Introduction

The hardware covered in this article will be used to connect your equipment to MachineMetrics. If you have opted for onsite connectivity services with one of our technicians, it is required that you have these items before the technician arrives (this will be confirmed in your pre-connectivity call prior to the onsite visit.).  

To learn more about the hardware needed for the implementation integration of MachineMetrics, visit our Guide to Hardware.

Topics covered in this article:

• Tablets
  • Tablet Recommendations
    • Tablet
    • Mounted Enclosures
• TV Display
  • TV Display Extras
  • TV Display Mounts
• Moxa Box

Please note that the below list of hardware are only a recommendation to get your team in the correct direction for selecting the hardware that best fits your needs. Any hardware that meets the provided specs is compatible with MachineMetrics. Any hardware purchased from providers outside of MachineMetrics will not be supported by our internal team.

Tablets

We do not sell tablets but here is a guide to sourcing your own devices and mounts. 

A tablet (or touchscreen PC) is a fixed display device mounted at or near a machine.
It serves as the operator’s primary interface to the MachineMetrics Operator Dashboard (OpDash) — enabling users to log downtime, start jobs and see production status of their machine.

Requirements

Recommended Devices

You may use any modern tablet or small-form-factor PC that meets these specifications.
Some common options include:

• Apple iPad – apple.com/ipad

• Samsung Galaxy Tab – samsung.com/galaxy-tab

• Windows Surface or Touchscreen PC – microsoft.com/surface

⚙️ Note: Links are provided for reference only. MachineMetrics does not endorse specific models.

Mounting Hardware

A secure mounting system is required to safely install the tablet near the machine. Choose an enclosure or arm mount designed for industrial environments.

Recommended Mount Sources

• Mount-It Tablet Mounts – mount-it.com

• Armagard Industrial Enclosures – armagard.com

• VESA-Compatible Mounts – for Surface PCs or panel-mounted screens.

Mounting should:

• Protect the device from dust, vibration, and coolant.

• Position the screen at a safe, visible height.

• Secure all power and data cables with strain relief.

TV Display

We recommend a display to allow for easy visibility on the shop floor thus an appropriate size for a particular facility is an individual choice. Consider the location of the display; shop debris may reduce the visibility and life of the TV.

TV Display Specs

We require the following specifications from the display chosen: 

• 1080p for adequate resolution.  
• HDMI 
• USB 2.0

Note: While a Smart TV with the ability to open a Chrome browser (such as those using the Google TV platform) is acceptable, we strongly recommend using a dedicated PC Stick or similar device instead. Native browsers on Smart TVs often have limited functionality and poor performance, which can negatively impact the user experience. Most major retailers (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc.) allow filtering TVs by platform to find Google TV models if needed.

TV Display Extras

If you are not purchasing a TV with the capability to open a Chrome browser, you may need to purchase a PC, PC Stick, or another device that has the capability to open a Chrome browser. 

Display Extras Specs

Please ensure the device has the following specifications:

• USB 2.0 ports 
• HDMI ports/cable (or another display port to connect to the display) 
  • This device has multiple USB ports, HDMI, 5G WiFi capabilities and auto-on functionality. As all you need from the device is the ability to hook up to a TV and run a browser, this should be more than enough to do so at an affordable price.
• Peripherals such as keyboard/mouse (recommended)
  • This wireless keyboard & trackpad works very well for use with a mounted TV. The flexibility of a wireless keyboard is invaluable and having the built-in trackpad means you don’t need to keep track of a separate mouse as well.

Note: Only one Chrome-capable device will be needed for each TV display. If you plan on using multiple displays, consider the length of the cables and the location of the displays. 

TV Display Mounts

The mounting location will determine whether an articulating (full motion) or non-articulating (restricted motion) wall mount is best suited.  There is also an option to purchase a ceiling mount if the display(s) will be mounted away from any walls, such as in the middle of the shop. Follow display manufacturers' recommendations on purchasing a compatible mount.

Moxa Box

MachineMetrics can provide a configured Moxa Box through our hardware shop. However, they can also be purchased directly from a vendor of your choosing. To do so, use this resource. If purchased outside of MachineMetrics, the MoxaBox will need to be configured following the instructions in this Knowledge Base Article.

Have Questions? 

If there are any questions or would like to learn more about specific system requirements, please contact us at Support@machinemetrics.com.