Get ready to save the date and gather your gear, as Brandwagon is set to be a key feature at the upcoming Electra Mining Africa 2024 event! This is an essential opportunity for professionals in the mining sector to explore the forefront of technology and discover innovative solutions.

In our previous blog post, we shared the exciting news that we’ll be attending the Electra Mining Africa 2024 event from September 2nd to 6th, 2024!

To access innovative mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power, and transport solutions, you need to register for this event.

But how exactly do you register? 

Follow this blog post for a step-by-step guide on how to register for Electra Mining Africa 2024! We will also share a list of our other groundbreaking products that we cannot wait to showcase to you.

How To Register

If you want to be first in line to access all the latest and most innovative solutions, then you need to register now!

Step 1: Ensure you have a mobile device or computer available with internet access.

Step 2: Click on this link to visit the visitor registration page.

Step 3: Read the visitor page thoroughly from top to bottom. Next, click on “Register Options” in the top right corner. A dropdown menu will appear, allowing you to select either 0 or 1. Additionally, you can choose “Add-ons” related to the Shoose Life Donation (My Walk with Soul), which offers a dropdown range from 0 to 1000. This initiative is dedicated to donations.

Step 4: After filling in the dropdowns, click on “Register” in the blue coloured block. This will take you to a new page.

Step 5: The new page lists your subtotal, gives you the option to add parking ticket(s) for the event, and informs you of ticket delivery. All tickets are “Print at Home”, and your email address is required to receive the ticket(s).

Step 6: If you’re happy, click on “Checkout.”

Step 7: The next page requires you to fill in questions. Please answer each question. 

Step 8: After filling in the questions, agree to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA and complete your order. 

You need to complete the whole process within the given timeframe, or you’ll lose your ticket(s). So, it’s a good idea to register as soon as you can and get everything done quickly!

Products We'll Be Showcasing

We're very excited to share with you our second product range, which will be showcased at Electra Mining Africa 2024.

This range forms part of our C-lab product line and has been specifically designed for rugged environments!

1. Tensor-I22 IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things)

The Tensor-I22 IIOT is perfect for customisation and expandability in industrial automation, traffic control and surveillance, IoT Edge Computing, and storage solution markets.

2. Airtop 3 Compact Fanless PC

Airtop3 is a ruggedised small-form-factor fanless IoT edge server with remarkable performance, features and cooling.

3. fitlet3 IoT Gateway | AI Edge Computer

The fitlet 3 IoT Gateway is an all-in-one industrial IoT edge gateway that is perfect for industrial and commercial applications where small, low-power, and versatile computers are needed.

4. fitlet2 Fanless Mini PC

The fitlet 2 Fanless Mini PC is one of the smallest full-featured PCs on the market. The fitlet2 has been designed with industrial IoT in mind.

We Look Forward To See You!

Register and get your tickets today before it is too late! Visit us in Hall 9, Stand C03, to explore our innovative products and solutions.

Mark your calendars and pack your bags because Brandwagon will be a highlight at the Electra Mining Africa 2024 event! Mining industry professionals can't afford to miss this chance to experience the latest in cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Electra Mining Africa 2024

Electra Mining Africa is more than just a trade show; it’s the heartbeat of innovation in the mining, electrical, automation, manufacturing, power, and transport industries.

Over five decades, it has become the premier showcase for the latest advancements and trends in these sectors. From September 2nd to 6th, 2024, the Expo Centre in Johannesburg will transform into a bustling hub of activity, where industry leaders gather to share knowledge, network, and explore a plethora of new technologies.

Hundreds of exhibitors will display thousands of new products, offering live demonstrations that bring machinery and equipment to life. Attendees can expect to hear from trailblazers through insightful talks and presentations, making this event a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Where & When to Find Us

Hall 9, Stand C03

Brandwagon is excited to welcome you to our booth in Hall 9, Stand C03. Our team will be available from 9 AM to 5 PM every day from September 2nd to 6th. We’ve meticulously planned an interactive experience to showcase our latest products and solutions. You won’t want to miss it!

