Business computer systems are key tools in your company. Yet choosing a business computer can be tricky given the overwhelming number of options.
The trick is to focus on what you want to do with your business computers before looking at specific makes and models.
The most common type of business computer is a PC (personal computer). PCs are made by different companies but all use the same underlying technology. They usually run Microsoft Windows and are the type of computer most people are familiar with.
The main alternative is an Apple Mac. Macs are usually more expensive than comparable PCs and have traditionally been used in creative industries.
Macs can be popular with employees and some companies use a mix of PCs and Macs, depending on staff preferences and roles.
Business computer systems are available as:
Desktop computer systems are sometimes cheaper than a laptop of equivalent specification, but laptops offer the added benefit of portability.
In a world where flexible working is increasingly common, your business may value the possibilities offered by laptops.
There is, arguably, a third type of business computer system to consider. Tablet computers are touch screen devices you can slip into your bag and take anywhere, and they're a compelling replacement for traditional business computers.
Because they're so small and light, tablets are very versatile. The latest models also offer slim keyboard cases and are capable of running business software that was once consigned to the desktop PC. Tablets are a great way to embrace mobile working.
Tablets may not be for you just yet, but if you want to try them out for size, take a look at the Apple iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface.
The business computer market is cut-throat, which keeps prices generally low.
As long as you avoid entry-level business computer systems, you can be fairly confident that your new computer will be up to running typical business software.
It's wise to pay attention to these key features of a business computer system:
Also called the central processing unit (CPU), this is the computer chip that does all the hard work.
Two main factors determine a CPU's performance: the number of cores and the speed at which it runs. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
A dual or quad core chip is effectively two or four CPUs in one. This makes your computer more effective when it runs several programs at once.
Make sure your new business computers have at least a dual core processor running at a minimum of 2.5GHz.
Random access memory (RAM) is where a business computer stores data it uses frequently.
RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). For general business tasks ? such as word processing and internet usage ? 8GB is the minimum you'll need, but 16GB will offer far more future-proofing.
The hard drive (HD or HDD) is used for longer-term storage of files. HD capacity is also measured in GB.
Most companies encourage employees to save their work centrally, either onto a network server or cloud storage.
This means that your individual business computer systems probably don't need massive hard drives. A good minimum is 250GB, although many systems will come with more as standard.
Some higher-end laptops now use a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard drive. SSDs are faster and more reliable, because they have no moving parts.
If you have the choice, it is usually better to opt for a smaller SSD over a large HD.
Desktop computers usually come with a flat screen monitor. For laptops, it's a good idea to buy separate external monitors for use in the office.
Cheap monitors are adequate, but basic. Spending a little more on larger screens can make employees more productive.
Look for a 21-inch or larger screen with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels (this is also called 'full HD'). Learn more about screen size and resolution.
Brightness, sharpness and colour representation can vary between different monitors. The best way to choose a screen is to sit down in front of it and see if you like it.
Watch out for screens with a shiny coating. They can sometimes cause troublesome reflections. Touch screens are also becoming more common as operating systems embrace touch as an input method.
Also consider ergonomics and comfort when choosing monitors. Buying movable arms to mount your monitors helps employees achieve a comfortable working position.
Although these are the main things to watch for, other seemingly minor factors can also be important because they can affect how usable your business computer systems.
When purchasing business computer systems, remember to budget for any accessories you may need.
In addition to monitors (see above), you may require a keyboard and mouse for each employee. Opting for cheap items can be a false economy. These are the tools employees use to interact with their computers, and so it's important they are comfortable and durable.
Make sure your computer accessories meet relevant health and safety rules. There may also be other accessories that would be beneficial.
Basic PCs start at £250, but may need replacing sooner. Mid-range PCs are best for general business tasks like word processing and accessing the internet. They cost £350 ? £500 and should last about three years.
High-end PCs with fast processors start at £600. They can handle intensive tasks like video editing and large databases. These office computers may also be better able to handle system upgrades.
These prices are for desktop computers. Expect to pay a little more for a standard laptop, or significantly more for an ultra-thin model.
If you opt for an Apple device, iMac desktop computers start from around £1,050, while MacBook laptops start at the £1,250 mark.
