Year: 2016

How to Choose Marine Displays for Ship Navigation

Posted on: September 20, 2016

When choosing a marine display for ship navigation, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account.

Marine navigation displays must be able to perform at a much higher level than consumer-grade displays. Marine computers must be able to withstand use in harsh conditions, provide consistent reliability, and offer proper functionality for ship navigation.

Marine environments can be harsh, with exposure to moisture, water, temperature extremes, sunlight, and wild weather conditions. As well, durability and reliability are key for any equipment used in a marine environment, for both safety reasons and economic considerations.
Here are some of the features, capabilities, and functionalities that all marine multifunctional displays should offer.

Versatile Mounting and Installation

Marine displays should offer versatile mounting options so they can be safely secured to a variety of surfaces. Marine cabins can have limited space and safety/usability considerations that impact the placement of a monitor. Versatile mounting options ensure that a monitor can be placed in a range of positions and environments. Look for displays that can be supported through panel, wall, or VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) arm mounting, allowing placement at any height or angle.

Compatibility with the Existing System

Displays must be compatible with the existing marine system being used. Choose monitors that have multiple inputs (DVI, VGA, composite, and S-video) and that can support Windows and Linux operating systems. Marine-grade displays should have a wide range of compatibility with the types of hardware and software used in the marine industry.

Waterproof Touchscreen

Equipment used in marine environments needs to be waterproof and able to withstand wet conditions. Rugged waterproof displays that are IP67/68 sealed can provide consistent use in marine environments, resisting damage from water or moisture. Waterproof touchscreens offer more usability, allowing easier navigation and greater precision.

Sunlight Readability

Marine displays are typically exposed to daylight and extremely bright lighting conditions. Regular consumer-grade displays are rendered unusable in these conditions, as extreme light can wash out screens and make them unreadable. Marine displays can use sunlight-readable technology to ensure that they can be used at anytime of day, both indoors and outdoors. Sunlight-readable marine monitors use optically bonded glass, LED backlighting, and other features to ensure visibility and clarity at all times.

Temperature Resistance

Marine equipment can be exposed to a wide range of temperatures. Consumer-grade displays can overheat or shut down when exposed to temperature extremes, which is a major safety concern. For any marine display, it’s important that it has an extended operational temperature range that allows for use in both hot and cold temperatures. Determine what temperatures your equipment may be exposed to and find monitors that can work safely within that range.

Nauticomp’s Marine Displays for Ship Navigation

Nauticomp Inc. is a display manufacturer with decades of experience designing and engineering rugged monitors for marine environments. Our marine displays are built to last, offering rugged chassis, extended operational temperature ranges, sunlight readability, and versatile mounting options. Our displays for marine applications are also waterproof and IP67/68 sealed, ensuring that they can provide years of use in harsh environments. We also offer custom designs, working with clients to create the marine displays that can meet their navigational needs.

Are you looking for a commercial display? 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.

Rugged Touchscreen for Kiosks

Posted on: September 13, 2016

rugged touchscreenWhen it comes to business kiosks, rugged touchscreens offer distinct advantages over older technology. With advances in technology, kiosks are becoming more common in a variety of industries. Before, displays and monitors were primarily used in purely industrial fields, where they were necessary for high-level tasks.

However, kiosks are becoming integrated into many types of businesses. Shopping malls, fast-food restaurants, banks, airports, retail outlets, and other public-facing businesses are now making use of digital kiosks, using these displays to provide greater service, accessibility, and experience to their customers.

Kiosks can be used to display information, allow customers to find answers to their questions, and replace front-line staff for a variety of functions. A digital kiosk can allow customers to place orders, make a purchase, or sign up for a contest or service. There are many advantages to using digital kiosks, and employing a rugged touchscreen monitor for a kiosk carries many additional benefits.