Products We'll Be Showcasing

You'll find a range of innovative, sophisticated and reliable products at our stand. We'll be showcasing some of our latest developments.

Industrial Terminals, Custom Engineered HMI Solutions

Custom Engineered HMI Solutions For SCADA Systems

Our DigiSign range of custom-engineered industrial HMI Panel PCs is designed for mission-critical applications that need reliability and functionality. These products seamlessly integrate operations, runtime, and information into tailored software systems to boost production and make the most of all facilities.

DigiSign HMIs provide high-quality, customisable features designed for harsh industrial environments. The user-friendly HMI platform includes a touchscreen display, keypad, and mouse, all customisable to meet specific needs.

Our product range includes:

These state-of-the-art solutions are perfect for industrial automation and process control. With a rugged design to house C&I equipment, it’s perfect for mining environments, tunnelling machines, coal hauliers, scrapers, roller crushers and more!

We Hope To See You There!

We want to see you at Electra Mining Africa 2024! Visit us in Hall 9, Stand C03, to explore our innovative products and solutions designed for the mining industry.

Industrial markets constantly seek innovative technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety. One recent development in this field is the adoption of touch monitors. With touch monitors, industrial businesses can interact more intuitively and efficiently with their systems and machinery.

What Is A Touch Monitor?

A touch monitor is a high-quality, durable panel with high brightness, high contrast ratios, and broad viewing angles. It has been designed to enhance operational efficiency and boost productivity.

A touch monitor serves as both an input and output device, typically integrated with a laptop. Users can interact directly with the screen, eliminating the need for a keyboard or mouse. This allows for quick and efficient data entry simply by touching the screen.

Splash Panel PC

What Are The Benefits Of Touch Monitors?

Below are some of the key benefits of touch monitors in industrial settings:

1. Cost Effective

Touch screen monitors provide industrial settings with a cost-effective solution for data entry and management.

It eliminates the need for external parts such as keyboards and mice, and its durable design reduces the need for frequent replacements due to damage.

This can ultimately save money in the long run.

2. Durable

Touch monitors have durable panels that can withstand harsh industrial environments. Their aluminium frames, glass screens, and sealed edges are resistant to dust, debris, and liquids, making them ideal for use in factories, warehouses, retail stores, docking stations, and other industrial settings.

3. Easy to Use

One of the main advantages of touch monitors is their ease of use. Users can easily navigate menus, enter data, and perform tasks with a simple touch. Without the need for external devices, touch monitors simplify operations and reduce training time for new employees.

4. Enhances Productivity

Touch monitors can significantly increase productivity in industrial settings. With their quick and efficient data entry capabilities, workers can complete tasks faster and with fewer errors, helping to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.

5. Reliable

Touch monitors offer a reliable solution in harsh environments where accidents and mishaps can occur. Sturdy construction and sealed edges make them less prone to damage from spills, drops, or other accidents that may occur in industrial settings.

6. Versatile

Touch monitors come in various sizes and design colours, making them versatile for different applications. They can be mounted on walls or put on desktop stands, and their compact size allows them to fit into small spaces.

7. Customisable

Some touch monitors also offer customisation options. Customisation can be in the form of interface layout, OEM branding, or specialised software integration. This makes touch monitors an adaptable and flexible solution for different industrial needs.

The Best Touch Monitors In South Africa

Industrial businesses in South Africa can benefit greatly from implementing touch monitors in their operations. 

To help you choose the best touch monitor for your needs, here are some top options available in South Africa: 

Explore the specs and features of these Maritime and Industrial touch monitors to find the perfect fit for your business.

Experience The Benefits Of Touch Monitors Now!

Be part of the innovation and adopt touch monitors in your industrial operations. Their benefits offer a seamless and efficient solution for all your business needs.

At Brandwagon, we’re committed to providing high-quality, reliable touch monitors for your industrial needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our prices and options!

If you want your business to stay ahead of the competition, it's crucial to invest in the future. And when it comes to industrial computing, fanless mini PCs are definitely leading the way towards a more efficient and reliable future.

