SmallPC Solved Premier Equipment Performance and Rugged Display Issues

Premier Equipment, a John Deere Dealer, Transformed Their Trench-Digging Operations with SmallPC

Premier Equipment, a John Deere dealer specializing in agricultural machinery and trench-digging equipment, faced significant challenges with the technology they were using in 2016. To overcome these issues, they partnered with SmallPC, leading to a dramatic transformation in their operations and efficiency.

The Challenges Premier Equipment Faced

Outdated Industrial PC Technology

Premier Equipment was using a German-made industrial all-in-one PC for its trench-digging machinery. Unfortunately, this system was not meeting their operational needs. The performance was lagging behind the demands of Premier's software, the screen was too dim to be readable in sunlight, and the units often broke down due to lack of vibration-proof technology.

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Expensive & Time-Consuming Repairs

Each time the equipment failed, it had to be shipped to Germany for repairs, causing delays and adding extra costs. Premier Equipment needed a robust, reliable solution that could perform under the tough conditions in the field. To resolve these challenges, Premier Equipment collaborated with SmallPC to customize the existing SDC150ML, making it more suitable for their needs

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Premier Equipment requested several specific modifications to the SDC150ML, including:

• Improved Processing Power: The system needed an i7 quad-core processor without overheating.
• Sunlight-Readable Display: The display had to be clear and visible under direct sunlight, essential for fieldwork.
• Dustproof Features: They required dustproof speakers and a USB 3.0 port for their software alerts and keys.
• Wireless and LTE Connectivity: Seamless connectivity was crucial for remote operations in agricultural environments.

How SmallPC Delivered

SmallPC responded by adding heatsink fins for better cooling, redesigning the chassis to integrate speakers, and installing wireless and LTE antennas. They also developed a dustproof SIM connector to ensure durability and reliable performance in harsh outdoor conditions.

The Results: Improved Efficiency and Reduced Downtime

Enhanced Performance and Usability

Thanks to SmallPC’s modifications, The computers were readable in sunlight, our side accessible drive shuttle allowed them to quickly swap drives around, and the performance of their software increased substantially. And best of all, whenever they needed something fixed or changed on the hardware, they dropped off the unit and had it fixed in a few days. Premier Equipment eventually amalgamated with another company and pivoted direction and the trench-digging business in the area was taken over by one of their former employees in a new company called Techdir (later Zone86). Dirk has been busy outfitting and re-fitting the trench-diggers with our equipment ever since.