Server Computer ()

• 3.0 GHz quad core processor.
• 8 GB RAM. 16 GB or more is preferred, especially at larger feedlots. Minimum 2 sticks.
• 1 TB high IOPS rated SSD for the main drive for new installs. A second internal drive for backups is nice. We recommend an SSD for the secondary drive as well.
• 1 TB external hard drive for secondary backups is recommended.
• A front side bus of at least 1600 MHz.
• 6 Mpbs SATA II.
• The monitor (when hooked up—you can run headless) must support at least 1280 x 1024.
• The network connection should be at least 100 Mbps wired. 1000 Mbps is highly recommended. The server requires a static IP address and an internet connection.
• The latest release of Windows 10 Pro (64-bit version) or higher.
• Battery backup/surge protector unit. Ideally these would be used for all computers and network devices, but must be used with the server.

Note that the server computer must be completely dedicated to running Fusion Server. With the possible exception of backup software and Symmetry, no other software should be installed. Any other use of this computer, including file sharing, may compromise our ability to offer support for Fusion Server.

Also, please keep it simple. If you are used to setting up servers for other database systems, please believe us when we say that Fusion Server’s needs are not quite the same. Please, do not ask to run it on a virtual machines or to keep the datafile on any kind of network storage solution or anything else out of the ordinary. Fusion Server works best on a very simple machine as long as it has good speed, memory, and a drive with fast I/O.

Office Client Computers ()

• 1.8 GHz dual core processor.
• 8 GB RAM. 16 GB is better, or even more depending on the other application you will be running.
• 128 GB hard drive. More is necessary for other applications.
• 1024 x 768 monitor is the minimum. However, we strongly recommend a much larger monitor for office use. Large monitors are fairly cheap now and you will be more productive with Fusion in the office with a large monitor.
• 50 Mbps recommended. 100 Mbps or faster network connection is better. Wired gigabit is best.
• 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or macOS 12 (Monterey) or later.

You can install Fusion Client on as many office computers as you like.

Feed Truck Computers ()

• 1.8 GHz dual core processor.
• 8 GB RAM. 16 GB is better.
• 128 GB SSD.
• 1024 x 768 monitor. Must be a touchscreen and capable of handling the harsh environment it will be in. We recommend it be at least 15" for better visibility.
• A wireless network connection of some kind. It only needs to work when syncing.
• You will need one serial port for the remote display and another for the scale indicator. Alternatively, you will need serial to USB or Bluetooth conversion hardware and software.
• 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or macOS 12 (Monterey) or later.
• For interfacing with the scale system, we recommend a Dig-Star or similar scale head. It must have the ability to act as a dumb scale head, automatically sending the weight over a RS-232 cable to Fusion 3-10 times/second.

We generally recommend purchasing all-in-one units for the computer.

Chuteside Computers ()

• 1.8 GHz dual core processor.
• 8 GB RAM. 16 GB is better.
• 128 GB hard drive. SSD recommended.
• 1024 x 768 monitor is the minimum. Must be a touchscreen and capable of handling the harsh environment it will be in. We recommend it be at least 15" for better visibility. A larger monitor is very helpful.
• You will need one serial port for each device (RFID reader, temperature probe, etc.) that connects this way. Alternatively, you will need serial to USB or Bluetooth conversion hardware and software.
• At least 50 Mbps network connection.
• 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or macOS 12 (Monterey) or later.
• For interfacing with the scale system, we recommend a Dig-Star or similar scale head. It must have the ability to act as a dumb scale head, automatically sending the weight over a RS-232 cable to Fusion 3-10 times/second.

Considerations

It is possible to get an all-in-one computer and touchscreen that will withstand the rigors of the chuteside environment, but they are relatively expensive. Many chutesides have a small office which is kept cleaner and closer to room temperature than directly beside the squeeze. Where possible, we recommend buying a regular computer and placing it in this space. Then just buy a touchscreen monitor and run cables to it so that it can be mounted closer to the squeeze. This will be cheaper and allow for a bigger monitor. And if the monitor becomes damaged, it is the only thing that needs to be replaced.

Symmetry ()

• 1.8 GHz dual core processor.
• 8 GB RAM. 16 GB is better.
• 128 GB hard drive. More is necessary for other applications.
• 1024 x 768 monitor.
• 100 Mbps or faster network connection recommended.
• 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or macOS 12 (Monterey) or later.

When used with Fusion, Symmetry is usually installed on the same computer as Fusion Server. In that case, as long as the requirements for Fusion Server are met you should be fine.

TeamViewer ()

We strongly recommend allowing us to install TeamViewer on your server computer. TeamViewer makes it easier for us to offer quick support if you have a high speed internet connection. When you enable this technology we can view and control your server remotely, possibly saving hours of travel time.

We can also use TeamViewer on an as needed basis when you need support at other computers. No download is necessary until you are ready for the help.

To install TeamViewer, please visit our TeamViewer page.

Resource Guide

We have put together a detailed resource guide which covers minimum requirements of peripherals such as RFID readers and scale heads as well as installation of Fusion on servers, clients, and trucks. Please pay particular attention to the network requirements explained there.