Read this guide to learn about Fanless Mini PCs, why they're the future of industrial computing, and the best Fanless Mini PCs for your business.

What Is A Fanless Mini PC?

Industrial computing has come a long way in recent years, and the advancements continue to be made at an impressive pace. As technology evolves, industrial industries like manufacturing or construction need alternative PCs that can operate 24/7 in rugged environments.  This is where fanless mini PCs lead the way.

A Fanless Mini PC is similar to a standard PC in terms of performance and capabilities but is compact and lightweight. These PCs fit in space-constrained areas and are designed to operate without a fan, making them perfect for industrial environments.

How Does A Fanless Mini PC Work?

A fanless mini PC uses passive cooling technology instead of a traditional cooling fan to dissipate heat.

This is achieved through the use of heat sinks and, often, the construction of the PC’s casing itself, which acts as a large heat sink.

Without a fan, these computers are not only quieter but also more dependable, as they contain fewer moving parts. The absence of a fan means that dust, dirt, and other particulates cannot enter the system, making fanless mini PCs particularly suited for harsh industrial environments where these elements are prevalent.

This design choice also reduces the risk of failure. A failure in industrial computing can be very costly, which is why fanless mini PCs are designed to operate 24/7 with minimal downtime.

Why Are Fanless Mini PCs The Future Of Industrial Computing?

In addition to their reliability and durability, fanless mini PCs offer several other benefits that make them the future of industrial computing.

The benefits of industrial fanless mini PCs include:

1. Compact Design

Standard computers require space. Fanless mini PCs, on the other hand, are designed to be compact and fit in tight spaces. This makes them ideal for industrial environments where space is limited.

2. Low Power Consumption

In industrial settings, efficiency is key. Fanless mini PCs consume less power compared to traditional computers, resulting in lower energy costs. Businesses focused on sustainability also find this feature attractive.

3. Silent Operation

The absence of a fan means that fanless mini PCs run silently. This is crucial in environments where noise levels need to be considered.

4. Rugged Design

Rugged, fanless mini PCs are built to withstand harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration. This makes them ideal for use in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and mining.

5. Versatility

The compact design and durability of fanless mini PCs make them versatile for a variety of applications. They can be used as controllers, data loggers, digital signage players, edge servers, POS systems, and more.

Best Fanless Mini PCs You Can Get For Your Business

At Brandwagon, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient computing in industrial settings. That's why we offer the best range of Fanless Mini PCs for businesses in South Africa: the fitlet2 Fanless Mini PC and fitlet3 - Elkhart Lake Atom mini-PC.

fitlet2 Fanless Mini PC

  • Smallest full-featured PCs on the market.
  • The fitlet2 is designed for the unique needs of each IoT project, allowing for customisation through extension modules. These modules fit seamlessly into the fitlet2’s metal housing via the Function And Connectivity Extension T-Card (FACET-card).
  • Featuring quad-core Apollo-Lake Atom processors and up to 16 GB of RAM, the fitlet2 delivers impressive performance in a compact size.
  • Fitlet2 supports multiple storage technologies: eMMC on M.2 for cost-effective needs, M.2 SATA for better performance and storage, and 2.5″ HDD/SSD for extra storage and heavy write tasks like video recording.
  • The fitlet2 can operate in a wide temperature range – from -40 to 85° C. It’s designed for efficient convection cooling, with its metal housing acting as an effective heatsink.

fitlet3 - Elkhart Lake Atom Mini PC

  • The fitlet3 serves as an IoT gateway, AI Edge Computer, and Industrial Automation PC in one compact device.
  • Powered by the Intel® Elkhart Lake x6000E Atom processor, the fitlet3 features a low-power, rugged embedded system-on-module (SOM).
  • Customisation and upgrades are made easy with various FACET cards, offering endless possibilities.
  • Its fanless, robust housing is ideal for harsh environments, while the versatile design ensures silence, dust and dirt resistance, and superior heat dissipation.
  • Fitlet3 is guaranteed to be available for at least 15 years, ensuring long-term reliability and support. You can count on Fitlet3 for the long haul.

