Enabling innovation in food manufacturing

Display and touchscreen specialist Display Technology explains how it worked with manufacturing information and execution systems provider, Harford Control, to develop a touch screen solution for use in the food manufacturing sector.

Technology specialists Display Technology, works closely with its customers to solve complex technical challenges using displays, embedded computing, monitors, components, and power solutions. The company guides its customers to make the right choices for their projects and enables them to think beyond their initial specifications to solutions which are more effective, efficient, or sustainable. One such project that exemplifies Display Technology’s dedication to finding cuttingedge solutions is its collaboration with

Harford Control in the food manufacturing industry.

As manufacturers aim for efficiency and compliance, tailored solutions become crucial. In industries like food manufacturing, displays and touchscreens must withstand harsh conditions, ensure food safety, and enhance production.

Display Technology’s partnership with Harford Control demonstrates its skill in aiding clients’ decisions, as the two organisations worked together to co-create a specialised touch screen assembly meeting the strict needs of food manufacturing.

Harford Control is a market-leading provider of manufacturing information systems (MIS) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) with over 50 years of experience in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and household consumer goods manufacturing. The company’s end-to-end MIS/MES solutions help manufacturers minimise production risks and wastage, increase production efficiency and maintain the highest level of quality consistency.

Harford Control seamlessly integrates its end-to-end MIS/MES solutions into hardware from Display Technology and Zytronic, fostering a harmonious synergy between software and hardware. This powerful combination of Harford’s multilingual software and robust touch screens has been distributed to clients worldwide, spanning the United Kingdom, France, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Canada, the United States, India, and more.

Many of Harford’s clients have been utilising these touch screens for over ten years, a testament to the enduring reliability of Harford Control, Display Technology, and Zytronic as long-term partners for your manufacturing operations.

Zytronic Displays’ internationally awardwinning touch sensors are used globally in ATMs, digital signage, self-service kiosks and gaming machines, as well as by industrial and other commercial OEMs. The company’s success rests on its patented and highly durable touch-sensing technologies, which can be provided in custom designs from 5” to 85” and beyond. These touchscreens are supplied under registered trademarks such as Zypos, Zybrid, Zytouch, Zyfilm and Zyprofilm.

Revolutionising the food industry

In the dynamic landscape of the food manufacturing industry, operational efficiency and adherence to stringent hygiene standards are paramount. As this industry evolves, the demand for advanced control and display solutions has become increasingly vital. A critical challenge faced by food manufacturers is the requirement for display touch monitors that can withstand the harsh conditions prevalent in food processing environments.

To address this challenge and maintain safety and hygiene in food factories, display touch monitors must be resilient to factors like water exposure, chemical splashes, and extreme temperatures. The risk of broken or damaged screens contaminating the production process necessitates solutions that prioritise both reliability and safety.

Collaboration

When Display Technology was approached by Harford Control, renowned for manufacturing versatile stainless steel touchscreen terminals enabling direct data capture from connected devices and reducing human error, it recognised the significance of this project. Harford Control’s terminals were well-suited for the food industry, streamlining workflows, ensuring data accuracy, and complying with food safety standards.

In collaboration with Zytronic, the leading touch sensor technology company, which can configure their unique PCAP (Projected Capacitive) sensing technologies in a myriad of material configurations, Display Technology embarked on a journey to develop a unique touch screen solution tailored for the food industry’s specific requirements.

The solution

To meet the challenges posed by food processing environments, Display Technology and Zytronic supplied the following components:

1. AUO 15” Panel with 15” ZYTRONIC PCAP Touch Sensor: The AUO 15” panel provided clear visuals and excellent brightness, while Zytronic’s PCAP touch sensor, laminated with 0.75mm polycarbonate, ensured resilience and durability in the face of harsh conditions.

2. Embedded - ASROCK SBC-210N: Paired with custom gold plated LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) and LED cables, the ASROCK SBC-210N provided a reliable and efficient solution for driving the LCD display. The collaboration with Harford Control and Zytronic resulted in a cutting-edge touchscreen solution for the food industry, which offered a range of benefits:

• Resilience: The PCAP touch sensor’s polycarbonate overlay provided enhanced durability, preventing any glass contamination or substrate fallout in the event of screen damage.

• Hygiene and safety: The stainless-steel touch screen terminals offered by Harford Control, paired with Zytronic’s PCAP touch sensor, facilitated easy cleaning and maintenance, complying with stringent food safety standards.

• Data accuracy: The direct data capture capability of Harford Control’s terminals, combined with reliable touch input from Zytronic’s touch sensor, minimised human error during data entry and ensured precise information recording.

Conclusion

Display Technology’s collaborative approach with Harford Control and Zytronic delivered a unique and robust touchscreen solution that empowers the food manufacturing industry. This innovative solution, leveraging UK design excellence enhances operational efficiency, minimises contamination risks, and fosters a safer and more reliable food production process. The collaboration showcases the power of synergy and expertise in delivering solutions that redefine safety and reliability standards in the food industry. www.displaytechnology.co.uk