Overview
Sawmill operations require reliable and rugged computing to withstand harsh industrial environments. From heavy sawdust exposure to constant vibrations and demanding connectivity needs, traditional panel PCs often fall short, leading to costly downtime and inefficiencies. To overcome these challenges, a leading U.S.-based sawmill partnered with Premio to deploy an industrial-grade all-in-one panel PC built for durability and seamless integration. In this case study, we explore how Premio’s AIO-W221-ASL-3L solution enhanced the sawmill’s operational reliability, ensured real-time data access, and supported its move toward smarter, more connected manufacturing.
Challenges
- Needed an industrial-grade panel PC to withstand heavy sawdust and harsh sawmill conditions
- Sawmill operations demanded a durable touchscreen that resists scratches and daily impacts
- Sought a panel PC with 3 LAN ports to connect critical industrial devices and SCADA systems
- Looked for built-in 5G connectivity for real-time data transmission and remote monitoring
- Installation required VESA mounting options for seamless integration into existing workstations
Solutions
- Premio’s AIO-W221-ASL-3L industrial-grade all-in-one panel PC
- IP65-rated front panel with 7H hardness and IK07 impact protection for scratch, dust, and moisture resistance
- Strong connectivity including three 2.5GbE LAN ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for SCADA systems and industrial devices
- 5G connectivity via dual Nano SIM slots for real-time data transmission and remote monitoring
- Versatile mounting options including VESA and panel mount
Benefit
- Strong application engineering team providing expert support
Company Overview
Founded in the Pacific Northwest, this sawmill company has been a leading provider of premium lumber products for over 50 years. With a strong focus on quality and sustainability, they operate multiple facilities specializing in dimensional lumber, timber beams, and specialty wood products. Their operations rely on advanced machinery and real-time data systems to optimize cutting precision and production efficiency. As they continue modernizing their facilities, the company actively invests in industrial automation and edge computing technologies to remain competitive in a demanding market.
The Challenges
Need for Industrial-Grade Panel PC Reliability
Operating in a sawmill environment meant exposure to heavy sawdust, constant vibration, and temperature fluctuations. Consumer-grade panel PCs often failed prematurely under these harsh conditions. The company needed a rugged, industrial-grade solution to ensure reliable performance and continuous uptime.
Durable Touchscreen for Tough Operations
Operators frequently used touchscreens while wearing gloves or handling tools, leading to scratches and impact damage. Over time, their existing screens lost sensitivity and visibility, affecting productivity. A more durable, scratch-resistant touchscreen was essential to maintain long-term operational efficiency.
Strong Connectivity with Multiple LAN Ports
Their operations required stable connections to multiple SCADA systems and industrial devices. Existing panel PCs lacked sufficient high-speed LAN ports, creating data transfer bottlenecks.
Integrated 5G Connectivity for Real-Time Data
Real-time monitoring and remote access were crucial for centralized management and operational agility. The company planned to adopt 5G networks to support high-speed, low-latency communication for future IoT expansions. Their current systems did not support built-in cellular connectivity.
Flexible Mounting Options for Easy Installation
Limited workstation space and diverse deployment areas required versatile installation options. Previous systems lacked flexible mounting designs, complicating integration on operator stations and enclosures. VESA mounting compatibility was needed to ensure quick and secure installations across the facility.
The Solution
Premio’s AIO-W221-ASL-3L industrial-grade all-in-one panel PC
After a thorough evaluation of different options, the sawmill chose Premio’s AIO-W221-ASL-3L to modernize their operations. This 21.5-inch all-in-one panel PC offered exactly what they needed: powerful Intel® Alder Lake-N N97 or Atom® x7835RE processors to handle their daily workloads, and a rugged design that could withstand the sawmill’s challenging conditions. With its wide operating temperature range from -10°C to 50°C and flexible 12-36V DC power input, it delivered reliable performance right on the shop floor. Being UL listed gave the team extra confidence that they were investing in a solution built for safety and long-term use.
IP65-Rated Durable Touchscreen
The AIO-W221-ASL-3L features an IP65-rated front panel with 7H hardness and IK07 impact protection. This durable touchscreen resists scratches, moisture, and impact damage from daily operations. Operators can confidently use the system while wearing gloves or handling tools without affecting performance.
Strong Connectivity for Industrial Integration
Equipped with three 2.5GbE LAN ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, the system connects seamlessly with SCADA platforms and industrial devices. This robust connectivity eliminates bottlenecks and improves data communication across equipment. It ensures reliable integration within existing and future automation networks.
Built-In 5G Connectivity for Real-Time Data
Dual Nano SIM slots enable built-in 5G connectivity for high-speed, low-latency data transmission. This feature supports real-time monitoring, remote access, and centralized management of operations. The sawmill can now scale its IoT applications without additional external modems.
Versatile Mounting Options for Easy Installation
The AIO-W221-ASL-3L offers flexible installation options, including VESA and panel mounts. This ensures quick and secure integration into existing operator stations and enclosures. Technicians can deploy the units efficiently, minimizing downtime during installation.
The Benefit
Strong Application Engineering Team
Premio’s strong technical support team ensures quick issue resolution, minimizing costly downtime in critical operations. With over 35 years of expertise in solving hardware integration challenges, we provide proactive troubleshooting and timely firmware updates to reduce deployment risks. More than just a vendor, we act as a trusted partner to keep our customers’ systems running smoothly and reliably.
Conclusion
By implementing Premio’s AIO-W221-ASL-3L panel PC, the sawmill achieved greater reliability and efficiency in its daily operations. This rugged, industrial-grade solution not only reduced downtime but also prepared the company for future automation and connectivity upgrades. Premio remains a trusted partner in supporting their journey toward smarter, more resilient manufacturing.