While some companies want to protect singular electronics, e.g., label printers and mini-PCs, others look to workstations to protect multiple electronics in one convenient location.
Also known as kiosks, workstations allow organizations to place groups of electronics that work together in a protected space near the processes they control/interact with. Workstations can hold a variety of electronics, as well as space for other peripherals.
Let’s take a look at workstation solutions.
Protect Multiple Electronics Using Workstation Solutions
Features & Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of a workstation is that it provides protection to a variety of instruments at once and in a compact footprint. Organizations typically use them for everything from PCs to monitors to label printers and more. Regardless of the contents, workstations can be designed to accommodate virtually any electronic arrangement, allowing for more ergonomic setups.
When designing their workstation solution, organizations can also choose designs that will meet their non-electronic needs, like opting for an open bottom for easy access or a closed bottom compartment for secure storage. Many companies will define the top layout for specific electronics, and then leave the bottom compartment empty. They may use this compartment for storing/charging scan guns, manual/tool storage or as a lockbox for items, which could allow the organization to free up space in breakrooms or storage areas.
In addition, workstations are designed to be deployed to even the most dusty and otherwise hazardous environments. To help them further meet the organization’s specific needs, they can be set up for a variety of deployment options. Some organizations like to mount them on a wall. Others get casters on their workstations so they can easily move them for cleaning or for convenient deployment to other destinations. Others mount it permanently on legs for easy cleaning. And others opt to place the workstation directly on the floor.
Many of the electronics companies want to protect are involved in key processes, such as inventory management, product traceability and production. If the equipment were to fail due to dust, splashing liquid or impact damage, it could result in downtime, lost profits and logistic issues. The enclosure will help mitigate that.
In addition, workstations improve ergonomics and process efficiency. The workstation can be designed to put instruments at the correct level, e.g., monitors at eye level, to help reduce strain. DustShield kiosk solutions are also ideal from a lean manufacturing perspective because it helps organizations standardize work cells, establishing familiarity from team member to team member.
The entire system will also be deployed to where the process is happening. This puts team members at the site of the action and provides them all the tools they need to do their jobs properly.
This means that team members won’t be required to walk from one spot to another to grab printouts or access the information they need. This will reduce the opportunities for roaming team members to get distracted, increasing efficiency.
Workstations can also enhance cybersecurity. Many electronics contain key, proprietary information or are connected to systems that are key to the company’s processes and products. Workstations can help protect that information by providing a way to restrict access so that only authorized team members can access them. They can also be designed so that team members can’t plug in unauthorized personal electronics, which could ultimately allow malware or spyware to get into the company’s system. This in itself can go a long way toward keeping product recipes, ERP systems and key machine controls safe.
A DustShield workstation solution takes that protection to another level with a unique positive fan filtration system. The fan will pull air into the enclosure through a filter that catches particulates as small as .01 micron. The clean air flows throughout the interior and exits via a variety of ports/openings, such as around a flat screen mount or wire inlets. This air flowing out pushing dust and particulates away from the enclosure, ensuring no particulates get inside.
Upgrades
At DustShield, we can tailor your workstation solution to meet your specific needs with a variety of upgrades.
As mentioned earlier, we offer a variety of base and deployment options. This allows flexibility in how you will be able to deploy your kiosk. What it easy to move? We can install casters. Want to be able to clean under it or keep it raised above potential spills? We offer raised, bolt-down stands. Or, you can just deploy it flat to the ground.
In addition, some organizations will use electronics like label printers that won’t function properly in cold temperatures. In those instances, we would recommend a heater.
Others will benefit from enhanced ingress protection. We can accommodate with grommets that seal up ports and a cover for the fan filter port to prevent dripping and/or splashing liquids from getting into the fan filter. This is a great choice for extremely dusty environments or food processing.
Speaking of food production, DustShield offers our workstations in gray ABS to meet FDA requirements instead of the standard black.
Then, we can install locks on the doors to maximize security.
At DustShield, we have experience helping food processors, airlines, fire and police departments, trucking and shipping companies, feed/grain manufacturers and more put protected electronics where the processes are. In addition to protecting specialized electronics, DustShield enclosures allow for better 5S and work cell organization, as well as standardization throughout the facility. This results in less downtime and increased performance, efficiency and quality control.
We can help you determine the right workstation solutions for your needs. To learn more about how to protect multiple electronics in one convenient enclosure, please contact our enclosure specialists at 417.736.3746 or [email protected].
