/> Time is money. This is especially true with respect to warehousing and logistics applications. In this sector, fast order tracking and processing are vital and have become unthinkable without the help of computers. In addition to the majority of “ordinary” computer terminals, i.e. those found in office environments and used to optimise warehouse management, a large number of computers are also employed “in-situ”, often mounted directly onto forklift trucks or other vehicles used for the conveyancing of goods. These computers face completely different environmental challenges compared to their “colleagues” stationed in offices or air-conditioned server rooms.

The DLoG MPC 6 product range for robust truck- and vehicle-mounted terminals has been developed on the basis of congatec’s XTX embedded computer modules. Each of these XTX modules provides a complete embedded PC measuring just 95x114mm². Unlike standard PC boards, XTX modules do not come with plugs for cable connection. Instead, all interfaces for supplying power via the USB or PCI Express lanes, are provided by four highly-integrated and extremely robust direct board-to-board plugs. When integrated into a particular system, such as the MPC 6, the XTX module is mounted onto the custom carrier board and securely screwed in place. All necessary interfaces are therefore also provided on the carrier board itself. They simply need to be pluged in at the correct position negating the use of any expensive and fault-prone cable connections. The carrier board also comes with a power supply designed for use in vehicles (power cuts of up to 20 seconds can be bridged) and other functions such as, for example, an environment controller for statistical, configuration and monitoring tasks, a touch controller, etc. As a result of the logical division between the PC and the special upgrades, the MPC 6 allows very flexible configuration. The customer is also able to choose between various CPU options.

To allow the computer (in the following also referred to as ‘logistics terminal’) to be connected “in-situ” to a central logistics IT system, a fast WLAN card has been integrated into the MPC 6. This card is connected to the XTX module via PCI Express, making it possible to achieve very high data transmission rates. The WLAN antenna integrated into the MPC 6 is specially designed for use on fast-moving vehicles, allowing goods to be tracked in real time even when vehicles are in motion. The central logistics system is therefore kept informed at all times about the status of the goods. A more accurate or efficient goods management system cannot be achieved. In addition to WLAN, other communications interfaces such as Bluetooth, RFID, GPS or GPRS can be integrated, if required.

In order to avoid distracting the driver during vehicle operation, the MPC 6 can be optionally fitted with a “screen blanking” feature. This function ensures that the screen remains dark whilst the vehicle is moving. Communication between the computers continues even whilst the screen is dark. It is only the interactions with the vehicle driver which are suppressed in the interests of safety.

To ensure safe vehicle operation the MPC 6 also provides an automatic on/off feature via the vehicle ignition. When the vehicle ignition is switched on, the MPC 6 starts automatically. Switching the ignition off results in the controlled closing down of the computer, ensuring that no data is lost.

In order to guard against the mechanical stresses and strains inherent in a typical logistics environment, all components are designed to be extremely robust and the aluminium casing is especially strong. All electrical connections are locked into place and all mechanical components securely mounted. Due to the low power requirements of the XTX modules and the provision of a specially-developed thermal connection linking the CPU and chipset to the aluminium casing, there is no need for any cooling devices which are prone to mechanical faults. The sudden movements, rapid accelerations and intense vibrations common during the operation of a rubber-tyred forklift truck do not pose any problem.

Computer terminals operating in logistic environments in the food industry are additionally exposed to extremes of temperature. Those operating in refrigeration units at temperatures of -27°C are normally fitted with an integral heating device in the MPC 6. However, extreme temperature fluctuations can be even more challenging. A forklift truck driven into a refrigeration unit after having been parked in the sun on a summer’s day will be exposed, in a very short period of time, to a temperature variation of between +50 and -30°C. To cope with such extreme temperature fluctuations on a routine basis, an integrated heat conduction facility works intelligently with the heating system, ensuring high levels of reliability during regular operation.

In addition to mechanical stress and extreme temperatures, dust, dirt and humidity present a challenge for PCs operating in a logistics environment. The capacity to withstand these effects is defined by so-called IP protection categories. It is useful to have an idea of the protection category appropriate to the given area of deployment in order to make sure that dust or moisture do not find their way into the equipment. DLoG’s certified solutions cover the most extreme environments – offering protection against anything from water spray to the total immersion of the PC in water.

The MPC 6 is guaranteed dust and waterproof to protection level IP 67. Unlike equipment offered by other manufacturers, which only partially (e.g. only at the front) conforms to the IP standard, the whole MPC 6 casing complies with the IP norm, including the cable ducting.

In order to make operation as easy as possible, an integrated touch-screen is provided in the vast majority of cases. Robustness and reliability are important criteria in this context as well. The run-of-the-mill “office” PC touch-screens are of limited use in sub-zero temperatures and demonstrate high levels of wear when exposed to harsh environments on a day-to-day basis. The touch sensors specially-developed for the MPC 6 are completely suitable for industrial application and demonstrate long service lives when deployed in extreme temperature environments.

Time is money. A robust system such as the MPC 6 is naturally more expensive than an office PC, but offers a lot more security and reliability when deployed in extreme environments found in the field of logistics. The additional up front investment pays back many times over throughout the prolonged service life of the system and the reduced equipment downtime.

In using XTX computer modules, DLoG is proving that this flexible technology can be used successfully even in extreme industrial applications. The brand new ITC 7, a robust computer designed for stationary applications (such as process control, manufacturing, etc.), is also fitted with congatec's XTX modules.