Month: July 2016

How to Choose Rugged Computers for Oil and Chemical Industries

Posted on: July 26, 2016

rugged LCD displaysIn the oil, gas, and hazardous chemical industries, rugged LCD displays can be a necessity.
Companies in the energy sector (oil, gas) or those that work with large quantities of hazardous chemicals must deal with complicated, high-level tasks on a massive scale. In the oil, gas, and chemical industries, operations often require advanced machinery, thousands of highly trained workers, large investments, and proven processes to overcome logistical challenges.

Industry technology also needs to be high-level, able to perform and withstand damage in harsh environments. If hardware breaks down or malfunctions during an operation, this could result in large costs or even injury to workers.

A rugged LCD monitor is an advanced solution for the energy sector, offering increased durability, reliability, and capability when used in the harshest environments.

Choosing a Rugged Computer for Oil and Chemical Industries

Rugged computers and monitors have increased durability that makes them suitable for use in harsh, industrial environments. These monitors can be used outdoors (in rain, at night, in extreme temperatures), in environments with contaminants (dust, pollutants, debris), and during the day or night.

Using rugged computers can save costs and extend the lifespan of technology for industrial companies, but they are also often a necessity in the energy sector. Rugged computers come in sealed chassis that protect against water, environmental contaminants, chemical exposures, moisture, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

As well, rugged displays can resist damage from vibrations, shocks, drops, and other types of physical abuse. They also do not emit sparks, which can be a major concern in industrial environments that contain flammable chemicals or other materials.

For these reasons, rugged displays are often a necessity in the oil, gas, and chemical industries.

Benefits of Rugged Computers for the Oil and Gas Industry

There are several distinct advantages to rugged displays that may not be readily known. While it’s important to have technology that is rugged enough to withstand environmental conditions, there are other benefits to using these computers.

  • Save Money: While rugged LCD displays typically have a higher upfront cost, they have a much lower total cost of ownership (TCO). This means that, in the long run, using these computers is actually more affordable than using lower-level consumer technology. Rugged computers last longer, do not malfunction or break down as often, and can lead to increased savings over the years.
  • Increased Effectiveness: Rugged computers are not only more resistant but also feature a range of capabilities and functionalities that allow for greater use. Many rugged LCD displays are sunlight readable and also feature dim-to-red capability, allowing them to be effectively used in outdoor conditions day or night.
  • Accessibility: Rugged computers also have a variety of features that allow for increased versatility, accessibility, and use. These include a rugged touch screen, multiple inputs, and other features that allow for greater ease of use compared to consumer technology.
  • Custom Solutions: Industrial display and monitor manufacturers can create customized solutions for industry and commercial enterprises, businesses, and organizations. Displays can be engineered to meet specific industrial needs or specifications, providing the right tools for your operation or environment.

Do you need a display for a commercial application? Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high-performance displays that are at the forefront of leading-edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.

How Ruggedness Reduces TCO for Commercial Computers

Posted on: July 19, 2016

commercial grade monitors Commercial monitors may be designed for use in high-level applications, but they are often more cost-effective for businesses that would require lower-level displays and monitors.

When businesses need displays and monitors, they have a choice between two types of display. Consumer-grade displays, such as the ones anyone can purchase in an electronics store or retail outlet, are meant for personal use. They are usually not intended for use by businesses, meaning they can provide low performance in certain conditions (daylight, low light, etc.) or be damaged easily by water or physical contact.

On the other hand, commercial-grade monitors are engineered to be rugged and provide high performance in commercial environments. However, due to their higher price, some business owners opt for cheaper consumer technology instead.

What many people that don’t realize is that rugged computers are often more cost-effective in the long term. To understand why, you have to look at something called TCO.

What is TCO?

TCO is short for “total cost of ownership” and it’s a metric that business owners can use to more accurately measure costs and make more cost-effective business decisions.

TCO looks at the total cost of an investment over a lifetime, rather than just looking at the upfront cost. With any business purchase, there are a variety of hard and soft costs besides the upfront cost that must be accounted for, including installation costs, operating costs, repair/replacement costs, and ongoing maintenance costs.

For instance, a cheap light bulb may be $5.00, compared to a higher-efficiency model that costs $20.00. However, if the cheaper bulb only lasts a month and the more expensive bulb lasts a year, it is more cost-effective to invest in the higher-price light bulb. The cheap light bulb would cost $60.00 per year compared to $20.00 for the more expensive variation.

Business owners use TCO to make more accurate determinations of cost when it comes to their business. They don’t look at how much an item will cost them in the short term, but rather what it will cost in the long term. While rugged computers have a higher upfront cost, they have a lower TCO and can actually help business owners save money.

Ruggedness Reduces TCO for Commercial Computers

The TCO for rugged computers is lower than for consumer monitors. There are several reasons for this, the most obvious being that rugged computers have extended lifespans. Rugged computers can be expected to last at high use for five years, at the very least (and reputable manufacturers will offer warranties for their monitors), and for typically even longer.

Consumer monitors, on the other hand, typically will be inoperable by the end of five years’ time, particularly if they have been used for a commercial application. In fact, over one-third of consumer monitors have to be replaced within two years of use, so the cost of replacing consumer monitors quickly outpaces that of buying a higher-end model.

Furthermore, rugged computers are far more resistant to damage. Rugged computers can be waterproof, sealed against contaminants (dust, pollutants, etc.), and typically come in a rugged chassis that is durable against physical damage. This means that rugged computers are far less likely to become damaged or require repair.

Finally, with a versatile rugged computer, business owners have no need for upgrades or replacements. These displays and monitors use high-end technology that can provide the greatest performance beyond what is needed for any commercial application. In fact, rugged computers are used by the military and the government in extreme conditions and life-and-death situations. When you use a rugged computer, you can be assured that you will never need to upgrade the technology even five years down the line.

With a reduced TCO, rugged commercial grade monitors and displays are typically the most cost-effective choice for business owners in all industries.

Do you need a display for a commercial application? Nauticomp Inc. is an established display manufacturer with worldwide brand recognition as an innovative industry leader. We are dedicated to providing high performance displays that are at the forefront of leading edge display technology. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.

How to Choose Commercial Display Monitors for Advertising?

Posted on: July 11, 2016

Commercial Display Monitors for AdvertisingBusinesses are now using commercial display monitors to increase their sales, attract new customers, and improve their brand image.

In the retail and food service industries, there is more competition than ever before. Big-name stores are able to exert their influence and presence over competitors with larger signage, increased presence, and high-cost marketing techniques.

Outdoor digital signage is now a popular sales and marketing tactic for companies. Retailers and business owners can use commercial displays to catch customers’ attention, attract them into the store, promote their services (discounts, promotions, new products, etc.), and present a better image.

Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Commercial Display Monitors

There are some special considerations that business owners need to take into account when selecting an outdoor display or monitor for their business.

Superior Visibility

Outdoor displays need to be able to be viewed in all types of lighting conditions. Typical consumer displays are not visible in direct sunlight, while others may be too bright in low-light or nighttime conditions. Sunlight readable display monitors use optically bonded glass, LED backlighting, and other technology to remain visible in even direct daylight. Furthermore, commercial displays can come with dim-to-red technology that allows for use in low-lighting conditions.

Cost-Reducing Durability

Displays that are used outdoors, around customers or the public, or in precarious positions are all susceptible to damage. Traditional monitors can become easily damaged by being exposed to weather conditions or by physical contact; they are just not built for use in commercial applications. Commercial displays come with a rugged chassis and increased durability, preventing breaks, cracks, and other forms of damage. Commercial monitors can be used for years or even decades without need for replacement.

Custom/Convenient Design

Commercial display monitors can be custom built to match your business’ needs and specifications. Industrial display manufacturers can build customized monitors that are designed specifically for your retail or commercial space. The size of your display screen and chassis can be made to fit inside tight spaces, while display manufacturers can add a variety of features and functionalities based on your needs, such as multiple component inputs, waterproof (IP 67/68 sealed) capability, and easy-to-use interfaces.

Attract Passing Shoppers and Increase Sales with Commercial Display Monitors

For retailers and business owners, commercial display monitors have several advantages. Perhaps the largest is that they can directly increase sales, promoting your services, products, discounts, and promotions to passersby. Using display monitors is more affordable than other forms of traditional advertising, such as radio or TV ads, and it targets the consumers who are most likely to shop at your store (i.e. those who are in your area).

At Nauticomp Inc., we have a variety of commercial and industrial displays that can provide high performance and consistent use in outdoor environments. We offer displays that are sunlight-readable, waterproof (IP 67/68 sealed), and capable of being used in low-light conditions. We also offer custom designs based on your specifications and needs. For more information on Nauticomp Inc., contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service or at 1-800-267-9491 for U.S. service.