Machine shops and electronics assembly lines record their work at the point where it happens. A machinist loads a work order before starting a cycle, and an assembler confirms each board at the bench. Quality checks, tool changes and material scans follow the same pattern. Every one of those entries has to reach the MES within moments.

Shop floors like these are harder on terminals than they look. Coolant mist, metal chips, oil and frequent wiping all reach the screen sooner or later. Sihovision stainless steel industrial panel PCs are installed at these stations to keep MES data flowing.

1. Application Background

Factories running MES at the workstation usually deal with these demanding conditions:

• Machinists open work orders, confirm part counts and log inspection results beside the machine tool, so the terminal sits close to coolant splash and flying chips.
• Assembly benches are crowded with soldering tools, fixtures and small components, which makes a slim, panel mounted unit far easier to place than a desktop computer.
• Each operator signs in with a personal card, so every setup, inspection and rework step is tied to a named person.
• Barcode scanners, label printers and test equipment feed the same workstation, which calls for several serial and USB connections.

The industrial terminals are mostly put to work in these scenarios:

• Work order display and job scheduling views next to CNC machining centers, showing order sequence and progress.
• Part and lot traceability scanning at inspection and packing stations.
• Operator login and permission control for machine setup and process changes.
• Step by step work instruction display and production reporting at electronics assembly benches.
• Line side status screens linked to Andon towers, showing output progress and stoppage reasons.

2. Solution Implementation

Sihovision supplied IP66 stainless steel flat panel computers as the MES terminal at each workstation. They were fixed to stainless steel panels, pedestals and bench partitions using VESA mounting, so each unit sits at a comfortable viewing height. The main design points are listed below:

1. Sealed stainless steel body. The true flat front carries IP66 protection, so coolant splash, oil mist and wipe downs do not reach the electronics. Fanless cooling keeps the enclosure closed, which also keeps metal dust out.
2. Capacitive touch under tempered glass. The multi touch screen responds to gloved hands and oily fingers, so operators can keep working without wiping up first. The thick glass cover handles accidental knocks from tools, trays and parts carts.
3. Card based identification. The integrated magnetic stripe reader lets staff swipe an ID card to log in within a second or two. Every action that follows is recorded against that person.
4. Direct equipment links. Serial ports converted to RJ45, USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi connect scanners, printers, gauges and PLCs to the MES server. One terminal therefore serves the whole workstation.
5. Round the clock operation. An industrial grade motherboard runs the MES client or a browser based interface on Windows or Linux. It is built for shop floors that run several shifts a day.

Finish, interfaces, processor and mounting can all be customized, so each line gets a configuration that suits its layout. Sihovision can adjust these details during project planning.

3. Project Benefits

Placing the MES interface beside the production process brings reporting closer to the activity being recorded. With the software and peripherals configured for each station, the solution supports several practical improvements:

• More direct job access: operators open instructions and work-order details from their own work area.
• Less repeated transcription: production entries go into the configured workflow instead of being copied from handwritten notes.
• Clearer traceability: operator, material, and inspection information can be associated with the relevant job.
• Faster exception reporting: defects, shortages, and interruptions can be registered where they occur.
• Easier progress checks: supervisors review submitted updates without collecting separate station reports.
• Flexible workstation layouts: mounting and hardware options accommodate different benches and line arrangements.
  

4. Customer Testimonial

“We mounted these panel PCs next to our machines and at the assembly benches . It works smoothely to check work orders and log production data for MES. The Sihovision team helped with the mounting setup. Overall we are happy with the product and would order again.”

— Precision Manufacturing Factory

Sihovision’s industrial touch panel PC connects everyday workstation activity with the MES workflow. From assembly instructions to inspection entries and packaging confirmation, the terminal keeps the operator interface close to the task and gives production teams a consistent place to record their work.