In 2021 the importance of computers within business simply can’t be understated. If you’re a business manager within any sector, chances are you rely on computers for certain, if not all, of your business matters.
But you may not be aware of what exactly embedded computing is. If you don’t, then you’ll be unaware of the many benefits it can provide your company.
We’re going to outline what exactly embedded computing is. Then, we’ll go through some common examples of embedded computers operating today. Finally, we’ll outline the key benefits embedded systems can have in a business environment.
What is Embedded Computing?
First things first, what precisely are embedded computers?
You may have also heard embedded computers referred to as embedded systems, or single-board computers. You may have also heard these concepts explained in slightly different ways.
Put simply, an embedded computer is a system of usually both hardware and software that can perform one specific function. This is why they’re sometimes called single-board, as they operate off of a single board or system.
The reason why they’re called embedded computers is that they’re often placed inside of other machines or devices. They then control a single function or system within this larger machine or computer.
They can also be implemented on their own, however. To help you get your head around embedded computing, let’s go through some key examples.
What Are Some Examples of Embedded Computing Software?
The simplest example to get your head around lies in the humble traffic light.
Traffic lights function off of embedded computers since they are a fairly simple function to complete. The computer itself is embedded within the light installation and controls when lights go on and off.
This can be more advanced, linking to a button, or can simply operate on a timer. This is thanks to the fact that embedded computers are not one single design, they can be manipulated like any other machines.
Another great example of an older embedded computer was an MP3 player. An MP3 player would play music files into your headphones, allowing you to listen to music on the go.
These days, embedded computers can be found within mobile phones in the form of cameras. The camera in your phone is actually a separate embedded computer inside the machine itself.
This is what enables it to perform camera functions and to link this feature to the wider use of your phone. Some people actually refer to mobile phones themselves as embedded computers, which is where the idea gets complicated.
We could go on, but the fact is that embedded computers are everywhere today. They are hidden in a number of different machines and system which govern our lives.
This is why there are many benefits to them as business tools. Let’s go into some embedded computing benefits now.
The Benefits of Embedded Computers: Efficiency and Reliability
The first major benefit of using embedded computers in business is the fact that they are both efficient and reliable.
An embedded computer can be programmed to perform its function. Once this has been achieved, you no longer have to check on the system; just let it do its thing.
This reliability means they can become a time-saving tool if you need to program devices.
The efficiency also helps keep them working whether you’ve installed them in sturdy, rugged computers or a tiny machine.
Rugged computers are typically a better option for embedded computers. These are industry-grade storage devices and benefit from a heightened amount of memory.
If you’re serious about using embedded computers in your business, you need to get serious about rugged computers too.
The Benefits of Embedded Computers: Lower Energy Consumption
Though each embedded computer differs, on the whole, they don’t rely on much energy to operate. This has a number of core benefits if you’re using them in a business environment.
The first is as a cost-saving measure. The less energy you’re using to power your machine, the more you can save and spend elsewhere.
It also feeds into the first benefit, as the less energy being used, the less likely the computer is to break down. Finally, this means that working with an embedded computing company is a more environmentally friendly solution.
Digital technology remains a huge part of the ongoing climate crisis. By doing what you can, your business can help create a better future for us all.
The Benefits of Embedded Computers: Task-Specific Solutions
Finally, the major benefit of embedded computers is the fact that they are task-specific machines. This means you’re able to set them to undergo a single task, and then reliable leave them to do so.
This can allow them to target specific issues your business might be having at the moment. Instead of taking up your employee’s time with a single task, you can get an embedded computer to sort it for you.
In most cases, they’ll be a more effective solution. This is thanks to the fact that an embedded machine will constantly work on whatever task you give it.
This makes them perfect when it comes to tasks that need to be handled regularly. But the fact that there are a number of different embedded computers means you can set any task that you like.
This multi-functional ability of embedded computers, before they’re programmed, makes them ideal for business matters. It means you can program and set a solution you can rely on every single time.
Where Can I Find Out More About Embedded Computers?
You should now have a thorough understanding of what exactly embedded computing is. From embedded IoT to embedded systems, you’ll now know the many ways these machines can help your business improve.
To find out more about technology and business, make sure to take a read of previous posts on our website. We’ve written on a whole host of tech that can help change the future of your company for the better.
