BMW AG has named B&R exclusive supplier of Windows CE-based operator panels. Within the framework of the agreement, B&R is to supply innovative panel PCs from the Power Panel series to BMW's international production sites and system partners until at least 2013. "Cooperation between the two companies has evolved extremely positively during the past few decades. This agreement signals an expansion of our partnership and involves us in pioneering projects being undertaken at BMW," said Elmar Zimmerling, the sales representative in charge of the project at B&R.
"We will be supporting BMW with the implementation of company-wide standards." This favorable outcome for B&R came after an extensive evaluation of available products in the market by BMW experts. The technical criteria examined included support for the Windows CE and CE.NET operating systems as well as suitability for harsh environmental factors such as EMC (EN 61000-6-2), shock (IEC 60068-2-27), and vibration (IEC 60068-2-6). In addition, BMW also placed high value on extensive support for established interfaces as well as modern standards like Ethernet.
Another requirement of this leading automobile manufacturer was the availability of a wide product spectrum; something covered easily by the 5" -15" display diagonals (with touch screens). After viewing the system and assessing the price/performance ratio, the experts from BMW recommended B&R to be the exclusive supplier of CE-based operator stations. Maintenance and service expenses, warehousing costs, and training times are reduced to a minimum thanks to the company-wide use of the multifaceted Power Panel product family in conjunction with SCADA software provided by CopaData. New and innovative logistical and ordering procedures are now there for the taking.
At the same time, B&R customers like BMW profit from the fast pace of innovation practiced at this growth-oriented company and are able to take advantage of trend-setting developments.
