Bigger is better: Five advantages of XXL industrial monitors
Industry 4.0 and smart factory concepts pose a number of challenges to production processes. Industrial monitors that are capable of displaying the extensive data of servers in a way that enables all parties to quickly grasp the most important information are a key element of stable production processes. Here, XXL monitors offer various advantages.
Advantage nr. 1: Everything at a glance
The XXL monitor’s larger screen area and higher resolution (with the option of Full HD or even 4K) makes it possible to display a comprehensive overview of the complete manufacturing line instead of merely a certain section. For example, Kontron equips its FlatView monitor line with a 75-inch screen diagonal XXL version. It allows displaying the manufacturing line in its entirety. Problems are no longer registered in a locally limited fashion, and problems can be identified early on even at other critical points of the production process.
Advantage no. 2: Important details at the right time
The more “smart” a production process is, the more data it produces. This data can and should be used for gaining as much information as possible, ideally in real-time and both in the production hall and the control room. Therefore, XXL monitors are especially well suited as flexible Andon boards with extended functionality. In case of disruptions, the monitors will provide extensive, detailed information to help limit problems.
Advantage no. 3: Also suitable for large distances
Traditional industrial monitors not only limit the section of the screen that can be displayed. Long-range legibility is a factor, too. Placing XXL monitors at central locations makes it possible to easily read the content displayed over large distances, thanks to their size and high resolution. Also, technologies such as Kontron’s WideLink simplify the connection to the signal output. It allows placing monitors up to 100 meters away from the signal source. The transmission method includes the screen signal, the touch interface feedback as well as USB and audio signals and requires only a single connection via an Ethernet cable.
Advantage no. 4: Fit for the paperless factory
But XXL monitors not only help displaying the data of complete production lines in a transparent manner, but also pave the way for the paperless factory. Instead of handling printouts, manuals and documents for a specific production order can be visualized centrally and for all to see on an XXL monitor. The centrally placed screen will always display the latest data, always freshly retrieved from a central server for all involved. Out-of-date and inconsistent paper files are a thing of the past.
Advantage no. 5: Flexible for every use scenario
Industrial monitors need to meet a wide variety of requirements and usually need to be robust against shock, dust and water. In practice however, there are great differences. The range of Kontron FlatView XXL monitors reaches from having a certain resistance against light environmental influences to devices that are completely sealed, feature protective glass, and protected from dust and strong water jets. In addition, the monitors need to be easy to read even in poor lighting conditions, and optionally equipped with a touch screen able to be operated with gloves. XXL monitors in general are nearly maintenance-free, having been designed without moving or wearing parts. As an alternative to bare monitors, XXL Panel-PCs are available as well, whose performance can be configured according to their field of application.