Join the Future of Industrial Computing

Don’t miss out on the future of industrial computing. Invest in Fanless Mini PCs today and start reaping the benefits for your business. 

We at Brandwagon are proud to offer a range of small form factor PCs that are perfect for industrial use. 

Contact us today, and we’ll help you choose the right fanless mini PC for your specific needs.

IoT Gateways are hardware and software devices that act as intermediaries between IoT sensors and the Internet. They are responsible for collecting data from connected devices, managing communication between devices and the cloud, and processing and analysing the data before sending it to the cloud for further analysis.

Various industries use IoT Gateways to act as a central hub that connects IoT devices to the cloud. This means that daily operations, communication, and data transfer are done through the gateway.

Some of the common industries that rely on IoT Gateways include:

  • manufacturing
  • healthcare
  • IT and networking
  • retail
  • transport and logistics
  • smart buildings

The use of IoT Gateways is becoming increasingly popular as more devices become connected to the internet.

If your business does not yet use IoT Gateways, it is definitely worth it.

Read this article, where we’ll explain what IoT Gateways do, how they work, and why they are essential for any business looking to implement an IoT strategy. As a bonus, we also have a list of some of the top IoT Gateways available on the market today!

IoT Gateways are hardware & software devices that act as intermediaries between sensors & Internet
What Is An IoT Gateway

What Does An IoT Gateway Do?

In simple terms, they act as a bridge between connected IoT devices and the internet.

But let’s break it down further:

  • Data Collection: IoT Gateways collect data from sensors, devices, and other connected equipment. This is done using various communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
  • Data Processing: Once the gateway has collected the data, it processes it before sending it to the cloud for further analysis. This can include data filtering, aggregation, and transformation.
  • Communication Management: IoT Gateways manage communication between devices and the cloud, ensuring a smooth flow of data without any hiccups or delays.
  • Security: As with any internet-connected device, security is a top priority. IoT Gateways provide secure connections between devices and the cloud, protecting sensitive data from cyber threats.
  • Protocol Translation: IoT devices often use different communication protocols, making it difficult for them to communicate with each other. Gateways act as translators, converting data from one protocol to another so that all devices can understand and work together.

How Do IoT Gateways Work?

Picture a Wi-Fi router—it connects all your devices to the Internet, allowing them to communicate with each other and access online services.

Similarly, but a bit more complex, IoT Gateways connect IoT devices to the cloud, enabling data transfer and communication between devices.

Here’s how it works:

  • The IoT Gateway is connected to a network.
  • Connected sensors and devices send data to the gateway through various communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks.
  • The gateway processes the data and sends it to the cloud for further analysis.
  • The cloud then stores and analyses the data, providing insights and actionable information to users.

Why Your Business Needs It

The use of IoT Gateways provides many benefits for businesses, especially businesses looking to implement an IoT strategy.

An IoT strategy is a plan or framework that outlines how a business will use IoT devices and data to improve operations, reduce costs, and drive innovation.

Some of the key reasons why your business needs an IoT Gateway include:

1. Improved Communication

As mentioned earlier, IoT Gateways act as translators between devices using different protocols. This enables seamless communication and data exchange between devices.

2. Enhanced Security

With the rise of cyber threats, security is a top concern for any business with IoT devices. IoT Gateways provide an extra layer of security by securing connections between devices. They can also act as firewalls, preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data.

3. Reduced Costs

IoT Gateways can help businesses reduce costs by optimising processes and reducing downtime. For example, industrial manufacturers can use IoT Gateways to monitor equipment health and schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs, saving time and money.

Top IoT Gateways Available On The Market Today!

At Brandwagon, we understand the importance of choosing the right IoT Gateway for your business needs. Here are some of the top IoT Gateways that we stock and highly recommend:

Want To Find Out More?

Contact us now to learn more about how our IoT Gateways can transform your business operations and drive efficiency.

