken into the shopfloor environment, everybody in the company can use the same hardware and software.

Finally, while industrial computers are designed to work in rugged industrial environments they can, and do fail (as all computers have finite lifespans), which can lead to downtime. With an industrial computer enclosure this is not too much of a problem as the enclosure can be opened and the PC swiftly removed or replaced, with little or no IT experience required in doing so; However, when an industrial computer fails, being solid-state, onsite repair is impossible leading to prolonged downtime as you wait for a replacement or a technician.

At Armagard we have been providing industrial computer enclosures for nearly two decades and many of our earliest sales are still functioning in the industrial environments, and have had several generations of computers installed in the same enclosure.

Industrial Computers—good but flawed.

Computer Enclosures Offers Flexibility

Computer and Touch Screen Enclosures – Flexible Shopfloor IT is a post from: Armagard

One common term often referred to when it comes to implementing outdoor digital signage is IP65 – but what is it, and what does it mean?

What is IP65?

IP65 is a European guideline for the manufacture of enclosures used to house electrical equipment. The protective LCD enclosures used to house digital signage therefore falls under this bracket so understanding IP65 is vital if you are to employ LCD screens in an outdoor location.

IP65 is a code. The IP stands for Ingress protection and the rating system is devised to give guidance as to what types of material can and can’t penetrate the enclosure and therefore cause possible damage to the device.

The two numbers denote solid and liquids. The first number indicates the level of solid object protection, whilst the second indicates the type of waterproof protection is offered. The numbers are ascending so the higher the number the better protection.

IP65 offers dust protection as well as being waterproof enough to stop powerful water jets, therefore it should operate without problems under rainfall and other weather elements.

What IP ratings don’t cover?

Whilst ensuring rain, snow, sleet and windblown dust doesn’t get inside the enclosure is vital for outdoor digital signage; there are aspects to using screens outdoor that are not covered by the IP rating.

Temperature is one such constituent and ensuring the screen can cope with whatever the ambient temperature is also important for digital signage applications. In cold climates, heaters are often employed inside LCD enclosures to ensure any condensation, or the components themselves, do not freeze.

While in warmer climates, cooling components have to be employed to ensure the screen doesn’t overheat and can function under direct sunlight.

Another aspect of digital signage that is not covered by IP ratings is physical protection against impact and vandalism. This is also important to counter in outdoor digital signage applications which are why most LCD enclosures are manufactured from solid steel.

IP65 – European Rating for Outdoor Digital Signage Enclosures is a post from: Armagard

Computer control and data storage makes most functions and processes easier and more efficient but using PCs in many surroundings does pose problems.

The harsh elements of an industrial area can damage a PC so they and the monitors have to be protected – often in some form of industrial computer enclosure and LCD enclosure. But there is one aspect of a computer system that can’t be enclosed – the input devices.

A keyboard and mouse is essential for most computer operations. While, touch screens are commonly used in industrial areas for controlling processes they are not suitable for data-entry or other types of information entry so keyboards and mouse pointing devices still have to be used in many locations and this poses two problems:

Industrial Keyboards and Mouse

Industrial areas the most common problem with using standard keyboards and mouse solutions is they quickly get disabled by the amount of dust, dirt, grease and other elements. Protective plastic covers are available but are only effective up to a point and any industrial area with a standard keyboard or mouse will require frequent replacements on a par with the amount of harsh materials about.

Industrial keyboards are therefore an obvious requirement in these sorts of areas as are mouse pointing devices such as tracker balls or touch pads. These rugged PC peripherals are designed to withstand almost every harsh or hazardous material found in industrial areas and ensure that production doesn’t have to stop because of a clogged keyboard or mouse.

For less frequent use, and to save space, flexible silicone keyboards can also be used. These can even be rolled up for storage unravelled for typing. The silicone is waterproof and they are designed so dirt and grime cannot interfere with the workings of the keyboard.

Medical Keyboards and Mouse

In some areas it is not the elements in the environment that are a problem to a keyboard but the keyboard and mouse themselves become potential hazards.

