The challenges of storage and picking systems

Problems often occur when leaving the warehouse as operators cannot find the correct location, which significantly impairs efficiency. New employees are often unfamiliar with the materials and their locations when entering the warehouse, which complicates the workflow. In addition, the complexity and volume of data during stocktaking makes the work more difficult and leads to a high expenditure of time.

The solution: RUGGED tablets for clarity and structure

An industrial tablet guides employees to the relevant locations using visual cues at shelves and storage locations. By using the rugged handheld device, which scans QR codes and offers user-friendly touchscreen interaction, tasks such as storage, retrieval and stocktaking can be carried out efficiently. This technological support transforms the traditional, personnel-oriented warehouse management system into an assisted system that makes warehouse management more structured, automated, standardized and efficient.

Key features of the spo-comm RUGGED tablets

RUGGED Tab for storage and picking system (1)

RUGGED Tab 10 i5 Entry

  • Robust 10โ€ณ tablet
  • Industry Tablet
  • -20ยฐC to +60ยฐC
  • 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1, 1x LAN
  • IP 65 Dust and water protected

RUGGED Tab 10 N5100 Entry

  • Robust, fanless 10โ€ณ tablet
  • Industrial and logistics PC
  • -20ยฐC to +60ยฐC
  • 1x USB 3.0, 1x SIM, 1x SD, 1x mini HDMI 1.4a
  • IP 65 and MIL-STD-810G certification
RUGGED Tab for storage and picking system (2)

Advantages of using an industrial tablet

A RUGGED tablet enables a paperless way of working by making picking quick and easy by scanning materials. When leaving the warehouse, the system helps to increase the efficiency and accuracy of material preparation through the use of warehouse lights. During the putaway process, the system automatically links the information of the materials to the corresponding storage locations and organizes them systematically. Stock levels are displayed in real time, ensuring a continuous overview. In addition, no in-depth knowledge of materials is required, which means that new employees can be trained quickly. Overall, the device helps to solve efficiency problems in storage and picking systems and to optimize operational processes.

Robust tablets from spo-comm not only simplify these processes, but many more. You can find more information about our outdoor tablets and their use cases on the overview page:

If you have any questions about our products, discover our website or contact our sales team:

Flexible working โ€“ our everyday life:

6:15 โ€“ 8:00 am: Early start and family time

Out of the village, into the historic old town โ€“ Patricia gets into the car at 6:15 a.m. to drive to the Nuremberg headquarters. Meanwhile, Chiara starts her day with a walk in Spalter Hopfenland to get fit for the day. Julia has already provided her two kids with breakfast, lunch boxes etc. and takes her little one to nursery at 8 a.m. โ€“ always on foot and occasionally followed by a jog.

In the morning with us:

  • Patricia spruces up her workplace, enjoys her first coffee and prepares breakfast.
  • Chiara checks her emails and appointments at around 8 a.m. โ€“ the first coffee is a must, of course.
  • Julia uses the quiet morning to get straight down to business.
Start of work

9:00 โ€“ 12:00: Focus and teamwork

The morning belongs to meetings โ€“ whether in the office or virtually, most meetings take place between 9 a.m. and 12 noon. The entire marketing team regularly discusses current projects, new products, SEO/SEA and general marketing topics.

In the morning with us:

  • Virtual and face-to-face meetings on projects, to-dos and content.
  • Concentrated work on website maintenance, processes and content preparation and evaluation.
Flexible working in the morning

12:00 โ€“ 13:00: Lunch break according to individual rhythm

Chiara gets a dose of vitamin D in the fresh air and enjoys a quick lunch. Patricia eats with her colleagues on site โ€“ in good weather on the spo-comm roof terrace and every Thursday regularly at subway. In the meantime, Julia finishes her working day as soon as her older child comes home from school โ€“ her family afternoon begins.

Lunchtime with us:

  • Everyone takes their lunch break when it fits in with their daily routine.
  • Whether alone in the home office or together in the office โ€“ the main thing is that it feels good.
Lunch break

13:00 โ€“ 16:00: Creative energy in the afternoon

When the weather is sunny, Chiara particularly enjoys working on her terrace with a beautiful view, headphones and a good podcast. To-dos such as website updates or creating new products are completed. Patricia has a similar afternoon, with good music or a podcast to listen to and focus on. During this time, she usually devotes herself to evaluating content, creating/editing images and other to-dos.

