Does your business use touchscreen devices on a regular basis? Touchscreen technology isn’t limited strictly for personal/consumer applications; it’s also used in commercial settings. From retail and restaurant to manufacturing and industrial, touchscreen technology is found in nearly commercial sector. But if you’re planning to invest in one or more touchscreen devices for your business, you should consider the following.
Size
What size touchscreen device do you need? Touchscreen technology has evolved, with devices now being made as small as just 3-4″, and as big as 70+”. But don’t assume that bigger is better. In some cases, smaller touchscreen devices will offer a greater level of functionality and versatility. Think about when and how you’ll be using the device and choose a size that’s most aligned with these intended uses.
Manufacturer
Of course, the manufacturer will also play a key role in the function of a touchscreen device. Some manufacturers may cut corners when creating their devices, resulting in poor performance as well as a shorter lifespan. This is one instance in which the saying “quality over quantity” holds true. Investing in a single high-quality touchscreen device is a better choice than buying half a dozen low-quality, sub-par devices.
Resistive or Capacitive?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a touchscreen device for a commercial application is whether to choose resistive or capacitive touch technology. We’ve talked about the differences between these two technologies before on our blog. Basically, however, resistive touchscreen devices work by identifying touch by pressing together an upper and bottom layer, whereas capacitive touchscreen devices work by identifying the electrical charge produced by the operator.
Interface
Don’t forget to check the interface when choosing a touchscreen device. How far apart are the icons? What’s the response time like? Are there any bugs or errors present in the interface? These are just a few of the many questions that you should answer when choosing a touchscreen device. A poorly designed interface can reduce the device’s functionality.
Oleophobic Coating
Make sure that any touchscreen device you purchase has an oleophobic coating. Why is this important? Well, touchscreen devices see a lot of use over the years, which is particularly true for devices used in workplaces and other commercial applications. An oleophobic coating, however, acts as a barrier of protection, protecting the device’s touch display from fingerprints, moisture and other elements that could otherwise restrict its function.
