From leveraging advanced IoT for real-time alerts to utilizing AI-powered tools for planning emergency routes, public safety and disaster response teams are consistently seeking reliable edge computing solutions to assist and enhance their efforts at the front lines. In this case study, we explore how one of the United States' largest state law enforcement agencies sought out Premio for a cutting-edge industrial computer to drive their in-vehicle mobile data terminal (MDT) system.
Challenge:
- Utilizing legacy computing hardware for modern software
- Compatibility to retrofit into patrol vehicle
- Proprietary design limiting in-house customizability
Solution:
- Premio’s RCO-6000-RPL High-Performance Industrial Computer
- Streamlines mobile data terminal platform
- Compatible with patrol vehicle’s equipment tray
- Ubiquitous design for seamless in-house customization
- On-board CAN bus & power ignition management
- In-vehicle durability & reliability
Benefits:
- Direct manufacturing sales and engineering support
- Local supply chain management
- Trusted edge computing solution partner
The Company
Consisting of thousands of sworn officers, the largest public-facing state law enforcement agencies oversees safety and regulation over interstate highways and roads. They are responsible for responding to accidents and emergencies, providing support during natural disasters, encouraging traffic safety, and aiding other law enforcement bodies to ensure public safety.
Their dedicated vehicle fleet operations fabricate fully loaded patrol vehicles and produce upwards of 500 to 1,000 vehicles annually. These vehicles are meticulously customized and outfitted in-house with the latest technologies and design, such as a mobile data terminal (MDT) or mobile data computer (MDC) to improve officer duty efficiencies and streamline operations.
What is a Mobile Data Terminal for Law Enforcement?
Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is a mission-critical system that provides dispatch with real-time vehicle telematics and law enforcement personnel access to resource databases. It is a vital day-to-day system for law enforcement and emergency responders to maximize on-duty performance. Tasks like communication with dispatch, accessibility to updated resource databases, and optimized emergency routes for rapid response times are key applications used in the MDT.
Benefits of Mobile Data Terminals:
- Real-time access to databases for record and vehicle information
- Live vehicle telematics for dispatch to make efficient data-driven decisions
- Maximize on-duty patrol tasks and efficiencies
The Challenge
After many years of operation, the law enforcement fleet operations needed an upgrade to their mobile data terminal with a modernized edge computing solution. Their current system was nearing its EOL (end-of-life) stage in its product support lifecycle; meaning that the manufacturer will discontinue support and production. The existing solution had also limited their customization options due to its proprietary design that complicated installation into other patrol vehicle models and future projects. With a dedicated patrol vehicle prototyping team, the fleet operations required a solution that could be freely adjusted and installed without conflicts.
Legacy Computing Hardware
The existing edge computing solution had become outdated after prolonged years of operation. It utilized a legacy 6th Gen Intel Mobile-U processor, DDR3 memory, and was unable to support the latest version of TPM; posing a vital cybersecurity risk. With the MDT being a mission-critical system, the fleet operations desperately needed an upgrade to modernize and match the performance needed to smoothly run the platform.
Ubiquitous Design
A major obstacle that the fleet operations team discovered with their existing solution was its proprietary design. This hindered the capabilities of customizability and adaptability to be interoperable across their fleet over patrol vehicle models.
Long-Term Product Support Lifecycle
Government equipment assets must go through an intricate approval process and are expected to be supported for a long time. Deployment consistency is crucial for mission-critical equipment as troubleshooting and integration processes need to be simplified. The fleet operations sought out a solution and a reliable partner that will meet these stringent long-term support demands.
In-Vehicle Compatibility
The first responder patrol vehicles are fully customized to be operationally efficient in a mission-critical line of work. The fleet operations team required an edge computing solution to be compatible with the patrol vehicle’s unique trunk electronic trays and cargo racks. It also needed to be spatially conscious to prevent interference with other vital equipment within the tray.