In the afternoon with us:

  • We work where and how we feel most comfortable.
  • Structured to-dos and creative tasks with personal responsibility.
Flexible working in the afternoon

15:30 โ€“ 16:00: Time for closing time and private to-dos

While Patricia gets into the car and drives back home, Chiara slowly closes her laptop. Time for some relaxation and to do some private to-dos.

Flexible working is a privilege โ€“ and our everyday life!

Whether youโ€™re an early riser, a commuter, a home office fan or a parent with a busy daily schedule โ€“ at spo-comm, work fits in with your life. Our collaboration is based on trust, clear goals and genuine flexibility.

After all, itโ€™s not those who sit at their desk the longest who are productive โ€“ but those who are motivated, focused and work in their own flow.

How to arrange your personal consultation

Open the website and select the โ€œContactโ€ section

Visit our website and navigate to the company > Contact.
Right at the top of the page you will find a prominent button labeled:

Consultation_1

Click on the button and go to the date selection

Click on the button.

You will be automatically redirected to our booking page where you can choose a date.

Select date and time

Select a date and time that suits you.

The available days and time slots are displayed in black, the occupied ones in gray.

Enter contact details

In the next step, please enter your contact details in the fields provided.

The following information is required from you: Name, e-mail address, telephone number.

Describe your request (optional, but helpful)
So that we can optimally prepare for the conversation, you have the option of indicating your request or special wishes in a free text field โ€“ on the right-hand side, next to the contact details.

Whether you have questions about a specific Mini PC or are looking for a customized solution for your IT infrastructure โ€“ please let us know in advance.

Agree to the privacy policy and book an appointment

Please read our privacy policy carefully and agree to it before you make a final booking.

Click on the โ€œBookโ€ button to complete your appointment reservation with our spo-comm sales team.

Confirmation of appointment

You will be redirected to another page with your appointment confirmation and the selected appointment will be displayed. Here you can change or cancel the appointment if you have made a mistake.

You will also receive a confirmation e-mail with your booked appointment.

Your advantages at a glance

Fast appointment booking โ€“ online, uncomplicated, in just a few minutes

Flexible โ€“ choose a date that fits your calendar

Individual advice โ€“ whether mini PC for industry, digital signage, outdoor or a RUGGED tablet

Direct support โ€“ personal contact is irreplaceable for us!

Make an appointment now and get advice!

Whether you need robust industrial PCs for continuous use, compact mini PCs for digital signage or solutions for complex IT services โ€“ our experts will be happy to help you.

We look forward to receiving your inquiry and to working with you to find the best solution for your requirements.

What is the Intel vProยฎ platform?

The Intel vProยฎ platform is a combination of hardware and firmware technologies designed to improve the security, manageability and performance of business computers. It integrates features such as Intelยฎ Active Management Technology (AMT) and Intelยฎ Endpoint Management Assistant (EMA), which enable efficient remote management. It also offers comprehensive protection at hardware level with the Intelยฎ Hardware Shield.

Advantages for industrial mini PCs

  1. Compact performance for demanding environments
    Industrial Mini PCs are designed for use in harsh environments where space and power consumption are limited. The integration of the Intel vProยฎ platform enables these devices to offer high computing power and reliability despite their compact size โ€“ ideal for applications in manufacturing, automation and logistics.
  2. Enhanced security
    With Intelยฎ Hardware Shield, the vProยฎ platform offers multi-layered protection that detects and defends against threats at the hardware level. This is crucial for companies that process sensitive data and need to be protected against cyber attacks.
  3. Efficient remote management
    Thanks to Intelยฎ AMT and EMA, devices can be monitored, maintained and even restarted in the event of system crashes regardless of location โ€“ even if the operating system is no longer responding. This reduces downtime and lowers operating costs.
  4. Long-term stability and compatibility
    The Intel Stable IT Platform Program(Intel SIPP) ensures that hardware and software components remain compatible over a longer period of time โ€“ an advantage for companies with long-term planned IT structures.

vProยฎ Essentials, โ€“ Enterprise or โ€“ Evoโ„ข Design?

This Intel platform is available in different versions โ€“ each adapted to the requirements of different company sizes and application scenarios.

  • For smaller companies, vProยฎ Essentials offers basic security and management functions.
  • vProยฎ Enterprise is aimed at larger IT infrastructures and offers comprehensive remote maintenance, hardware protection and stability.
  • With vProยฎ Enterprise for Chrome, there is also a variant for ChromeOS devices.
  • While vProยฎ with Evoโ„ข Design is specially designed for particularly powerful, mobile notebooks โ€“ ideal for hybrid work models.

