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News&Events Case Study Industrial Fanless Mini PCs Provide Micro Markets Wide Expandability and Reliability
Case Study
18.Jun.2019
Industrial Fanless Mini PCs Provide Micro Markets Wide Expandability and Reliability
C&T Benefits
- Motherboard customization to support eight dedicated USB ports (Four ports are supplied by C&T's Universal I/O expansion bracket that can also support Two COM, 4 LAN/PoE, etc.)
- 4G LTE mobile broadband connectivity through mini-PCIe and SIM card for real-time data aggregation.
- Fanless and cable-less system design protects internal electronic components and extends product longevity.
Real-world Challenge
The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has introduced a new wave of advanced self-service convenience that incorporates new technology for better customer-centric features and accessibility. Interactive kiosk machines are increasingly expanding their capabilities with smarter functions utilizing IoT sensors, scanners, cameras, wireless connectivity, and more. These innovative applications have provided forward-thinking businesses with a competitive advantage through enhanced customer service and user-friendly interfaces.
Micro markets are a rapidly growing retail environment designed for an unattended shopping experience complete with automated self-checkout technology that are replacing outdated vending machines in workplace break rooms, campus lounges, and other similarly controlled locations. Compared to antiquated vending solutions, micro markets experience increases of sales on average of 80% thanks to better variety, efficiency, and self-services. This opportunity brings forward new innovations to improve management systems so that micro market operators have the flexibility to streamline their inventory, merchandising, and logistics with real-time data analytics. In addition, as more devices and edge computers are being interconnected, there is a demand for better device intelligence that can assist on forecasting and planning strategy for future decision making.
C&T's client, a micro market startup with a vision to maximize ROI for independent business operators, was looking for a hardware partner to successfully integrate into their interactive kiosks throughout their entire fleet of micro markets worldwide. Initially using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) mini computers as their compute solution, they quickly found that it was not reaching their full technical requirements as demand for their micro market rose sharply. By relying on consumer mini pcs to drive the various sensors, scanners, and devices, the startup had to include a USB hub for each individual system to enable the essential functions for their micro market kiosk. In addition to adding potential points of failure, the consumer mini pc did not sustain a long-term supply and was lacking the necessary features to fully integrate with their software system.
In order to fulfill their hardware requirements, C&T worked with the micro market startup to customize a professional grade industrial fanless mini pc that consolidated every needed function into one compact solution. C&T's customized BCO-1010 Series fit the bill and provided industrial features that reduced the total cost of ownership and delivered peace of mind with a reliable long-term product supply for continued growth.
The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has introduced a new wave of advanced self-service convenience that incorporates new technology for better customer-centric features and accessibility. Interactive kiosk machines are increasingly expanding their capabilities with smarter functions utilizing IoT sensors, scanners, cameras, wireless connectivity, and more. These innovative applications have provided forward-thinking businesses with a competitive advantage through enhanced customer service and user-friendly interfaces.
Micro markets are a rapidly growing retail environment designed for an unattended shopping experience complete with automated self-checkout technology that are replacing outdated vending machines in workplace break rooms, campus lounges, and other similarly controlled locations. Compared to antiquated vending solutions, micro markets experience increases of sales on average of 80% thanks to better variety, efficiency, and self-services. This opportunity brings forward new innovations to improve management systems so that micro market operators have the flexibility to streamline their inventory, merchandising, and logistics with real-time data analytics. In addition, as more devices and edge computers are being interconnected, there is a demand for better device intelligence that can assist on forecasting and planning strategy for future decision making.
C&T's client, a micro market startup with a vision to maximize ROI for independent business operators, was looking for a hardware partner to successfully integrate into their interactive kiosks throughout their entire fleet of micro markets worldwide. Initially using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) mini computers as their compute solution, they quickly found that it was not reaching their full technical requirements as demand for their micro market rose sharply. By relying on consumer mini pcs to drive the various sensors, scanners, and devices, the startup had to include a USB hub for each individual system to enable the essential functions for their micro market kiosk. In addition to adding potential points of failure, the consumer mini pc did not sustain a long-term supply and was lacking the necessary features to fully integrate with their software system.
In order to fulfill their hardware requirements, C&T worked with the micro market startup to customize a professional grade industrial fanless mini pc that consolidated every needed function into one compact solution. C&T's customized BCO-1010 Series fit the bill and provided industrial features that reduced the total cost of ownership and delivered peace of mind with a reliable long-term product supply for continued growth.
C&T's Application Solution
By leveraging C&T's strong hardware expertise, the micro market startup was able to define their exact technical specifications to successfully power their interactive kiosks’ multiple key functions with durability that lasts. To support the wide connectivity necessary, C&T provided a customized motherboard for the BCO-1010 to add two additional USB ports coupled with a 4-port USB module through an onboard Universal I/O bracket to supply enough dedicated ports to power every device without an external peripheral hub. Each micro market kiosk needed a minimum of seven USB ports to control the touch screen, security webcam, fingerprint reader, cash bill reader, credit card scanner, barcode scanner, and a keyboard/mouse for troubleshooting.
Incorporating the core of IoT is a major advantage for how micro markets manage merchandise inventory in real-time by utilizing data analytics each time purchases are made. This is made possible by the BCO-1010's mini-PCIe module fitted with a 4G LTE chip optimized for Machine to Machine (M2M) communication and IoT applications. With access to mobile broadband through major wireless carriers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, each micro market kiosk ensured that the cloud software management system was up to date when dedicated internet was not guaranteed on-location. With real-time data aggregation, market operators are able to efficiently and remotely track, route, stock, and schedule services precisely when needed. Furthermore, each system is supported with Intel Watchdog Timer to minimize operational downtime through remote monitoring and testing of hardware diagnostics.