Updated on : October 30 , 2023
Updated on : April 24, 2023
The industrial PC market size is expected to grow from USD 5.0 billion in 2023 to USD 6.6 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.5%. The market growth is driven by factors including high demand for industrial IoT by manufacturing companies and steady move of manufacturing sector toward digitalization.
Additionally, increasing awareness of the benefits of effective IT infrastructure is expected to create growth opportunities during the forecast period. However, high initial investment and risk associated with integration of IPC are challenging the industrial PC industry growth.
Industrial PC Market Forecast to 2028
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report
Manufacturing companies are focusing on consolidating their production capacities to reduce costs and strengthen their competitive position by increasing efficiency. Industries such as oil & gas and metals & mining have lower profit margins than automotive and food & beverages, making it critical to optimize resources and reduce waste. A minor flaw in the production process in discrete industries could result in huge losses, causing manufacturers to recall their products or compensate by replacing the defective ones. Thus, manufacturing companies are adopting industrial PCs to automate their manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, improve accuracy, minimize operation costs, and achieve superior quality, uniformity, and safety. This increasing awareness of resource optimization in manufacturing industries is expected to drive the adoption of industrial PCs.
The security system plays a vital role in the overall operation of any business, making it a major concern with increasing digitalization. Increasing data privacy and security concerns restrain the growth of industrial PC market. Today, most Industrial Control Systems Security (ICS) are integrated with commercially available software applications and internet enabled IPCs, providing many benefits and increasing system vulnerability. Sophisticated malware targeting ICS vulnerabilities is on the rise, posing a severe threat to industrial businesses and increasing cybersecurity concerns among users and suppliers. Thus, IPC manufacturers must address this issue through product services and collaboration with security specialists to ensure industry- and application-specific solutions.
Information availability and e-communication are the two most crucial factors in any manufacturing plant for smooth operations. Top quality IT networks and infrastructure can address manufacturing issues such as monitoring, resolution, economic performance assessment, self-adaptation, interpretation, and implementation, while poor IT ones can adversely affect the overall performance and productivity of manufacturing plants. Thus, manufacturing companies are focusing on increasing their investments in IT infrastructure, which is expected to create significant opportunities for the industrial PC market.
The use of industrial PCs in various industries such as oil & gas, chemical, energy & power and food & beverage are used to connect data, machines and people in real time to control manufacturing operation and to optimize resources and costs but with these advantages there are risk associated with integration of IPC. For instance, these industrial PCs are used in various industries to manage and control critical infrastructure such as power grids, process plants, water treatment plants, etc. and these devices are interconnected through internet. Hence, cyber-attack can exploit the vulnerability and increase the risk. Therefore, OEMs and end users should question their automation vendors about their future and total capabilities in terms of automation, not only IPC models.
Panel IPCs have compact chassis, high performance, enhanced flexibility, improved safety control, and user-friendly touchscreens. These IPCs are equipped with powerful processors to achieve high computing power; these PCs offer multiple expansion slots for add-on boards. Panel industrial PCs are easy to deploy for demanding applications across a wide range of industries. In addition, high infrastructure investments in the energy and power (E&P) sector, favorable government policies supporting the growth of manufacturing companies, and rapid industrialization are expected to propel the panel industrial PCs market.
The rising demand for cost effective products while reducing the manufacturing cost and increasing market share and strengthening their presence in various region companies are adopting IoT devices. IoT helps acquire and generate a high volume of manufacturing data, which requires equipment such as industrial PCs for data acquisition and process control applications. For instance, Exxon Mobil (US), under its digital initiative, is undertaking IoT projects to make its refineries more efficient, support production, and detect methane emissions from its operations. On the other hand, the industrial PC market in the developing economies of Asia Pacific is expected to gain traction in the near future due to the evolving manufacturing landscape in these countries.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rapid industrialization in Asia and consistent growth in industrial activities in the Pacific region are driving the development of the manufacturing sector in the Asia Pacific. Factors such as increasing investments in energy infrastructure for sustainable growth and favorable government policies related to foreign direct investment (FDI) encourage foreign players to enter the industrial PC market in the Asia Pacific. High-tech medical device manufacturing companies are actively focusing on geographical expansions in Asia Pacific due to the growing demand for healthcare services, increasing health concerns, and rising investments in industrial R&D. This is likely to fuel the growth of the industrial PC market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period.
