Industrial Tablet OEMs: A Comprehensive 2024 Guide

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the need for rugged, versatile, and powerful computing solutions in industrial environments is growing. Industrial tablets are increasingly becoming the go-to devices for industries like manufacturing, logistics, field services, oil and gas, and construction. Unlike consumer tablets, industrial tablets are built to endure extreme conditions while providing high performance for specialized tasks.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) play a crucial role in the production and customization of industrial tablets. An OEM designs and manufactures tablets that are then branded and sold by another company, often tailored to specific industry needs. This guide explores the industrial tablet market, the key features of OEM tablets, their applications, and what to look for when selecting the best industrial tablet OEM.

1. What is an Industrial Tablet?

An industrial tablet is a ruggedized computing device designed to operate in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and vibration. These tablets are engineered for durability, reliability, and performance in environments where consumer-grade tablets would not survive.

Industrial tablets typically feature:

IP ratings (Ingress Protection) for dust and water resistance.
MIL-STD certifications, which ensure shock, drop, and vibration protection.
Extended operating temperature ranges, making them suitable for use in extreme climates.
High-performance processors for handling complex tasks such as real-time data collection, control systems, and inventory management.
Long battery life for all-day usage in the field or on factory floors.
Customizable hardware and software options tailored to specific industry needs.

OEMs that specialize in industrial tablets provide companies with customizable solutions, ensuring that the devices meet the particular requirements of the industries in which they operate.

2. Key Features of Industrial Tablets Provided by OEMs

Industrial tablets designed by OEMs differ significantly from off-the-shelf consumer tablets. Here are some of the key features that distinguish them:

2.1 Rugged Design and Durability

Industrial tablets are designed to withstand tough working environments. Common features include:

Shock and Vibration Resistance: OEM industrial tablets meet MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring that they can survive drops, bumps, and vibrations typically encountered in the field or on production floors.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: Many OEM tablets feature IP65 or IP67 ratings, meaning they are fully dustproof and can resist water jets or immersion in water.
Temperature Tolerance: OEM industrial tablets are built to operate in a wide temperature range, often from -20°C to 60°C, ensuring reliable performance in extreme hot or cold environments.

2.2 High-Performance Computing

OEMs design industrial tablets with powerful components to ensure they can handle complex tasks efficiently:

Processors: Industrial tablets usually come with high-performance processors, such as Intel Core i5/i7, Intel Atom, or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, depending on the application.
Memory and Storage: They offer 4GB to 16GB of RAM and solid-state drives (SSD) with storage capacities ranging from 64GB to 1TB, ensuring fast performance and ample storage for software applications and data logging.
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): In some cases, especially for tasks involving visualizations or graphics, OEMs integrate GPUs to boost performance.

2.3 Battery Life and Power Management

Battery life is a crucial feature for industrial tablets used in the field, where access to power may be limited. OEMs design tablets with:

High-capacity batteries: Providing 8-12 hours of continuous use on a single charge.
Hot-swappable batteries: Enabling users to replace the battery without shutting down the tablet, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Low-power components: Optimized for energy efficiency to extend battery life without sacrificing performance.

2.4 Touchscreen Technology

Industrial tablets use durable and versatile touchscreen technology that can be used even with gloves on, making them suitable for industrial and outdoor environments. Key touchscreen features include:

Capacitive multi-touch screens: Supporting gestures such as pinching, zooming, and swiping.
Sunlight-readable displays: Designed for outdoor use with high brightness (up to 1000 nits) and anti-glare coatings to ensure visibility in bright sunlight.
Rugged glass: Often made of Gorilla Glass or similar materials to resist scratches, cracks, and impacts.

2.5 Connectivity and I/O Options

Industrial tablets are equipped with a range of connectivity and input/output (I/O) options to support various industrial applications:

Wi-Fi and Cellular Connectivity: Supporting 4G LTE and, increasingly, 5G for high-speed data access in remote locations.
GPS: For field service workers who need real-time location tracking.
Bluetooth: For connecting with peripherals such as barcode scanners, printers, and sensors.
USB, HDMI, and Serial Ports: Ensuring compatibility with industrial equipment and external devices.
RFID and NFC Readers: For asset tracking and secure access control.