Keyboards and mouse pointing devices are harbourers of germs which is a problem for hospital and medical environments as they can assist in the spread of infection – including hospital acquired infections such C Dificile and MRSA.

Cleaning a traditional keyboard and mouse is difficult as any water will effect the inner electronics; however, silicone medical keyboard enable complete washdown and as they are manufactured from bacteria resistant silicone and designed without any raised surfaces they prevent bacteria from breeding on the surfaces. These keyboards can be cleaned with standard hospital disinfectants so preventing the spread of infection.

Industrial and Medical Keyboards – Data Entry in Harsh or Sterile Surroundings is a post from: Armagard

The reason for the success and widespread use of LCDs is two-fold; firstly, LCDs have plummeted in price and are now far cheaper a device than the former CRT based TVs ever were. Secondly, LCD TVs are flatter and lighter than their predecessors so they take up less space and are easier to install on walls or mounts.

Challenges

There are still many challenges to be faced when taking a device, which has been primarily designed for office and home use, into an industrial location. Factory floors and other locations are full of harmful elements that can damage, disable and even destroy an LCD screen.

Dust is a common problem in these types of areas and this can cause a myriad of problems including over-heating and short circuits. Dust can clog up air vents and as the static charge will attract it, the screen will quickly be covered in dust and be therefore dimmed.

Water is another problem for LCDs in factory location, especially wash down areas where water is hosed or pressure washed about. A normal, unprotected LCD won’t last long in an area where water and liquids are used liberally.

Impacts too are common in industrial locations. Accidents with forklifts, pallet trucks and other heavy machinery are commonplace and if a screen gets clouted then it probably won’t survive.

Protection

While some LCD devices are rugged, or designed to be waterproof, often this is not enough for many factory locations – not to mention the fact that these types of screens are incredibly expensive.

For true all round protection in harsh environments like these, an LCD enclosure is by far the best option. They are usually made from steel, so can withstand impacts; are waterproof and dustproof, have climatic controls to ensure the correct operating temperature inside the enclosure; and best of all, an LCD enclosure housing a standard TV device will be far more cost effective than expensive rugged, waterproof or outdoor televisions.

Using LCD Screens and Displays in Industrial Locations is a post from: Armagard

Outdoor digital signage is a more challenging media to get involved with though and each location can throw up new challenges that have to be countered to ensure the screen will tolerate the conditions of the outdoor environment.
But many of these challenges and limitations in using screens in outdoor locations are easily countered with protective devices like LCD enclosures allowing the use of digital screens in almost any environment.

High Street

One of the most common areas for seeing outdoor digital signage is along the high street. From advertising to local information such as wayfinding, outdoor digital signage is finding numerous uses on our high streets.

The most common challenge to cope with when placing screens on the high street is the weather. Waterproof LCD enclosures manufactured to IP65 (NEMA 4) are commonly used to ensure the screens are protected from the weather but there is often issues with the ambient temperature and direct sunlight that have to be countered too.

Transport Hubs

Bus stations, railway platforms and even taxi ranks are attractive locations for outdoor advertisers because of the sheer volume and captive status of the audience. Again protecting the devices from the weather is important to ensure the screens can cope in these environments.

Ski resorts

An example of an extreme location; ski resorts are increasingly installing screens as a way of providing important and emergency information (closed runs, avalanche warnings etc). Digital signage in ski resorts is highly effective at providing this real time information but it has to be protected from the extreme cold.

Heaters are often installed inside the LCD enclosures as is insulation to ensure the screens do not freeze.

Schools and institutions

Another common outdoor location is outside schools, colleges and even religious buildings. These screens can pass information to the staff, students, visitors and parents, simply and effectively. Often these locations can be vulnerable though and susceptible to attacks of vandalism which is why steel anti-vandal LCD enclosures are a common solution.

Outdoor Digital Signage – The Locations is a post from: Armagard

From controlling processes, relaying important information to operators to printing out despatch and stock information – technology increases production, reduces waste and generates efficiency.

But technology like computers, printers and displays face challenges in industrial locations that are not present in offices or homes where these devices are also commonly used.

A myriad of hostile elements can and do exist in these areas, and include:
• dust
• dirt
• liquid splashes
• wash down
• extreme heat
• sub zero temperatures
• excessive heat
• impacts

To counter these elements and environmental challenges there are several options. The first is to use solid state industrial computer equipment. This is not always possible as not all devices have industrial equivalents (such as printers) and even when they do they are highly expensive. However, enclosures have been designed to allow standard office equipment to be used in these areas:

Computer Enclosures

Designed to house standard office computers, industrial computer enclosures come in all sizes. The enclosure will prevent any hostile elements getting to the computer and provides the perfect working environment inside for the PC to operate in.

Equipped with industrial keyboards, or using touch screens, computer enclosures often house other computer equipment too, like monitors – although these can be separately catered for.

LCD and Monitor Enclosures

LCD enclosures house the flat panel displays so common these days. Almost any size LCD display can be housed in an LCD enclosure but even older CRT type displays can be catered for as a whole range of monitor enclosures are available too.

Printer Enclosures

Perhaps the most difficult device to protect in an industrial environment is the printer. The main problem with protecting printers is that there has to be access for the printed material to be removed.

Printer enclosures are often designed with flap and door mechanisms which allow the device to be totally protected and still permit access to the printer. Heated printer enclosures are available too and these allow standard printer devices to operate in sub-zero temperatures – which even industrial printers can’t manage to do.

Using Computers, Printers and LCD Displays in Industry is a post from: Armagard

LCD Enclosures

Outdoor LCD enclosures are found in all sorts of locations. These steel enclosures protect standard and commercial screens and give them the outdoor protection that they need. Commonly they are designed to European and USA guidelines for outdoor use (EU -IP65 USA- NEMA 4 – National Electrical Manufacturers Association).

LCD enclosures keep out the rain but also ensure the devices don’t overheat or freeze in the varying weather conditions that areas experience throughout the season. However, it is not just LCD screens that are can operate in outdoor locations.

Other enclosures

Touchsreens are increasingly being used outdoors for information purposes.  Touch screens are a rugged and easy to use method of allowing input information. Outdoor touch screen enclosures are commonly used to protect these screens. Similar to an LCD enclosure the face of a touchscreen enclosure has to allow the touch screen to operate whilst still ensure it is watertight.

Even computers and printers are often housed in computer enclosures. Commonly these are for industrial; applications where water and dirt are a problem but the concept is the same as for an LCD enclosure as the industrial PC enclosure and printer enclosures often adhere to the same standards and guidelines.

Inside an Enclosure

LCD enclosures and enclosures for touch screens, computers and printers are not just watertight metal boxes. There is far more to them than just keeping out water and other nasties. Often they contain temperature devices like heaters and cooling fans that are thermostatically controlled so no matter what device you are using outside it should be protected and able to operate for 365 days a year.

Outdoor Enclosures – Not Just Digital Signage is a post from: Armagard

But it is not just people that need to be protected from the elements. Many electrical devices that are used in outdoor or factory locations need to be protected too. These can range from outdoor digital signage screens to computer systems used in industrial premises.

Unlike conventional equipment that are used in offices and homes, having to operate in outdoor locations or in industrial areas requires protecting the devices from multiple elements and potential hazards.

For instance in outdoor locations, an LCD TV screen used as a digital signage device will need protection from the rain, snow and other weather elements. However, there is also more to consider for any device that has to operate outdoors.

There are the temperature extremes to think about; both excessive hot and cold can disable many electrical devices and also direct sunlight can have a damaging effect on something like an LCD screen. There is also the security of the device to consider too, vandals and thieves are an unfortunate aspect of life but they still need to be considered when implementing an outdoor display device or digital signage system.

When it comes to factory of industrial areas then other considerations need to be taken into account. Dust and airborne debris can disable many devices such as computers, printers or screens plus there is the risk of heavy impacts, vibration damage not to mention liquids, oils and greases sploshing around.

To Be Continued…

The Manufacturing of Protective Environments…Part 1 is a post from: Armagard