DIN Rail IPCs are compact automation devices with high computing capabilities primarily used in the military, traffic, transportation, industrial, and medical sectors. The growing demand for automation and operational intelligence to optimize production and the increasing focus on improving asset and workforce management fueling the demand for DIN Rail IPCs in process and discrete industries. The US is the major contributor to the growth of the market in North America. The region witnesses the rapid adoption of advanced technologies in different manufacturing industries. Ever-evolving manufacturing operations demand compact automation devices with high computing capabilities. This, in turn, augments the use of DIN rail IPCs.
Industrial PC Market by Region
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Profile break-up of primary participants for the report is given below:
As of 2022, Advantech Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), Beckhoff Automation (Germany), IEI Integration Corporation (Taiwan), Siemens (Germany), B&R Automation (Austria), Kontron (Germany), Avalue Technology Incorporation (Taiwan), DFI (Taiwan), NEXCOM International Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), and American Portwell Technology Inc. (US), Emerson Electric Co. (US), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), OMRON Corporation (Japan), Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Rockwell automation (US), Schneider Electric (France), AAEON Technology Inc. (Taiwan), Acnodes Corporation (US), Aditech ICT Pvt. Ltd. (India), ADLINK Technology Inc. (Taiwan), Contec Co. Ltd. (Japan), Crystal Group Inc. (US), OnLogic Inc. (US), Protech Systems Co., Ltd., (Taiwan) and VarTech Systems (US) are some of the key players of industrial PC companies.
Report Metric
Details
Years considered for providing market size
2019–2028
Base year considered
2022
Forecast period
2023–2028
Forecast units
Value (USD) in million/billion
Segments covered
Type, specification, operating temperature, sales channel, and end-user industry
Regions covered
North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and RoW
Companies covered
Advantech Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), Beckhoff Automation (Germany), IEI Integration Corporation (Taiwan), Siemens (Germany), B&R Automation (Austria), Kontron (Germany), Avalue Technology Incorporation (Taiwan), DFI (Taiwan), NEXCOM International Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), and American Portwell Technology Inc. (US); are some of the key players in the vacuum valve market.
A total of 25 players are covered.
Industrial PC Market Highlights
The industrial PC market study has been segmented by type, by specification, operating temperature, sales channel, end-user industry, and region.
Segment
Subsegment
By Type:
By Specification
By Sales Channel
By End-User Industry
By Region
Which are the major companies in the industrial PC market? What are their major strategies to strengthen their market presence?
The major companies in the industrial PC market are – Advantech Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), Beckhoff Automation (Germany), IEI Integration Corporation (Taiwan), Siemens (Germany), B&R Automation (Austria), Kontron (Germany), Avalue Technology Incorporation (Taiwan), DFI (Taiwan), NEXCOM International Co., Ltd., (Taiwan), and American Portwell Technology Inc. (US). The major strategies adopted by these players is product launches.
Which is the potential market for industrial PC in terms of the region?
The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow significantly due to the growing manufacturing activities of various industries, including semiconductors, consumer electronics, and automotive.
What are the opportunities for new market entrants?
There are moderate opportunities in the industrial PC market for start-up companies. These companies can provide industrial PC solutions to rapidly growing energy & power, automotive, and oil & gas industries. However, the presence of established players with broad product portfolios catered to different industries intensifies the market competition.
What are the drivers and opportunities for the industrial PC market?
Factors such as high demand for industrial IoT by manufacturing companies, steady move of manufacturing sector toward digitalization, increased awareness about resource optimization in manufacturing firms, and stringent regulatory requirements to ensure safety and security in production plants are among the driving factors of the industrial PC market. Moreover, growing deployment of smart manufacturing solutions and increasing awareness of benefits of effective IT infrastructure to create lucrative opportunities in the industrial PC market.
Who are the major consumers of industrial PC that are expected to drive the growth of the market in the next 5 years?
The major consumers for automotive, pharmaceutical, aerospace & defense, food & beverage, and medical devices industries are expected to have a significant share in this market.
To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst