What is a Panel PC?

A panel PC combines a touchscreen and computing unit in a compact industrial housing. These devices are specially designed for installation in machines or control cabinets and allow direct operation – even with gloves or in harsh environments.

What is an Industrial PC?

An industrial PC (IPC) is a robust computer for professional use. It is used wherever conventional desktop PCs are insufficient: in production halls, vehicles, construction sites, or control cabinets.

What are the differences between Panel PC and Industrial PC?

• Panel PC: Integrated display, ideal for visualization and operation
• Industrial PC: Modular, often without a display – flexible expansion
• Both variants are available fanless, vibration-resistant, and for DIN rail or 19" rack mounting

Where are Panel and Industrial PCs used?

Industrial PCs are an essential part of modern manufacturing and automation. Typical application areas include:

• Automation and control technology
• Logistics, warehousing, and transport
• Laboratory and measurement technology
• Building management and smart factory environments
• Vehicle technology and mobile applications
• Vision systems and edge AI

Which operating system is suitable for industrial PCs?

In industrial applications, long-term stability, security and resource-efficient operation are crucial. Standard desktop Windows versions or Linux distributions quickly reach their limits here. That’s why we recommend specially adapted variants such as:

• Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC
• Ubuntu LTS / Debian Stable
• IGEL OS for thin client applications

Why is Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 ideal for industrial systems?

• Long-term support: Up to 10 years of support – ideal for systems with long life cycles
• Maximum security: Integrated Secure Boot, virtualization, and Zero Trust architecture
• Performance-oriented: Resource-optimized for modern hardware and edge computing
• Edge-ready: Ideal for decentralized data processing and real-time analysis
• Stability without forced updates: No feature updates, just plannable security patches

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 is the modern backbone for automation, control, and machine communication.

What advantages do industrial PCs offer over standard PCs?

• Fanless & low-maintenance – ideal for 24/7 operation
• Expandable – e.g., via PCIe, M.2, mini-PCIe
• Wide-range power supply, ignition control, CAN bus, COM ports, etc.
• Long-term availability – often more than 5–7 years
• Rugged housings and mounting options (DIN rail, rackmount, VESA)

What touch technologies are available in panel PCs?

• Resistive touch: Responds to pressure – e.g., usable with gloves
• Capacitive touch (PCAP): Highly responsive, supports multitouch
• Infrared touch: Contactless – for special environments

What IP protection ratings are available?

Depending on the installation site, panel and industrial PCs offer different levels of protection:

• IP65: Dust-tight & water-jet protected – standard in industrial settings
• IP67: Temporarily submersible
• IP69K: High-pressure and steam cleaning – e.g., for the food industry

Does OMTEC offer consulting and customized solutions?

Absolutely – at OMTEC, consulting is our priority. Whether you need a single device, a serial production solution, or an OEM project: we analyze your requirements and deliver the optimal hardware – from power supply and OS to mounting method.