The Most Prominent Industrial Computer Manufacturers in Automation

Automated manufacturing processes rely heavily on industrial computers to power everything from process control to machine vision and SCADA architectures. As more sectors embrace digitized production for its proven benefits in efficiency and uptime, computers that are purpose-built for continuous operation under extreme conditions have become even more essential. In turn, choosing the right product from a trusted company can determine how well an automation system performs over time, so this blog will cover some of the most prominent industrial computer manufacturers and their standout offerings for your consideration.

1. Siemens

Siemens stands as one of the most influential and established players in the industrial automation and digital transformation space, creating a broad suite of technologies for smart manufacturing, industrial edge computing, and digital enterprise integration. In particular, their industrial computers sold under the SIMATIC IPC brand are built to support complex automation architectures.

The SIMATIC IPC427E and IPC647E

Some standouts from Siemens include the:

• SIMATIC IPC427E: This compact, fanless embedded PC is ideal for installation in tight spaces and presents:
• Passive cooling for silent operation and minimal maintenance
• Wide ambient temperature tolerance (0–50°C)
• Scalable performance with Intel® Celeron® to Core™ i7 processors
• SIMATIC IPC647E: A high-performance rack-mount industrial PC tailored for data-intensive control and monitoring applications, the IPC647E features:
• Intel® Xeon® and Core™ processor support
• RAID-capable storage for data redundancy and high availability
• Advanced remote diagnostics and monitoring tools via Intel® AMT
• Support for virtualization and efficient deployment of multiple applications on a single machine

Both models are compatible with Siemens’ industrial software suite, including WinCC and TIA Portal, creating a unified environment for automation, monitoring, and data analytics. Additionally, Siemens builds all SIMATIC IPCs with the long-term in mind, keeping components available for up to 10 years along with firmware and security updates that align with IEC 62443 standards for industrial cybersecurity.

2. Allen-Bradley

A subsidiary of Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley focuses on tightly integrated hardware and software ecosystems, delivering scalable, interoperable technologies that facilitate smart manufacturing and seamless IIoT integration. Its product lines span programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), motion control, safety devices, and PCs that are designed with industrial-grade durability.

Allen-Bradley VersaView 6300M

One remarkable offering in Rockwell Automation’s industrial computer lineup is the VersaView® 6300M Industrial Monitor. This product line is engineered for FactoryTalk® software integration, enabling seamless data visualization, instantaneous control, and analytics in a unified platform. Furthermore, these systems boast:

• Intel® Core™ i3, i5, or i7 processors
• A fanless design for enhanced reliability in harsh, dust-prone or vibration-heavy environments
• An IP66-rated aluminum housing to protect against water, dust, and other contaminants
• Versatile mounting options, including VESA and arm-mounting for direct integration onto production equipment
• Modular architecture for mix-and-match configurations with monitors, box PCs, and panel PCs

3. Advantech

Headquartered in Taiwan, Advantech is a leading provider of embedded and automation products. Their industrial computing division offers both standard and customizable systems, making it a top choice for integrators building specialized automation solutions.

The UNO and IPC Series

Some noteworthy offerings from Advantech include the:

• UNO Series: These compact, fanless embedded box PCs are engineered for industrial edge computing, allowing for real-time data processing at the machine level. The UNO series supports:
• Multiple I/O interfaces for flexible sensor and device connectivity
• Integrated wireless options (Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G-ready) for remote monitoring
• DIN-rail or wall mounting for space-constrained environments
• Wide operating temperature ranges and industrial-grade shock/vibration resistance
• IPC-610: This 4U rackmount industrial PC is a staple in control centers, inspection systems, and automated manufacturing lines. Known for its rugged steel chassis and modularity, the IPC-610 presents:
• Multiple PCI/PCIe slots for add-on cards (e.g., data acquisition, motion control)
• Support for ATX motherboards and high-performance Intel CPUs
• An advanced cooling system

4. Beckhoff Automation

Beckhoff is recognized for pioneering PC-based control systems, this German company promoting a unified automation platform that brings together PLC, motion control, and visualization in one system. Their industrial PCs are praised for their scalability and seamless integration with decentralized I/O and advanced motion control systems, serving high-performance automation.

The C6030 Ultra-Compact Industrial PC

Beckhoff’s C6030 PC exemplifies their engineering ethos with features like:

• An ultra-compact footprint for installation in tight spaces
• High computing power through Intel Core i-series CPUs
• Flexible mounting options and fanless design
• Support for TwinCAT software

5. General Electric (GE Digital)

General Electric has evolved from a traditional manufacturing giant into a leader in digital industrial technology through its subsidiary GE Digital. Known for the Proficy suite and its robust SCADA solutions, GE also produces edge devices and industrial PCs for smart manufacturing.

The RXi2 Industrial PC Series

GE’s RXi2 series PCs support edge analytics and enable predictive maintenance, giving manufacturers the computing power they need to remain competitive in the age of big data and IIoT. They present:

• Rugged performance under high-vibration and extreme temperatures
• Compact form factors for ease of integration
• Intel Atom and Core processors
• Compatibility with Proficy and other software suites

Secure Industrial Computers from a Trusted Procurement Platform

All of the industrial computer manufacturers we have discussed excel in delivering solutions that drive the success of numerous sectors. As sourcing high-quality computers and auxiliary parts becomes increasingly critical to keep up in today’s production landscape, Industrial Automation Procurement stands ready to accommodate these needs.

As a platform owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, Industrial Automation Procurement features a wide range of ready-to-purchase industrial computers and other associated components from trustworthy entities. In addition to offering thousands of high-quality items, we are committed to presenting customers competitive pricing and efficient fulfillment wherever possible. To experience our unrivaled procurement options and service firsthand, get in touch with our team at your convenience.