A closer look at the versions helps to find the right solution for individual requirements.

Practical example: Use at a medium-sized mechanical engineering company

A German mechanical engineering company with over 200 employees was looking for a solution to better network its decentralized production sites. The previous industrial PCs did not offer sufficient remote maintenance functions, which led to costly downtimes in the event of system failures.

After the introduction of devices with Intel vProยฎ compatibility, the situation changed fundamentally:

  • Centralized remote IT maintenance: Using Intelยฎ AMT, the IT department was able to completely remotely control PCs in factory halls 600 km away โ€“ including BIOS access.
  • Faster recovery: A defective PC no longer had to be replaced โ€“ out-of-band management meant that an IT technician could get the system up and running again remotely within a few minutes.
  • Security compliance: With Intelยฎ Hardware Shield, the companyโ€™s security guidelines were also enforced on machine controllers for the first time, as BIOS accesses could be logged and secured centrally.

The result: average downtime was reduced by 65% and maintenance costs fell by more than 30% in the first year. In addition, the IT department was able to use the time gained to tackle more strategic projects in the areas of automation and predictive maintenance.

An interesting article on this topic can be found at it-techblog.de.

Conclusion and spo-comm Mini-PCs with vProยฎ compatibility

The integration of this Intel platform in industrial mini PCs offers companies a powerful solution to make their IT infrastructure secure, efficient and future-proof. Especially in distributed industrial environments with high security and maintainability requirements, these systems offer real added value.

The following of our spo-comm systems are compatible:

If you have any questions about this or other topics, please do not hesitate to contact us.

embedded world 2025 in Nuremberg

Where? Booth 1-389 (Hall 1, Booth 389)

When? 11.03. โ€“ 13.03.2025

Members of our team will be on site at the stand on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

More details

In cooperation with ConSys, we will be exhibiting at the msi-ipc stand and providing a few insights into our product portfolio in digital form โ€“ more precisely, into the mini PCs that we have been distributing as a long-standing msi partner. Visit our stand and experience our spo-comm products live, talk to our experts about current trends and innovations and gather inspiration for your next project.

We are looking forward to a good exchange and hope to see some familiar and new faces!

If you have any questions about your visit to the fair, please contact us:

Exchange rates have changed significantly in recent months, which has also affected the purchase price of some of our Mini PC models. In order to take these developments into account, we have to adjust the prices of certain products in our range.

Price adjustment for the following Mini-PCs

The Mini PCs listed here now have a new entry-level price:

  • WINDBOX III Ultra: from 945โ‚ฌ
  • BRICK N305: from 800โ‚ฌ
  • NOVA R680E: from 1290โ‚ฌ
  • NINETEEN Q670E: from 1275โ‚ฌ
  • ONE H610: from 690โ‚ฌ
  • ONE i5: from 595โ‚ฌ
  • ONE J6412: 325โ‚ฌ
  • SQUARE 18: from 1175โ‚ฌ
  • SQUARE 21: 1275โ‚ฌ
  • RUGGED Tab 10 N5100 Entry: from โ‚ฌ920
  • RUGGED Tab 10 i5 Entry: from 1635โ‚ฌ
  • RUGGED Tab 8A Entry: from โ‚ฌ505

Important for our customers:

Existing offers and ongoing projects remain unaffected by this adjustment. Anyone who has already received an offer or is involved in an ongoing project can continue to rely on the previous prices.

We thank you for your understanding and are always available to answer your questions. It remains our goal to offer high-quality Mini PCs at fair conditions โ€“ even in times of economic fluctuations.

Deep learning vs. machine learning โ€“ whatโ€™s the difference?

Both machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are based on algorithms that learn from data. The difference lies in the complexity and structure of the models:

  • Machine learning mainly uses flatter models such as decision trees or linear regressions. These often require manual feature engineering, i.e. experts have to extract relevant features from the data.
  • Deep learning, on the other hand, is based on neural networks with multiple layers (โ€œdeep neural networksโ€). These networks learn independently which features are important and can therefore recognize more complex patterns.

A simple example: While a classic ML model defines image features such as edges or shapes by hand, a DL model can extract these features independently from the raw data.

How does deep learning work?

The system is based on neural networks inspired by the structure of the human brain. These networks consist of โ€œneuronsโ€ that are arranged in several layers:

  • Input layer: Receives the data (e.g. image or text)
  • Hidden layers: Perform calculations to recognize patterns
  • Output layer: Delivers the result (e.g. classification or prediction)

Each connection between the neurons has a weight that is adjusted during training to improve accuracy.