Our team of experts at Brandwagon is dedicated to providing personalised consultations to help you select the perfect IoT Gateway that aligns with your business goals and technical requirements.

In 2018 SAB approached Brandwagon to discuss a custom tailored implementation
of our Digisign HMI Console workstation. After meeting with SAB's system manager and team we identified and implemented new and innovative solutions as outlined below:

The Challenge

To provide an integrated solution in an industrial environment by replacing the highly expensive Siemens and Allen Bradley HMI’s and PLC’s with a specifically tailored HMI for the bottling plant.

The Solution

Develop and engineer a cost-effective HMI panel to help the operator achieve higher levels of efficiency and increased performance by strategically placing HMI consoles on the floor where the operators can control and access the processes without having to walk to the control room.

Results of Implementation

The HMI workstations were tailored to their specific processes and needs and resulted in a greater level of plant automation.

The team has managed to integrate all the information on the condition of the bottling plant into the plant control system.

Timeline

August 2018
  • SAB made contact with Brandwagon and elaborated on some of their HMI workstation needs.
  • The Brandwagon team realised a viable opportunity and setup a site visit at the Rosslyn plant. We met with the systems manager and his team to understand their requirements and took the opportunity to demo some of our state-of-the-art hardware components.
  • We did a thorough examination of the environment and positioning of their machinery on-site and received the initial scope on what was expected.
  • SAB required a custom-tailored HMI workstation and expressed their
    willingness to partner up with Brandwagon to start developing their own
    Digisign HMI Console.
September 2018
  • We incorporated all the components into a proposal with our concept drawings at our second meeting with the team.
  • We also submitted the first components costing breakdown and got
    confirmation to commence with the proof of concept.
  • Mid-September we discussed the design of the sheet metal enclosure with 2mm high-quality stainless steel 316 as the industry standard.
  • We briefed our draughtsman to start with the technical drawings and submitted the first drawings to the team for review.

Example of one our first concept drawings

October 2018
  • The drawings went back and forth with small changes made to ensure that the prototype will be safe to implement on one of the bottling lines. During October the first unit was signed off by SAB and in placed into production.
  • During the stainless steel fabrication, we delivered some of the hardware components to SAB for testing. This would ensure that the software will run seamlessly.
December 2018
  • The fabrication of the steelwork was completed and some of the hardware components passed the tests successfully.
  • SAB made provisions for a square tubing post for mounting and pulled
    network and power cables to the point of installation.
January - February 2019
  • SAB informed us that they are in the process of getting the point of installation ready.
  • Brandwagon staff did the safety induction, method statement and risk assessment.
  • SAB planned for the electrical and network contractors to be present for installation and the team came together on the 27th of February 2019 to install the first prototype on line 6 filler.
  • The prototype was successfully installed and tested until May 2019. It worked well but there were a few design changes on the stainless steel enclosure such as removing the ventilation slots and the HMI front to open upwards with a locking hinge to ensure safe inspection or maintenance of the HMI.
June, July and August 2019
  • We went back to the drawing board to implement the design changes. Changes were made and we brought in a versatile back plate for different mounting options:
September 2019
  • The final technical drawings of the HMI Console were submitted to the team and signed off for fabrication & production.
October 2019
  • Our vendor registration was completed; we submitted our final quotation and a PO were raised for the first IP65 19 inch HMI Keyboard Console to be installed on line 5.
  • By end of October 2019 fabrication of the Stainless steel 316 Console was complete and Brandwagon moved on to assembly, testing and packaging. On the 25th of October we delivered the first ordered unit to SAB Rosslyn.

Conclusion & Thanks

  • Brandwagon Distribution appreciates the opportunity to have walked the road with the SAB Rosslyn team from August 2018 to October 2019 through the process of proof of concept up to the approval of the Brandwagon HMI
  • Workstation as a standard. We are one of the first companies to develop a customised solution for SAB and successfully implemented it.
  • To date, we have delivered multiple HMI workstations to SAB Rosslyn

 

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