Automotive ::
Our robust touchscreen computer, Juno, was designed in response to the demand for a "bomb-proof" computer for use in technician's workshops at car dealerships. It's sturdy frame integrates a liquid/dust resistant keyboard and bright 15" LCD screen. Again, we shifted the paradigm for this type of equipment by making it wireless and wall-mounted, preserving valuable workbench space for more familiar workshop tools. A special magnetic key contains a unique ID for each user, such that when they apply the key to the system, that user's current work plan appears on-screen. In this instance, we worked in partnership with a web-based DMS (dealership management system) provider and together rolled this system out to nearly 400 locations UK-wide.
Very few have come back for repair over the years they have been deplyed despite the very hostile environment they are working in. The Juno is capable of working in very hot environments and has been tested over a long period at ambient temperatures of around 40 deg C - suitable for very hot climates. These units are hard to destroy both physically and by attempted misuse of software. This makes them a sound return on investment over many years compared with the comment we sometimes get of 'we use standard PCs as they are cheaper'. Our experience is that it is most likely that 3 standard PCs will failed in the time that the Juno takes to develop a minor problem such as grease on the trackball.
We use industrial electronics - not PC motherboards - for reliability and repeatability to create similar machines one to the next. The Juno can be used in any harsh environment for any application requiring Windows infrastructure and operator ID and automatic log-on at will.
CASE STUDIES
Our brief from Hartwell was to create a mechanically strong computer system for their service bay technicians. Obviously, the units needed to withstand the horrific conditions typical of vehicle workshops: grease, brake fluid, water, dust, smoke, extremes of temperature, and physical abuse.