Background Introduction
As market competition intensifies, increasingly aggressive marketing strategies are emerging. In recent years, many food and pharmaceutical companies have started using various formulas to break down daily costs for consumers, showcasing the exceptional value of their products. While consumers may not always calculate the exact number of candies in a box or pills in a bottle, for businesses, precise calculations of the units per package are crucial. First, this directly affects production costs and profits. Second, for certain pharmaceuticals, the number of units determines the dosage standard, where errors are unacceptable. Therefore, “counting” is an indispensable step in the packaging process of the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Transitioning from Manual to Automated Counting
In the past, the counting of food and pharmaceutical items relied heavily on manual labor. While straightforward, this method had significant drawbacks, including being time-consuming, labor-intensive, and error-prone. Factors such as visual fatigue and distractions often led to counting inaccuracies, affecting packaging reliability and precision. In the 1970s, Europe’s pharmaceutical industry introduced electronic counting machines, marking the shift from manual to automated counting. With the advancement of automation and intelligent technologies, the domestic market for counting machines has embraced a trend toward smart systems. By adopting advanced control systems and sensor technologies, modern counting devices achieve automated control and intelligent management, significantly improving operational efficiency and counting accuracy while reducing labor costs and energy consumption.
Innovations in Smart Visual Counting Machines
A leading domestic enterprise in the food and pharmaceutical packaging equipment industry has long focused on technological innovation and has obtained numerous breakthrough patents in the field of visual counting devices. Its smart visual counting machines employ a high-speed visual technology and logical distribution counting method to address traditional challenges. For example, these machines integrate visual imaging technology to prevent defective products from entering the market, adopt remote imaging to avoid dust interference, and feature compact designs for flexible production line layouts, reducing equipment footprint. These innovations enhance production efficiency and boost product competitiveness.
For such advanced equipment, the enterprise sets stringent requirements for critical components like industrial all-in-one PCs. These requirements include highly integrated and modular designs, robust image processing capabilities, high reliability and stability, flexible configuration and debugging options, and excellent after-sales service and technical support.
APQ's Solutions and Value Delivery
As a leading provider of industrial AI edge computing solutions, APQ has established a stable, long-term partnership with this top-tier enterprise through its reliable product performance, high cost-effectiveness, and responsive professional services. The client outlined the following requirements based on the desired application outcomes of their smart visual counting machines:
- High-performance processors to support image processing and recognition needs.
- Efficient cooling systems to ensure long-term stable operation.
- Compatibility with high-resolution cameras for clear imaging.
- High-speed data transmission interfaces, such as USB 3.0 or higher.
- Expandable storage to accommodate large volumes of image data.
- Easy integration with other industrial equipment.
- Anti-vibration and anti-interference designs to withstand harsh industrial environments.
APQ’s regional sales manager promptly responded to the client's needs, conducted in-depth analyses, and developed a tailored selection plan. The PL150RQ-E6 industrial all-in-one PC was chosen as the core control unit and touch interaction interface for the application.
The PL150RQ-E6, part of APQ’s E6 series of embedded industrial PCs, is built on the Intel® 11th-U platform, delivering high performance and low power consumption to ensure stable operation in industrial environments. It features dual Intel® gigabit network interfaces for fast and stable network connectivity and supports two onboard display interfaces for versatile output. Its dual hard drive support, with a swappable 2.5” hard drive design, enhances storage convenience and scalability. Combined with L-series industrial monitors, the solution delivers high-definition images, meets IP65 standards, and adapts to the complexities of industrial production lines.
With the full cooperation of APQ's project team, the PL150RQ-E6 passed the client’s technical tests in a short time, becoming the key control unit for their smart visual counting machine. Beyond this collaboration, APQ has provided diverse configurations to support the client’s other packaging equipment, such as smart labeling machines with specific needs, further enhancing the performance and competitiveness of their proprietary products.
Modular Design Philosophy and the "333" Service Standard
APQ’s ability to quickly meet client requirements and recommend optimal configurations stems from its modular product design philosophy and independent R&D capabilities. With self-developed core motherboards and over 50 customizable expansion cards, APQ offers flexible combinations to cater to different performance demands across industries. Moreover, the IPC+ toolchain empowers hardware with self-awareness, self-monitoring, self-processing, and self-operating capabilities, enabling intelligent and efficient support for packaging equipment.
Adhering to its "333" service standard—rapid response, precise product matching, and comprehensive technical support—APQ has gained high recognition from clients.
Looking Ahead: Driving Smarter Industries
As industrialization accelerates and consumer demands rise, the importance of packaging equipment continues to grow, with the market size expanding steadily. China has emerged as the world’s largest packaging machinery market. In packaging equipment, industrial all-in-one PCs not only enhance production efficiency and packaging precision but also enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and provide high reliability and stability. As a leading industrial AI edge computing service provider, APQ remains committed to product performance and innovation, delivering reliable edge computing hardware and software solutions for industrial enterprises. Upholding its "333" service philosophy, APQ aims to drive smarter industries through comprehensive, professional, and fast support.
If you're interested in our company and products, feel free to contact our overseas representative, Robin.
Email: yang.chen@apuqi.com
WhatsApp: +86 18351628738
Post time: Dec-12-2024