The retail industry has increasingly turned to self-service kiosks and automation to enhance convenience for customers and streamline operations. These machines, deployed inside high-traffic retail environments, must be compact, reliable, and easily maintainable to ensure smooth and uninterrupted service. By adopting Premio’s BCO-500-ADL Series X86 Semi-Rugged Fanless Industrial Mini Computer, a leading provider of hardware and home improvement solutions ensured consistent performance and future-proof reliability for its pet tag engraving kiosks across North America.
The Challenges
- Needed a compact replacement for an end-of-life embedded computer
- Requirement for Intel Core i3-level performance to power engraving applications
- Mechanical fit within existing kiosk housing with limited space
- Compatibility with installed legacy power supplies in retail environments
- Long-term lifecycle support to prevent repeated redesigns
The Solution
- Premio’s BCO-500-ADL Series X86 Semi-Rugged Fanless Industrial Mini Computer
- Compact 225 x 130 x 41 mm form factor for seamless integration into kiosks
- Wide 12–36V DC power input ensuring compatibility with existing kiosk power systems
- Industrial-grade fanless design for reliable, maintenance-free operation in retail environments
- Custom-engineered power supply solution sourced through Premio’s supply chain expertise
Benefits
- Long-term reliability and compliance for mission-critical kiosk applications
- Direct application engineering and technical support from Premio’s Los Angeles headquarters
- Supply chain flexibility ensuring customized hardware configurations when needed
Company Overview
The company is a long-standing leader in the hardware and home improvement sector, supplying products across retail markets in North America. Its offerings include tools, protective gear, and automated kiosk solutions designed to make everyday tasks more convenient for consumers. By continuously investing in automation, the company aims to expand its role in shaping modern, customer-facing retail technologies.
The Challenges
Compact Replacement for Legacy Computer
The customer’s existing kiosk computers were approaching end of life, creating risks of downtime and rising maintenance costs. A replacement solution needed to be compact enough to fit into the constrained space of existing engraving kiosks while offering a modernized architecture.
Performance Requirements for Engraving Applications
Running engraving software and kiosk control systems demanded at least Intel Core i3-class performance. The older system struggled to keep pace with processing workloads, leading to potential customer dissatisfaction.
Mechanical Integration with Existing Enclosures
The FIDO kiosks were designed with tight dimensions, limiting the type of replacement computer that could be installed. Any new hardware needed to match these physical constraints without requiring major redesigns.
Compatibility with Legacy Power Infrastructure
The kiosks already deployed in retail stores had standardized power supplies. To avoid expensive retrofits, the new embedded computer needed to support the same voltage range.
Lifecycle Support and Reliability
Retail kiosks are designed for long-term deployment with minimal downtime. The replacement computer had to be supported for years, avoiding short product cycles that would force redesigns or additional investments.
The Solution
Premio’s BCO-500-ADL Series supports two processor options: the Intel Alder Lake-N97 for energy-efficient applications and the Intel Core i3-N305 for higher-performance workloads. For its retail kiosks, the customer selected the Intel Core i3-N305 configuration, which, paired with DDR5 memory provided the necessary balance of performance, efficiency, and industrial-grade durability. Its compact form factor and fanless design made it a drop-in replacement inside the engraving kiosks.
Compact, Space-Saving Form Factor
At just 225 x 130 x 41 mm, the BCO-500-ADL Series was engineered for space-constrained applications. This ensured seamless installation inside kiosks without modification to the existing housing, reducing integration effort and cost.
Power Supply Compatibility
With its wide 12–36V DC input, the BCO-500-ADL Series aligned with the existing power infrastructure in FIDO machines. Premio’s engineering team further leveraged supply chain expertise to deliver a customized power supply that matched customer specifications.
Fanless, Industrial-Grade Reliability
Designed for silent and dust-resistant operation, the fanless architecture minimized moving parts and maintenance needs. This was critical in ensuring kiosks remained operational inside busy retail stores with little downtime.
The Benefits
Reliable Retail Deployment
The BCO-500-ADL Series ensured consistent, stable operation for engraving kiosks, providing customers with seamless experiences.
Dedicated Local Support
With engineering and technical resources based in Los Angeles, Premio provided hands-on guidance and troubleshooting throughout integration.
Supply Chain Strength
Premio’s ability to source and configure specialized components, including a tailored power supply, guaranteed smooth deployment at scale.
Conclusion
By integrating Premio’s BCO-500-ADL Series X86 Semi-Rugged Fanless Industrial Mini Computer, the company modernized its retail automation kiosks to deliver reliable, long-term performance across North American stores. The compact design, compatibility with existing systems, and Premio’s engineering support enabled a smooth transition from end-of-life hardware to a future-ready platform. Whether powering pet tag engraving or other automated retail services, the solution provided a robust and scalable foundation that strengthens the company’s commitment to innovation in customer-facing technologies.