Overview
Pharmaceutical manufacturing environments demand computing solutions that can endure rigorous sanitation while maintaining strict hygiene compliance. Daily high-pressure washdowns, harsh disinfectants, and condensation risks often cause traditional panel PCs to fail, leading to costly downtime and process interruptions. To overcome these challenges, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of automated dissolution testing systems partnered with Premio to deploy an IP66/IP69K-rated stainless steel panel PC engineered for durability, hygiene, and seamless integration. In this case study, we explore how Premio’s SIO-W224-i5-8365UE solution improved sanitation readiness, enhanced operational uptime, and supported reliable control in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical cleanrooms.
Challenges
- Needed a hygienic, industrial-grade panel PC to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns and chemical disinfectants in pharmaceutical environments
- Required a touchscreen lock feature to disable inputs during sanitation while keeping critical systems running
- Sought a pressure relief valve to prevent internal condensation from temperature and humidity changes
- Demanded a glove-friendly, anti-reflective touchscreen for clear, responsive operation in sterile cleanrooms
- Installation required flexible mounting options for seamless integration
Solutions
- Premio’s SIO-W224-i5-8365UE IP66/IP69K-rated stainless steel panel PC
- SUS316 stainless steel enclosure for superior corrosion and chemical resistance in daily washdowns
- Touchscreen ON/OFF button to lock touch input during cleaning while maintaining background operations
- Pressure relief valve (SUS316 vent) balances internal air pressure to prevent condensation and protect internal components
- 23.8” Full HD optically bonded resistive touchscreen with 7H hardness glass for glove-friendly, scratch-resistant, and anti-reflective performance
- Flexible mounting options supporting yoke and VESA for easy deployment onto existing pharmaceutical equipment
Benefits
- No MOQ and low lead times
- Headquarters in the US
Company background
A U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in automated dissolution testing systems plays a critical role in supporting pharmaceutical labs and production facilities. Their precision automation solutions ensure drug quality and consistency, enabling real-time monitoring and control in GMP-regulated environments. As hygiene standards tighten and operational demands grow, their equipment requires rugged, hygienic, high-performance computing systems capable of withstanding daily high-pressure sanitation cycles without compromising reliability or seamless integration.
Challenges
Withstanding Rigorous Sanitation in Pharmaceutical Environments
Operating in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical labs, the customer’s dissolution testing systems undergo daily high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns using harsh chemical disinfectants to maintain strict hygiene standards. Their existing panel PCs often failed under these sanitation routines, leading to corrosion, water ingress, and costly equipment downtime.
Preventing Accidental Inputs During Cleaning
During washdowns, the customer’s staff needed the computing system to remain operational while disabling the touchscreen to avoid unintended inputs from water sprays or cleaning cloths. Without this feature, their team risked interrupting critical testing processes or causing system errors during routine sanitation.
Managing Internal Condensation Risks
Frequent temperature shifts and high humidity, especially during washdowns, led to internal condensation inside sealed devices. This moisture buildup threatened system reliability and longevity, increasing maintenance and replacement costs.
Ensuring Touchscreen Usability in Sterile, Glove-Wearing Conditions
Technicians wearing gloves struggled with reduced touchscreen responsiveness, while bright lighting and humid environments impacted visibility and accuracy. These issues slowed workflows and reduced operational efficiency.
Integrating Seamlessly into Compact Equipment Spaces
The customer’s dissolution testing systems are compact and precisely engineered, requiring computing hardware with flexible mounting options for quick, seamless integration. Standard panel PCs often demanded custom brackets or retrofitting, resulting in longer deployment times and higher installation costs.
Solutions
Premio’s SIO-W224-i5-8365UE Stainless Steel Panel PC
SUS316 Stainless Steel Enclosure
Built with SUS316-grade stainless steel, the enclosure offers superior corrosion and chemical resistance. This ensures durability and longevity despite daily exposure to high-pressure washdowns and harsh disinfectants.
Touchscreen ON/OFF Button
A built-in physical ON/OFF button allows staff to disable touch input during cleaning while the system continues to operate in the background. This feature prevents unintended commands and ensures uninterrupted testing processes during sanitation cycles.
Pressure Relief Valve (SUS316 Vent)
The integrated pressure relief valve balances internal air pressure, preventing condensation buildup from temperature and humidity changes. This helps protect internal components and maintain reliable performance in cleanroom environments.
23.8” Full HD Optically Bonded PCAP Touchscreen
The glove-friendly resistive touchscreen features optical bonding and 7H hardness glass, providing precise and reliable touch performance even with gloves. Its anti-reflective coating enhances visibility under bright lighting and humid conditions while resisting scratches from daily use.
Flexible Mounting Options
Designed for seamless integration, the panel PC supports multiple mounting options including yoke and VESA. This flexibility allowed fast deployment into their compact dissolution testing systems without complex custom brackets or equipment redesign.
The Benefits
No MOQ and low lead times
With no minimum order quantity (MOQ) and quick lead times offers customers the flexibility to scale at their own pace without overcommitting to large volumes. This agility is especially valuable for pilot projects, custom integrations, or urgent replacements where time-to-deployment and budget control are critical.
Headquarters in the US
By being headquartered in the US, Premio provides customers with faster, more reliable support, easier communication, and alignment with local compliance and industry standards. It also ensures shorter shipping times and greater supply chain stability, reducing risks associated with overseas delays or geopolitical disruptions.
Conclusion
By implementing Premio’s SIO-W224-i5-8365UE stainless steel panel PC, the pharmaceutical manufacturer achieved greater reliability and hygiene compliance in its daily operations. This rugged, sanitary solution minimized downtime during washdowns and improved overall operational efficiency. Premio continues to be a trusted partner, supporting their commitment to safe, consistent, and high-quality pharmaceutical production.