Fire detection and suppression systems are critical in high-risk industrial environments, relying on advanced technologies such as thermal imaging, AI-driven analytics, and remote monitoring to ensure early detection and rapid response to fire incidents. However, these systems require a reliable and high-performance computing platform to function effectively. In this case study, we explore how Premio’s RCO-3000-CML small form factor industrial computer addressed the challenges of a leading company in the fire detection and suppression industry, providing a robust, adaptable, and compliant solution for continuous operations in demanding conditions. This case study provides a real-world deployment of edge computing and the internet of things (IoT) for Disaster & Emergency Management.
Challenges:
- A rugged edge computing solution with extensive I/O connectivity for sensors, cameras, and other peripherals
- Flexible mounting options tailored for industrial settings
- A compact form factor with high-performance capabilities
- Fanless and reliable industrial computers certified for continuous operation in harsh environments
- Wireless connectivity for low-latency communication
Solution:
- Premio’s RCO-3000 Series Small Form Factor Computer (RCO-3000-CML)
- Rich I/O with 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) and 8 I/O DIO ports for sensors and cameras
- Compact form with Intel Core i7 for high-performance computing
- Dual SSDs with 1x Removable 2.5" SATA HDD Bay (hot-swappable)
- Wall mounting options with vertical and horizontal capabilities for flexible industrial setups
- Wide operating temperature range and UL-listed for industrial compliance and durability
- 4G/LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity for low-latency communication
Benefits:
- Standard off-the-shelf rugged edge computing portfolio
- Efficient lead time management
- ISO-certified facility
Company Background
Founded in 2015, this fire detection and suppression company has quickly emerged as a leader in providing advanced solutions for high-risk industrial environments. Their flagship products, including the continuous suppression system and portable fire extinguishers, are designed to deliver fast, effective fire detection and suppression. One of their standout innovations is their virtual firefighter technology, which offers real-time monitoring and remote intervention, ensuring immediate responses to potential fire threats. The company excels at integrating customizable fire protection systems across various sectors, including industrial, commercial, and remote locations. Their ability to meet stringent safety standards and their strong commitment to innovation have set them apart from competitors, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable partner in fire safety.
The Challenge
Rugged Edge Computing Solution with High I/O Connectivity for Sensors and Cameras
The fire detection and suppression company required an edge computing solution that could seamlessly integrate a wide array of peripherals, including sensors, cameras, and other monitoring devices. For example, in a warehouse, the system could detect rising temperatures or smoke through thermal sensors connected via I/O ports. These signals would be processed in real-time, triggering cameras to capture images and alerting virtual firefighters to assess the situation. To ensure this level of responsiveness and connectivity, the company needed a solution that could reliably support high-volume data inputs and outputs across multiple devices.
Flexible Mounting Options for Vertical and Horizontal Orientations
Since the company’s products are widely used in a variety of settings, including indoor environments like commercial buildings and outdoor areas such as construction sites, it required a computing system that could be easily mounted in various industrial environments. Flexibility in mounting was crucial due to the need for both vertical and horizontal installations. Traditional systems often lacked this versatility, leading to inefficiencies. Therefore, the company sought a solution that could adapt to diverse installation needs without compromising functionality or stability.
Compact Form Factor with High-Performance Capabilities
Space constraints in industrial setups posed a significant challenge for the company, requiring a compact computing solution. In these environments, equipment is often packed tightly together, leaving little room for additional devices. Despite the limited space, the system still needed to provide high processing power to manage large volumes of data from fire detection sensors and cameras. A smaller but powerful system was necessary to process the data efficiently without taking up too much room in installations already crowded with other equipment.
Reliability and Certification for Continuous Operation in Harsh Environments
The company required a reliable rugged computer capable of operating continuously in harsh industrial conditions. The environments where the systems were deployed often featured extreme temperatures, dust, vibrations, and other challenges. The solution had to be robust enough to withstand these conditions and certified for long-term use without regular maintenance or frequent repairs. Without such reliability, there was a high risk of system failures that could lead to downtime, compromising both safety and operations.
Wireless Connectivity for Low-Latency Communication
In environments requiring rapid fire detection, maintaining real-time communication between sensors and edge computing systems is essential. Wireless connectivity, such as 4G/LTE and 5G, allows sensors to transmit data instantly without relying on complex wired infrastructures. In large industrial sites or remote areas, fast wireless connections ensure critical data is delivered swiftly for immediate action. To support this, the company sought industrial computers with advanced wireless modules that could maintain stable, low-latency machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.