Additionally, the edge computer must be durable for in-vehicle deployment. Frequent shock and vibration, varying extreme temperatures, and unstable power are environmental elements that must be addressed for in-vehicle operational reliability.
The Solution
After consulting with Premio and thoroughly explaining all the fleet operation’s deployment requirement criteria, Premio recommended their RCO-6000-RPL High-Performance Industrial Computer to drive their mobile data terminal system. This industrial computer has a proven history of successful in-vehicle deployments and edge performance capabilities for mission-critical deployments alike. Now, let’s go into detail on how Premio’s RCO-6000-RPL Series serves as a mobile data terminal computer system for law enforcement fleet operations.
Real-Time Performance & Telematics
The RCO-6000-RPL Series is configured with a 13th Gen Intel Core TE processor that leverages the latest hybrid core architecture using performance (P) and efficiency (E) cores. Additionally, this industrial computer features DDR5 memory, on-board M.2 acceleration, and hot-swappable SSD drives. The embedded-focused processor supports the latest version of TPM for root-level cybersecurity and is compatible to support Windows 10 IoT LTSC. This combination of the latest edge computing components streamlines mobile data terminal applications such as real-time records management software (RMS), live GPS and vehicle telematics, accessible dispatch and officer communications.
Long-Term Product Support Lifecycle
The Intel TE processor model ensures low-power efficiency and is supported under Intel’s embedded 10 to 15-year product support lifecycle. As a dedicated edge computing solutions provider, Premio follows this extensive support roadmap and will continually provide long-term supported hardware for consistency in deployment and reliability.
Seamless IoT Consolidation
The RCO-6000-RPL Series provides a comprehensive selection of IoT-centric connectivity on-board including legacy COM ports, high-speed LAN, USB, and even a DIO terminal. This abundance of I/O options allows the fleet operations team to seamlessly consolidate various first responder equipment like their rugged display screen, 5G router, GPS, and such while simultaneously supporting the mobile data terminal system.
In-Vehicle Durability and Reliability
Engineered for rugged reliability, the RCO-6000-RPL Series incorporates a fanless and cableless design to eliminate and minimize common failure points. A fanless approach promotes and enables a list of hardened features that promote its resilience for vehicular deployments such as:
- Wide operating temperatures
- MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration resistance
- Wide power input ranges
- Power protection protocols
Patrol Vehicle Compatibility
The slim, low-profile design of the RCO-6000-RPL allows it to be retrofitted into the patrol vehicles’ trunk electronics tray with ease. Additionally, the RCO-6000-RPL features on-board CAN Bus and Power Ignition Management for access to vehicle telematics and programmable boot/shutdown protocols.
The Benefits
Premio not only delivered a fully optimized edge computing solution that met all the law enforcement fleet operation requirements, but also leveraged our 35+ years of manufacturing and supply chain expertise to establish a strong partnership with them.
Working Directly With Premio
Directly partnering with Premio eliminates the resource limitations often encountered when dealing with a distributor. The fleet operations team benefits from full support access of Premio’s dedicated engineering, sales, and supply chain teams with expertise in technical edge computing, knowledgeable supply chain management, and a streamlined process from initial consultation to final deployment.
Localized Supply Chain Management
Premio is strategically located in City of Industry, California and provides local supply chain management for the law enforcement fleet operations. A dedicated supply chain team can efficiently navigate through abrupt disruptions, provide full work order transparency, and develop keen strategies to ensure rapid time-to-market. Being local to the fleet operations facility significantly reduces the risks of supply chain disruptions and shortens delivery times.
Proactive Sales & Engineering Support
Premio’s dedicated sales and engineering support teams emphasize its proactive approach to ensure a smooth deployment process. The fleet operations team appreciated Premio’s efforts fully understand their high-specification requirements and meticulously configured solution to meet all their demands. In doing so, we were able to anticipate and minimize early technical challenges and ensure seamless implementation.