Importance of Rugged Touchscreen for Kiosks

There are reasons why it’s important to use rugged technology for digital kiosks. Kiosks need to be rugged. Often, touchscreen kiosks need to endure heavy usage per day, being used by tens, hundreds, or even thousands of people. Furthermore, business kiosks often need to provide consistent use over a wide span of time. For instance, an airport kiosk may need to be operational 24/7. In addition to that, certain kiosks that are used outdoors or in proximity to the outdoors (such as those used drive-thrus or front-of-store displays) can be exposed to weather conditions, including sunlight, rain, or fluctuating temperatures.

For all of these reasons, digital kiosks need to be able to withstand harsh usage and conditions that would damage consumer-grade technology. Traditional touchscreen displays can easily break, malfunction, or become damaged due to the harsh use. Rugged technology is designed to provide consistent use in extreme or unfavorable conditions. When used for kiosks, rugged touchscreens can ensure long-lasting benefits, greater durability, and increased cost-savings in the long term.

How to Select a Rugged Touchscreen for a Kiosk

When it comes to choosing rugged touchscreens for kiosks, there are some specific features and functionalities that business owners should keep in mind.

Waterproof Touchscreen

If a kiosk is going to be used outdoors (such as in a drive-thru) or could potentially be exposed to liquids (such as in a restaurant or cafe), it’s important to use a waterproof monitor. IP67/68-sealed monitors are designed for use in marine environments and are designed to withstand wet weather conditions. While regular monitors can become easily damaged when exposed to liquids, waterproof displays can be used effectively outdoors or in other harsh environments.

Sunlight Readability

If a kiosk is going to be exposed to sunlight, whether outside or in close proximity to windows, then sunlight readability is essential to ensuring the touchscreen can be used. Sunlight can easily wash out monitors, preventing visibility and readability. A sunlight-readable monitor employs optically bonded glass, LED backlighting, or other technology to keep the display readable in the brightest lighting conditions.

Temperature Resistant

In large commercial environments, it can be difficult to control temperature as effectively as in a smaller space. Fluctuations in temperature, as well as temperature extremes, can render a touchscreen kiosk inoperable. Rugged touchscreens have extended temperature ranges, allowing for consistent use in indoor and outdoor environments.

Various Mounting Options

Businesses often have special considerations when installing kiosks. For instance, displays may need to be at certain heights or angles, or placed in specific environments (such as outdoors for a drive-thru, or extending from ground level in a large airport terminal). Rugged touchscreens can be built to allow for versatile mounting options, giving business owners more usability.

Custom Dimensions

Rugged touchscreen manufacturers can build kiosk displays to business owners’ specifications, offering custom designs that meet their needs. Businesses often have special considerations that need to be taken into account. Rugged display manufacturers can engineer and design custom displays, with the features, size, and capabilities that are needed.

Nauticomp’s Rugged Touchscreen Solution for Kiosks

Nauticomp Inc. offers a range of rugged touchscreens suitable for use in commercial, industrial, marine, and military applications. Our rugged touchscreen models offer the highest standard of functionality for digital kiosks and are able to withstand extreme physical use and perform consistently in both indoor and outdoor environments. An industrial touchscreen monitor for a kiosk can save business owners money in the long term, providing years or decades of use with no need for replacement. We offer custom designs, working with clients to engineer the touchscreen monitor that will meet their specific needs.

Are you looking for a commercial display? 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.

Touchscreen LCD Monitor for Aircrafts

Posted on: August 31, 2016

In the commercial aircraft industry, touchscreen LCD monitors are now being used to provide the highest in performance and reliability. When it comes to aircrafts, airplanes, and airliners, using the highest standard of technology is of the utmost importance, particularly when it comes to safety.

For commercial aircrafts, touchscreen video displays offer many advantages, benefits, and functionalities over older types of technology.

LCD Displays for Commercial Aircrafts

LCD displays and monitors are commonly used in commercial aircrafts. While passengers will most readily see these monitors being used throughout the seating area (typically for entertainment purposes), they are vitally important in the cockpit of any aircraft (military, commercial, shipping) for navigational purposes.