The Solution
Premio’s RCO-3000-CML Small Form Factor Computer
After thoroughly evaluating the fire detection and suppression company’s requirements, Premio’s RCO-3000-CML Small Form Factor Computer emerged as the best-fit solution. The system, built to withstand harsh environments, ensures reliable and continuous operation. Its compact design and support for a range of 10th Gen Intel® processors provide the necessary performance for managing complex fire detection tasks. Furthermore, the RCO-3000-CML’s adaptability allows seamless integration across industrial setups, enabling real-time data processing. Its ruggedness, low maintenance needs, and compatibility with mission-critical systems make it ideal for high-stakes fire safety operations.
Rich I/O with 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) and 8 I/O DIO ports for sensors and cameras
The RCO-3000-CML offers a comprehensive range of I/O options tailored to the fire detection system's complex integration needs. Key features include 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed data transfer and 8 isolated I/O DIO ports, crucial for connecting thermal sensors and cameras. These ports enable seamless, high-speed data capture and real-time communication with virtual firefighters, ensuring rapid response. Additional connectivity options include 3x RS-232/422/485 ports for industrial communication, 2x CAN Bus for vehicle telematics, dual LAN ports (RJ45), 1x Line-out for audio, and a Universal I/O Bracket. These robust I/O options further enhance the system's adaptability across diverse environments.
Compact form with Intel Core i7 for high-performance computing
Despite its compact size, the RCO-3000-CML supports a range of 10th Gen Intel® processors. Based on the specific needs of the leading company in fire detection and suppression, Premio offers the Intel Core i7 processor to meet the requirement for processing large volumes of data in real-time. This ensures the system delivers the necessary computational power to handle the company’s fire detection devices, while still fitting seamlessly into space-constrained industrial environments.
Dual SSDs with 1x Removable 2.5" SATA HDD Bay (hot-swappable)
The RCO-3000-CML’s dual SSD configuration, along with the hot-swappable 2.5" SATA HDD bay, perfectly matched the company’s need to separate the operating system from image and data storage. This separation increased reliability, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the fire detection software while the data was stored efficiently. The hot-swappable feature allowed the company to replace storage drives on-the-fly, maintaining continuous operation in critical environments where downtime could compromise safety and monitoring processes.
Wall mounting options with vertical and horizontal capabilities for flexible industrial setups
Given the company's need to install the system in diverse environments, from construction sites to large warehouses, the RCO-3000-CML's flexible wall mounting options were invaluable. The ability to mount the system both vertically and horizontally allowed for easy installation, even in challenging spaces, without compromising the system’s functionality or durability.
Wide operating temperature range and UL-listed for industrial compliance and durability
With a wide operating temperature range of -25°C to 70°C and UL certification, the RCO-3000-CML was built to endure extreme environmental conditions. This durability was critical for the company, as its systems were deployed in environments ranging from dust-filled industrial sites to outdoor locations exposed to significant temperature fluctuations. The certification ensured the system could operate reliably in these demanding conditions without requiring frequent maintenance, allowing for uninterrupted monitoring and continuous protection of assets in challenging industrial settings.
4G/LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Connectivity for Low-Latency
Communication Premio’s RCO-3000-CML offers comprehensive wireless connectivity through its M.2 B Key slot, supporting 4G/LTE and 5G modules, as well as an M.2 E Key slot for Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E provides faster speeds, improved network efficiency, and reduced latency, making it ideal for demanding environments. This connectivity ensures real-time machine-to-machine (M2M) communication in fire detection systems, allowing seamless sensor-to-edge data transmission without relying on complex wired setups, ensuring swift and efficient responses.
The Benefits
Standard Off-the-Shelf Rugged Edge Computing Portfolio
Premio’s RCO Series, including the RCO-6000, RCO-3000, and RCO-1000 models, provides a robust, off-the-shelf solution specifically tailored for diverse industrial applications. Each model is optimized for specific deployments, ensuring businesses can quickly implement reliable, rugged computing solutions without long lead times. Whether integrating into space-constrained setups or complex edge environments, the portfolio's modularity and scalability deliver flexibility while maintaining high-performance standards, reducing time-to-market and ensuring seamless, real-time data processing capabilities.
Learn more about the RCO Series >>
Efficient Lead Time Management
Premio’s expertise in demand forecasting and supply chain optimization ensured minimal lead times, even during pandemic-related disruptions. This helped the company avoid delays in deploying their fire safety systems, keeping critical operations running smoothly.
ISO-Certified Facility
Premio’s ISO-certified manufacturing guarantees products that meet stringent industry standards for quality and reliability. This provides the client with peace of mind, knowing that the hardware supporting their fire safety systems is durable and compliant with global standards.