The Cost of Downtime Starts with Design: Building More Reliable Industrial Systems

In industrial environments, reliability is measured by uptime.

Whether it is a production line, packaging system, automation platform or process control application, unexpected equipment failure can create significant disruption. A single component issue can lead to production delays, increased maintenance requirements, and unnecessary operational costs.

While a display may only represent one part of a larger industrial system, its performance can have a direct impact on the reliability and usability of the finished equipment. When choosing the right display, engineers need to consider how the complete solution will perform within the environment it is designed to operate in.

Reliability Starts During the Design Phase

Many challenges that affect equipment performance can be avoided by making the right decisions early in the product development process.

Industrial applications often operate in demanding conditions, where factors such as vibration, temperature fluctuations, dust, moisture, and continuous use can all impact reliability. Understanding these requirements at the beginning of the design process allows engineers to develop solutions that are better suited to their intended environment and easier to support throughout their lifecycle.

When selecting and integrating display technology, key considerations include:

• Component availability – ensuring selected components have suitable lifecycle support and reducing the risk of future redesigns due to obsolescence.
• Environmental requirements – considering how factors such as temperature, vibration and exposure to contaminants may affect performance.
• Touch performance – ensuring the interface remains responsive and dependable for operators in real-world conditions.
• Mechanical integration – designing the display, electronics, and surrounding hardware as a complete solution rather than individual components.
• Serviceability – creating equipment that can be maintained and supported efficiently throughout its operational life.

By considering these requirements from the outset, manufacturers can reduce potential failures, simplify maintenance, and create industrial equipment that delivers consistent performance over time.

Bringing Multiple Technologies Together

Modern industrial systems are becoming increasingly complex, requiring multiple electronic and mechanical elements to work together seamlessly. A display is rarely a standalone component; it often needs to integrate with embedded computing, custom electronics, cable assemblies, and mechanical structures.

This is where engineering support throughout the development process becomes essential.

At RDS, we work with OEMs to support the complete product journey, from initial concept and component selection through to prototyping, testing, and production. Our expertise spans display technology, embedded computing, touchscreen solutions, mechanical integration, and custom electronic assemblies, helping customer develop reliable systems that meet the demands of their application.

As a single source supplier, RDS simplifies the development process by combining these capabilities under one experienced team. This approach reduces supply chain complexity, improves communication between engineering disciplines, and provides customers with a complete solution rather than managing multiple specialist suppliers.

Supporting Supply Chain Resilience

Reliability is not only determined by how a product performs in the field; it is also influenced by how effectively it can be manufactured and supported over its lifetime.

Industrial OEMs are increasingly looking beyond individual components and focusing on supply chain resilience, particularly as availability challenges and component lifecycle changes continue to impact product development. Selecting a partner with strong supplier relationships, manufacturing capability and lifecycle support can help reduce risk and improve long-term product availability.

As part of Volex plc, RDS benefits from the wider capabilities of a global manufacturing group. This provides access to established supply chain networks, manufacturing expertise, and scalable production capabilities, allowing us to support customers from early-stage development through to ongoing volume production.

By combining UK-based engineering expertise with global manufacturing resources, RDS helps OEMs create solutions that are not only designed for reliability but are also supported by a resilient supply chain.

Designing for Long-Term Performance

The true cost of downtime extends far beyond the initial repair. Lost production, operational disruption, and reduced equipment availability can all have a significant impact on businesses operating in demanding industrial environments.

By addressing reliability, integration, and supply chain considerations early in the design process, manufacturers can create equipment that performs consistently throughout its operational life.

From display selection and embedded computing through to mechanical integration, testing, and manufacturing support, RDS provides the engineering expertise needed to develop reliable electronic solutions for industrial applications.