Use of deep learning on mini PCs

Mini PCs can also run complex deep learning applications thanks to powerful hardware and optimized software. We have put together a few examples:

  • Image and object recognition: With deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite or PyTorch, mini PCs can recognize faces or identify objects in real time. This is useful in surveillance systems or smart home devices, for example.
  • Speech recognition: Projects such as Jasper or DeepSpeech make it possible to recognize speech on mini PCs and convert it into text. This technology is used in voice assistants.
  • Predictive maintenance: In an industrial environment, mini PCs can analyze data from sensors and detect anomalies in order to predict maintenance requirements.

Deep learning on mini PCs offers numerous advantages, but also presents some challenges. The compact design of the mini PCs is an advantage, and the little helpers are also more energy and cost efficient than traditional servers.

However, there are challenges in terms of limited computing power and memory. However, special hardware such as AI accelerators (e.g. NIVIDIA Jetson Nano) can partially overcome these limitations.

Deep learning with spo-comm Mini-PCs

Our product portfolio also includes the odd mini PC that masters deep learning with flying colors. For example, our NINETEEN Q670E, which should not be reduced solely to its 19-inch size, but also to whatโ€™s inside it. The NINETEEN impresses with an Intelยฎ Coreโ„ข i5-12500T CPU, up to 65GB RAM and optional NVIDIA RTX graphics card. It also offers some special features, such as a PCIe slot for an additional graphics card, RAID network with multiple SSDs, iAMT, Wake on LAN and much more!

Conclusion

Deep learning is revolutionizing numerous industries and is becoming increasingly accessible, even on mini PCs. From image and speech recognition to industrial applications โ€“ the possibilities are almost limitless.

Whether in research, industry or the smart home sector โ€“ mini PCs make deep learning more tangible and affordable. With the right combination of hardware and software, (almost) no AI application stands in the way!

Company vacation and last delivery in 2024

As every year, our office will be closed over the Christmas holidays and New Yearโ€™s Eve from December 23 to January 6, 2025. We will be back for you from January 07, 2025!

Please note: Due to the inventory, the last possible delivery date is Thursday, 19.12.2023.

Price reduction BOX N6211

Our little digital signage wonder is now available from just โ‚ฌ440.00 base price!

The BOX impresses with its Intelยฎ Celeronยฎ N6211 processor, passive cooling, extremely low power consumption of only approx. 13 watts and numerous expansion options.

The high quality in combination with the dimensions of only 115 x 76 x 27 mm make the BOX N6211 a prime example of a spo-comm Mini-PC!

NINETEEN and NOVA are back!

The โ€œNโ€ in New and November currently stands for NOVA R680E and NINETEEN Q670E! The two well-known systems are back in the spo-comm product portfolio โ€“ now in an even more powerful design for a wide range of applications.

The NOVA R680E impresses with a wide range power input (8 โ€“ 48V), the extended temperature range of -10ยฐ to +50ยฐC and an Intelยฎ Coreโ„ข i5-12500T CPU with a performance of up to 6x 4.4 GHz. In addition, the device is shock-tested in accordance with IEC 60068-2 and, thanks to its anti-vibration design, can also withstand applications that occasionally get a little bumpy.

Our popular 19โ€ณ PC NINETEEN Q670E, which is especially designed for server applications, can now be optionally equipped with an NVIDIA graphics card! Thanks to a wide range of connections, hot swap, PCIe, iAMT, RAID and much more, it is equipped for a wide variety of applications.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

What is PCI and PCIe?

The PCI interface (Peripheral Component Interconnect) was developed in the 1990s as a standard for connecting various expansion cards to a computer system. It enabled efficient communication between hardware components. However, as technological development progressed, the original PCI interface became a bottleneck for modern, high-performance devices.

This is where the Express version comes into play. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a further development of the previous technology, which offers much higher data transfer rates and better scalability. While PCI once worked with parallel data buses, PCIe relies on serial data transmission and offers several โ€œlanesโ€ that can be used in parallel. This leads to a drastic improvement in the speed and efficiency of data transmission.

Of course, you will also find one or two PCIe interfaces in our spo-comm product catalog. In addition to this port, our NOVA R680E offers some other interesting features!

Advantages of the interface for mini PCs

  • Higher data transfer rates
    Mini PCs benefit from the high bandwidth of the PCIe interface. Whether connecting a graphics card or an NVMe SSD for lightning-fast data storage, this connection is now the standard for fast, stable connections. The latest version, PCIe 5.0, enables data rates of up to 32 GT/s (gigatransfers per second) per lane, giving Mini PCs unprecedented performance.

