Screens are a pervasive presence in the modern world. They are the dominant interface between human and machine. And their importance can be read in the way that, as computerised devices continue to evolve, their designs become more and more about the screen.
Where once a computer was a large box packed with CPU, motherboard, memory and storage drives, we now all carry around smartphones – not just a computer in our pockets, but very much a computerised screen in our pockets. You can see the same trend in smart TVs, doing away with the need for all those external boxes and connecting cables. And in business, there are all-in-one computer panels.
Panels follow the same basic design format as smartphones and smart TVs – a touchscreen with all the computing hardware you need tucked neatly into the casing. Medium-sized (Oxhoo’s panels range from 11.6’’ to 21.5’’), all-in-one computer panels are built for versatility and convenience in many different settings.
Where can I use panels?
The simple answer is, anywhere you like. Panels are growing in popularity in retail and hospitality as a POS option. They offer a kind of ‘third way’ between traditional POS terminals and self-service kiosks in the sense that they can be used for both. They can be easily paired with card readers to make payments possible, and are ideal for everything from interactive menus, order placement and searchable product catalogues to inventory, kitchen and booking management.
In short, a panel can do whatever the software you load into it does, providing an intuitive, familiar interface for customers and staff alike. That means the use cases for panels extend far beyond retail and hospitality. They’re used in hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries for patient check-in, scheduling and providing easy access to medical records for staff. In education, we’ve seen them used for everything from menu selection in canteens to interactive workstations in classrooms.
Panels also make great self-service teller stations in banks, allowing customers to do everything from create accounts to make loan applications in a completely secure environment. And in industrial environments, they can be used for factory controls, QC/testing stations and for checking inventory and machinery status.
What are the benefits of panels?
As the above list suggests, the biggest benefit of all-in-one panels is versatility. This extends to how and where they can be installed. Built to be compatible with VESA mounting systems, they can be fixed to walls, cabinets, or mounted on adjustable arms and poles.
The convenience of being able to install an all-in-one panel computer anywhere is matched by the space they save. They have zero desk or floor footprint (plus any need for a horizontal surface), and as they have everything built into the unit, there’s no need for cables or extra accessories. This makes for simple deployment and helps to improve spaces both from an aesthetic and a safety standpoint.
Speak to an expert
Want to find out more about all-in-one panels, contact our team at sales@oxhoo.com or call 01928 57 98 24