In the past, cathode-ray tube (CTR) displays were used in aircrafts for both navigational and in-flight displays. This type of technology is now outdated and does not provide the best value, safety, reliability, or cost-effectiveness. Instead, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) offer better functionality and capability. As well, new advances to LCD technology continue to offer improvements.

Why Does an Aircraft Need an LCD Monitor?

Aircraft video displays are necessary for use in cockpits, where pilots use them for navigation, display panels, systems displays, and other functions. These displays provide mapping and weather information, terrain elevation, altitude, alert systems, and other necessary functions and capabilities for flight in a commercial aircraft.

Aircraft LCDs must also adhere to a number of standards and expectations for safety purposes. They need to be visible in all lighting conditions, resistant to damage, and offer accessible ease of use.

Why Our Touchscreen LCD Displays for Aircrafts?

Aircraft touchscreen video displays offer a new advantage when used in commercial aircrafts, allowing for more effective control and greater ease of use. In aircrafts, where precision and following protocol are key, a touchscreen monitor for aircraft cockpits offers the greatest benefit.

These aircraft LCDs can also have other functionalities that allow for greater performance. Some of the benefits of our commercial and military LCDs are as follow:

Open-Frame LCD Monitor

Aircraft video displays with an open frame allow for more accessibility and integration into aircrafts. These displays can be made to fit into existing enclosures, and are able to be integrated into any type of aircraft cockpit. Chassis size can be an impediment, and many lower-end displays can be difficult or impossible to integrate into the cockpit environment without greater expense.

Full HD Resolution

Commercial-grade LCDs and monitors offer full HD resolution, ensuring the best visibility and clarity for use in aircrafts. Precision and accuracy is crucial in commercial aircraft functions. When paired with sunlight-readable capability and low-light functionality, these LCD monitors can offer the most reliability and highest performance.

Touchscreen

With a touchscreen, pilots and co-pilots have greater control and quicker access to functionalities in their aircraft. Touchscreens offer the highest standard of ease of use, ensuring intuitive control and minimizing risk of error.

Altitude Resistant

Commercial or military LCDs need to be altitude resistant, able to withstand changes in altitude and air pressure without sustaining damage. Rugged LCD aircraft monitors are designed to be altitude resistant, providing extended range of use and ensuring durability and damage-resistance in the aircraft environment.

Are you looking for a commercial display? 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.

Multifunction Displays for Your Boat

Posted on: August 23, 2016

On both recreational and commercial marine vessels, multifunction displays offer many advantages.

With advances in technology, multifunction displays are now capable of handling most or all of a boat’s navigational requirements. Radar, sonar, GPS, fish finders, engine control, sensors, and other functions can all be integrated with or controlled through multifunction displays.

Multifunction displays offer obvious advantages when used on boats. However, the technology of these displays has progressed to the point where they are more usable, accessible, and advantageous for boat owners and operators than ever before. Rugged marine multifunction displays offer even more benefits than older types of navigational displays.

Advantages of Rugged Multifunction Displays

Rugged multifunction displays are built to last and offer consistent use in harsh environments, which include the typical marine environment. With a rugged display, boat operators can be ensured in the quality and consistency of the equipment they are using.

Sunlight Readability

Rugged displays have sunlight readability, ensuring that they can be used in daytime weather conditions. Using optically bonded glass, LED backlighting, and other techniques, rugged multifunction displays are fully readable in even the brightest lighting conditions. Regular displays can be washed out in bright light, making it difficult or impossible to use the devices properly.

Water Resistance

In marine environments particularly, it is important for electronics and other devices to be water-resistant or waterproof. Multifunction displays are designed to be waterproof, offering IP 67/68 sealed protection that ensures that they are resistant against water damage and can be used in wet environments, including in all weather conditions.

Extreme-Temperature Resistance

In marine environments, there can be extreme fluctuations in temperature. Traditional navigational displays can be susceptible to damage from moisture and can stop working or break down when used in extremes of temperature. Rugged multifunction displays come with extended operational temperature ranges that ensure they can be used in extremes of weather, both hot and cold. As well, these displays are sealed, protecting against damage from moisture.

Multiple Inputs

Multifunction displays can also feature multiple inputs that ensure consistent use in all marine environments and applications. When using any navigational display on a recreational boat or commercial vessel, compatibility needs to be ensured. With multiple inputs, multifunction displays can offer increased versatility in a range of applications.

Increased Durability

Rugged multifunction displays come inside a sealed, rugged chassis that is resistant to damage from physical force, weather conditions, and wear and tear. In fact, these multifunction displays can provide a decade of consistent use, compared to non-rugged models that typically only last less than two years. Rugged displays are the most durable, long-lasting option available for marine applications.

Consistent, Reliable Use

Perhaps the biggest advantage that these rugged multifunction displays offer is that they provide consistent, reliable use. When used in marine environments, boat operators do not have to worry that their display will break down, malfunction, or be rendered unusable or un-viewable, which can compromise safety and cause other major difficulties.

Looking for the Right Multifunction Display?

Nauticomp Inc. has been a leading provider of rugged displays for marine, military, and industrial applications for over 20 years. We have decades of experience designing, engineering, and manufacturing displays and monitors for use in harsh, outdoor environments. Our waterproof, sunlight-readable multifunction displays are the most durable and versatile monitors for marine environments. We also offer custom designs, building individualized displays to meet our clients’ needs.

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.

Digital Menu Boards for Drive-Thrus

Posted on: August 9, 2016

Digital Menu BoardsWhen it comes to using commercial monitors and displays, the restaurant business is one of the leading industries.

For restaurants and fast-food businesses, displays and monitors are used as digital menu boards to promote food, drinks, and other menu options. These menu boards can also allow customers to select options themselves using a touchscreen. While many stores are now using these displays indoors, they are extremely common and almost a necessity for restaurants with drive-thrus.

With any fast-food chain that has a drive-thru, using outdoor digital menu boards is critical, for obvious reasons. Customers need to be able to place orders. However, there are many other overlooked advantages to using these displays.

Rising Trend of Digital Menu Boards in Commercial Industries

In the restaurant industry, traditional signage has given way to digital displays and monitors.
While menus and signs constantly have to be updated and redone, digital displays can be changed quickly whenever the need arises. Not only do these displays enhance the look and branding of commercial interiors (presenting a sleeker, more professional look), they also provide greater service to customers (particularly with sliding screens, which can display more menu options).

For these reasons, digital displays are now commonly used in most of the largest fast-food chains, inside the store and over countertops. However, it is in drive-thrus where the bulk of digital monitors are being used.

With many fast-food chains determining ways to increase convenience and customer service, drive-thrus are one of the most common options. With a drive-thru, restaurants can serve more customers in a shorter amount of time, particularly in areas where there is a high volume of drivers or parking space is limited. In drive-thrus, digital signage offers many advantages for the business.

Benefits of Installing Digital Menu Boards

There are a lot of benefits to using outdoor digital menu boards for restaurants, many of which are often overlooked by business owners.

Easy Menu Changes

With a digital menu, changes can easily be made in a manner of minutes. There’s no need to replace signage or make extensive alterations. Menu changes can be done as often as necessary.

Increase Revenue with Upselling and Cross-Selling

Digital menus offer opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. Digital menus can display options based on what’s entered into the point-of-sale (POS) system, allowing for targeted upselling and cross-selling to customers. This can be used to increase revenue greatly.

Remotely Update Menu

Updating a digital menu is incredibly easy. It can be done remotely over the Internet, and some of these displays can also be programmed to change or transition depending on variables like the time of day (for instance, switching from a lunch menu to a dinner menu at 5:00 p.m.).

Enhances the Customer’s Experience

Digital menus have greater versatility and functionality, which translates to a better customer experience. These menus can display more options, allow customers to interact with displays, and can even include videos, high-quality images, and graphics.

Display Emergency Messaging

Digital menu boards can be made to display any type of message that a business owner wants. In the event of emergencies, warnings, Amber Alerts, and other emergency information can be displayed on the screens. Business owners can also display non-emergency messages, such as a notice that a menu item is out of stock.

Eliminate Recurring Costs

With digital signage, there is no more need for constantly creating, printing, shipping, and attaching new signs, menus, or displays. Since digital menus can be repeatedly updated, they can save businesses a lot of money in the long run.

Why Use Our Commercial Displays for Digital Menu Boards?

When choosing a display for your restaurant’s drive-thru, there are several key capabilities and features that you should look for. At Nauticomp Inc., our commercial displays have the following criteria.

Waterproof Touchscreen Commercial Display

With outdoor displays, it’s important to ensure that they are waterproof and will not be damaged by weather conditions. Nauticomp Inc. offers commercial touchscreen displays that are waterproof and IP 67/68 sealed.

Sunlight-Readable Screen

Outdoor displays need to be sunlight-readable to ensure that they can be used by customers in daylight. Nauticomp Inc.’s displays have sunlight-readable capabilities and feature optically bonded glass and LED backlighting to ensure enhanced visibility.

All-Weather Commercial LCD Display

Outdoor displays have to be able to withstand weather extremes. Along with being sealed (against water, dust, dirt, and contaminants), they need a rugged chassis that can withstand environmental conditions.

Multiple Inputs for Better Connectivity

A good outdoor display features multiple inputs, ensuring that it can be used by any restaurant and in any location. Nauticomp Inc.’s displays feature multiple inputs, allowing for greater use and flexibility.

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 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.

Industrial LCD Monitors: Who Should Use Them and Why?

Posted on: June 27, 2016

Industrial LCD MonitorsIn the military, marine industries, and commercial fields, industrial LCD monitors are a must-have for outdoor use.

Traditional displays typically don’t provide the performance or durability required for use in these environments. One of the largest issues with consumer displays and monitors is that they may not be able to withstand the extremes of temperature that are typical of outdoor environments. In hot temperatures, displays can overheat and crash, while cold temperatures can cause them to shut down or sustain damage.

High temperature LCD displays and monitors provide performance in extreme temperatures, allowing for reliable use in military, manufacturing, marine, commercial, and other high-level operations.

Wide-Temperature Industrial LCD Display

Industrial PC monitors are built to have increased durability to endure harsh weather conditions, wear and tear, and physical use. With the addition of extended temperature ranges, these displays can ensure consistent and reliable use in extreme outdoor environments.

Traditional displays and monitors typically have a temperature range of anywhere from 0°C to 40 to 50°C. Use outside of that range, or even close to either extreme, can result in malfunctions, overheating, or even complete loss of use. This is not an option for military or industrial users, for whom a poorly functioning monitor can have serious consequences.

Rugged LCD displays feature extended temperature ranges from -20°C up to over 60°C, ensuring that they can provide full functionality outdoors.

Factors for Selecting Wide-Temperature Industrial LCD Monitors

When selecting a rugged outdoor monitor with an extended temperature range, there are some factors that have to be considered.

  • Visual Display Requirements – Does the monitor provide quality visual display? Does it feature sunlight-readable technology and optically bonded glass, ensuring that it can be used in the daytime outdoors?
  • Power Consumption – Does the monitor have reduced power draw and power consumption?
  • Cost – Does the display fit within the required budget? Is a custom-built display needed? Note: a rugged display may cost more than a traditional display, but with an extended lifespan, it can provide more value for its cost.

