So, how do you narrow down your selection of industrial PC motherboard manufacturers? Here are some factors to look out for.
Alignment with Specific Needs
As we touched on in the introduction to this article, the best industrial motherboard manufacturer will be the one that aligns best with your specific needs.
Now, these needs might be quite wide-ranging. To pin them down, it's best to start broad. Which industry do you operate in? If you work in the warehousing or manufacturing field, for instance, you'll need a manufacturer who provides components for these applications.
With your industry defined, you can get more specific. For example:
- Maybe you are working within a highly restricted space, in which case you need components that fit within a smaller system — an 1.8 inch single board computer like the EZX-EHLP is a good option.
- Perhaps space is not the issue, but you need something with a broader range of functionality — a manufacturer who can offer an array of industrial ATX motherboards, such as the BC680R, might be the answer here.
- Or it could be that you need to strike a balance in terms of size, capability, and energy consumption — someone who can provide Mini-ITX or Pico-ITX motherboards, like the EMX-APLP or the EPX-ASLP, could be a good call for your organization.
These are just a few examples of how different motherboard components suit different purposes. As every application and every organization is unique, you will likely have a number of specialized criteria that your motherboard manufacturer will need to meet.
Range Diversity
You might only need a single industrial PC motherboard for a particular application, or you may just need a single type of motherboard. However, in most cases, you will have various uses for embedded computers and motherboards, and you may need several components in a variety of sizes and configurations.
It's always better to work with a single manufacturer rather than selecting products from several different companies. Each company will have its own warranties, compatibility guidelines, and support policies. Forming a lasting relationship with a single company eliminates much of the confusion this can cause, so the best industrial motherboard manufacturers will have a diverse range that can meet all of your needs moving forward.
Warranty, Repair, and Replacement
Of course, when you purchase an industrial PC motherboard, you expect it to last. And it will. But nothing lasts forever, and the challenging nature of many industrial environments can accelerate wear and tear.
This makes a strong warranty an absolute must-have when you choose a manufacturer. They must be able to stand by their products with confidence, and this should be reflected in the guarantees they offer.
Where possible, look for repair and replacement services too. These are often included as part of the warranty or guarantee, giving you even more peace of mind when you purchase a component.
Brand Values
Your organization has its own brand values and an ethical and philosophical framework that guides your operations. The industrial PC motherboard manufacturer will have these values and frameworks too, so it's worth checking how these align with your own.
Consider things like:
- Environmental sustainability for the end user — Manufacturers may focus on producing low-power consumption motherboards like the ECM-EHL3, which reduce the carbon footprint for the end user.
- Environmental sustainability in development — Manufacturers may adopt a careful approach to developing components, utilizing sustainable resources.
- Fair trade and social responsibility — Manufacturers may display a commitment to fair trade and utilizing components from ethical sources.
- Local community focus — Manufacturers may go above and beyond to support their plant workers, as well as the communities close to their facilities.
Forward-Thinking Approaches
Computer science is a developing field, with new innovations emerging all the time. With this in mind, the best industrial motherboard manufacturers will be focused on research and development (R&D), ensuring their product range remains at the forefront of the market.
You'll be able to gain some insight into the manufacturer's R&D policies on their website. Looking at their product range will also offer some clues as to their processes of innovation. If the manufacturer is releasing new products before their competitors and using proprietary components within their chips and systems, this is a good sign that they are ahead of the pack.
Company Track Record
It's useful to check out reviews and testimonies from other organizations in your field. This will give you an independent look at how the manufacturer's components perform, with specific relevance to your needs.
Choosing a manufacturer that has proved its credentials in your industry will provide you with additional peace of mind and confidence when you select a components.