2.6 Customizable Design

One of the most significant benefits of working with an OEM is the ability to customize the industrial tablet according to specific needs. OEMs offer:

Custom branding and logos: Allowing companies to brand the tablet with their logos and colors.
Hardware modifications: Such as adding specialized sensors, additional I/O ports, or customizing the display size.
Software customization: Tailoring the operating system or pre-loading the tablet with industry-specific applications.
Mounting options: Custom designs for vehicle mounts, VESA mounts, or other industrial mounting solutions.

3. Advantages of Working with an Industrial Tablet OEM

Choosing an OEM for industrial tablets offers several advantages, especially for businesses that require specialized devices tailored to their unique environments and workflows. Here are some benefits of working with an industrial tablet OEM:

3.1 Customization and Flexibility

OEMs provide businesses with the flexibility to design a tablet that fits their specific needs. From ruggedization features to custom software integration, OEMs offer a level of customization that off-the-shelf solutions simply cannot match.

3.2 Scalability and Volume Discounts

OEMs typically offer scalable solutions, meaning they can produce large quantities of tablets for deployment across multiple locations. Businesses that purchase in bulk often benefit from volume discounts, reducing the overall cost per unit.

3.3 Long-Term Support and Reliability

OEMs often provide long-term support, including warranties, maintenance, and software updates. This ensures that businesses can continue to use their industrial tablets over many years without the need for frequent replacements or costly repairs.

3.4 Tailored Solutions for Specific Industries

Many OEMs specialize in creating tablets for specific industries, such as logistics, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and field services. By working with an OEM that understands the unique requirements of their industry, businesses can get a solution that directly addresses their challenges.

4. Applications of Industrial Tablets

Industrial tablets are used in a wide range of industries, thanks to their rugged design, high performance, and flexibility. Here are some key applications:

4.1 Manufacturing and Automation

In manufacturing plants, industrial tablets are used for:

Inventory Management: Workers can track inventory in real-time using barcode or RFID scanning.
Machine Control: Tablets can interface with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to monitor and control machinery remotely.
Quality Control: Operators can use tablets to document and track quality issues during production.
Work Order Management: Tablets streamline workflow management by providing workers with real-time access to job orders, schematics, and task lists.

4.2 Field Services and Maintenance

Field technicians use industrial tablets for a range of tasks, including:

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: Tablets are used to run diagnostic tools, check equipment status, and troubleshoot issues on-site.
Maintenance Logging: Technicians can log maintenance activities and generate reports directly from the field.
Remote Assistance: Using Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, field workers can connect with experts for remote troubleshooting or guidance.
Asset Tracking: Built-in GPS allows for real-time tracking of assets and service vehicles.

4.3 Construction

In the construction industry, industrial tablets are used for:

Blueprint Viewing: High-resolution displays and powerful processors allow workers to view and annotate detailed blueprints and 3D models.
Site Surveys: Field workers can collect data and conduct site surveys, even in rugged outdoor environments.
Project Management: Tablets can be used to track project progress, update schedules, and manage resources in real-time.
Safety Inspections: Workers can perform safety inspections, log issues, and ensure compliance with regulations directly from the job site.

4.4 Oil and Gas

In the oil and gas sector, industrial tablets are critical for:

Pipeline Monitoring: Technicians use tablets to monitor pipeline pressure and flow in real-time.
Asset Management: Tablets equipped with RFID readers help track equipment and ensure regular maintenance.
Environmental Monitoring: Industrial tablets with sensors can measure environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and gas levels, ensuring safe working conditions.
Remote Field Work: Rugged tablets enable workers in remote locations to stay connected and perform critical tasks under harsh environmental conditions.