Benefits of Wide-Temperature Industrial LCD Monitors

There are many advantages to using rugged wide-temperature displays for military, marine, or industrial applications.

  • Increased Durability – Rugged displays are resistant to damage from temperature extremes, weather conditions, physical use, and dust/pollutants. Industrial displays are often waterproof (IP 67/68 sealed) and feature a rugged chassis that prevents damage.
  • Consistent, Reliable Use – With a rugged industrial display, high-level operations can be performed with the knowledge that the display will provide consistent use.
  • Improved Performance – Industrial displays feature capabilities and technology that provide the best performance, including reduced power draw, LED backlighting, sunlight-readable capability, deep-dimming potentiometers, and other functions that allow for greater use and accessibility.

Do you need a display for an industrial 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.

Benefits of Industrial Touchscreen Displays in Food Processing Industry

Posted on: June 7, 2016

Industrial Touchscreen DisplaysIndustrial touchscreen monitors are a popular choice for use in the food processing industry. More than half of U.S. companies now employ touch user interfaces. With industrial touchscreen technology, companies have a greater degree of precision, control, and usability over digital interfaces.

Food processing is an industry that faces many unique challenges. Over the past 50 years, there have been many advancements in the food processing industry. Automation can now be used to control processes and handle more complex tasks, but this means that trained personnel also have to be able to interact with these machines. Graphic interfaces make this possible, but traditional display technology presents challenges of its own.

Rugged Touchscreen in Food Processing

In the food processing industry, there are key differences and challenges with other industries. For one, food processing has to adhere to strict hygiene standards and regulations. Contamination is an issue that is of concern with food processing, so food needs to be handled properly by personnel and kept free of contamination.

However, the opposite problem is also an issue. Gear and machinery used in food processing need to be able to withstand harsh conditions and use. Oil, particles, and contaminants from food processing can dirty, impair, or even damage equipment. Furthermore, gear can be exposed to harsh conditions that can cause damage, such as extreme temperatures, water or chemicals, harsh use, dust, and heavy impact (from knives, metal equipment, etc.).

Standard displays and monitors used in food processing are easily damaged by any of these factors. Damaged displays will impair the operations of your plant, create safety hazards, require regular repair, and cause costly mistakes.

Using a rugged touchscreen display is essential in the food processing industry. These touchscreens are designed and engineered to withstand harsh conditions and provide accurate use for high-level applications in food processing, manufacturing, construction, and other industrial applications.

Advantages of Industrial Touchscreen Technology in Food Processing Industry

There are several advantages of industrial touchscreen technology when used in the food processing industry. For starters, touchscreen technology allows for greater usability and precision with high-level tasks and operations. Touchscreen graphic interfaces also make it easier for personnel to interact with and control machinery and devices. In addition, a touch interface design allows for greater precision and accuracy than possible with a keyboard or mouse and can be used more easily by personnel wearing gloves, gear, and/or goggles.

There are also more industrial applications of touchscreen technology due to their rugged builds and durability. Industrial touchscreen monitors can be designed to withstand harsh conditions that are routine in the food processing industry. This means extended operational temperature ranges, waterproof-sealed capabilities, low-light or sunlight-readable capability, and durable chassis that can resist punctures, breaks, and cracks.

Contact us for Rugged Touchscreen Displays for Your Food Unit

If your food processing company performs operations that could require touchscreen uses, Nauticomp Inc. can provide premier touchscreen displays and monitors that can be used in your industrial applications. We offer displays and monitors with enhanced durability, rugged chassis, sunlight readability, waterproof IP 67/68 sealed certification, dim-to-red technology, and extended operational temperature ranges.

We also offer custom designs that can be engineered to meet your specific needs. Based on your commercial request, we can design the right display for your specific application. Call us today to find out why we have been an industry-leading provider of displays for military, marine, and industrial use for over 20 years. Contact us at 1-705-328-2992 for Canadian service and at 1-800-267-9491 for service in the U.S.