    Outlook: It will be even more powerful with the upcoming PCIe 6.0 version, which is already within reach and promises transfer rates of up to 64 GT/s.
  • Flexibility and scalability
    The interface has a modular structure. This means that there are different configurations, such as x1, x4, x8 or x16, which support different numbers of data channels. Mini PCs, which are usually designed to be compact, can thus be flexibly adapted to different requirements without having to compromise on performance.

  • Compatibility and future-proofing
    Another advantage of PCIe technology is its backwards compatibility. This means that older devices with this interface can also be operated on newer PCIe slots. This makes the interface a future-proof solution that is ideal for mini PCs, as these are often in use for many years.

The next generation of data transmission

The next stage in the evolution of the PCIe interface is imminent with PCIe 6.0. This new version not only brings twice the data transfer rates of PCIe 5.0, but also more efficient error correction methods and even lower latency. For Mini PC users who need maximum performance in the smallest possible space, this is an absolute game changer. The newer version will make it possible to transfer even more data in less time, which is a clear advantage especially in data-intensive applications such as 3D graphics processing, machine learning and high-performance computing.

PCIe as a key technology for Mini PCs

The PCIe interface is undoubtedly one of the most important technologies for modern Mini PCs. It provides the necessary bandwidth, flexibility and future-proofing to meet the demands of todayโ€™s hardware. From powerful graphics cards to lightning-fast NVMe SSDs, the right PCIe interface can significantly boost the performance of your Mini PC.

Tablet PCs โ€“ whatโ€™s special?

Tablet PCs are particularly characterized by their flexibility, as they can be used in a wide range of applications. From industry and retail to logistics, to keep an eye on stock levels at all times. Tablet PCs are also ideal for outdoor applications. For example, for documentation on a construction site, in agriculture to record field information or in the field service to retrieve customer information or similar. The tablets are not only powerful application devices, but can also be flexibly configured with accessories such as a docking station for power supply, data transfer, desktop expansion or multimedia use. The replacement battery is perfect for guaranteeing continuous use even when away from home, for example. An integrated barcode scanner is ideal for recording serial numbers in stock.

Tablet PCs from spo-comm โ€“ the RUGGED Tab 10

With the RUGGED Tab 10 Tablet PC, we have expanded and enriched our product portfolio for the first time. The tablet is equipped with an Intelยฎ Celeronยฎ N5100 processor, 8GB RAM and an onboard 128 GB eMMC SSD and offers Intelยฎ UHD Graphics for optimal graphics. The tablet is offered with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC Entry or Windows 11 Professional 64-bit. It is also equipped with various accessories, such as a backup battery, a 2D barcode scanner, a vehicle holder and much more.

Further key data:

  • Extended temperature range: -20ยฐC up to +60ยฐC
  • 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1, 1x Gigabit LAN
  • IP 65 and MIL-STD-810G certification
  • Dimensions: 270 x 23 x 189 mm

The RUGGED Tab 10 i5 โ€“ high-end industrial tablet

The RUGGED Tab 10 i5 is a robust high-end industrial tablet with an Intelยฎ Core i5-1235U CPU, 16 GB RAM and a 128 GB m.2 SSD. It is suitable for demanding applications in areas such as construction site management and logistics, offers many accessory options and is dust and waterproof to IP65. The tablet has a 10.1โ€ณ display, integrated Wi-Fi and can be operated with Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 IoT.

Further key data:

  • 10.1โ€ณ IPS display, 10-point touch, 1920ร—1200 resolution
  • IP65 dust and waterproof
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 27 x 196 x 289 mm
  • Active cooling

The RUGGED Tab 8A โ€“ entry-level industrial tablet

Our RUGGED Tab 8A with its 8โ€ณ display is the smallest of the spo-comm tablet PCs. The robust, fanless industrial tablet with MediaTek Helio G99 CPU, 8 GB RAM and 128 GB eMMC SSD is ideal for industry and logistics. It runs on Android 12, has various connections such as USB 2.0, USB Type C and two SIM card slots as well as NFC. Optional accessories include a 2D scanner, a backup battery and a docking station.

Further key data:

  • 8โ€ณ IPS display, 5-point touch, 1200ร—900 resolution
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 20 mm x 155 mm x 236 mm
  • Passive cooling
  • IP 65 and MIL-STD-810H certification
  • Integrated 4G/ 5G and GPS module