itemic

Overview

For many years it has been known in the industry that server-client solutions offer major saving potentials for the procurement, energy and administration costs even for just a few terminals. Current costing examples show a significant cost saving when only seven workplaces are involved. The time has gone since it was necessary to update each workplace computer on-site, namely, manually install updates or new programs for each computer. In most cases this is carried out centrally using a company server. This is not only efficient, but also economic.

The new form of the server-based computing dispenses with expensive, high-performance single-user computers by making use of slim, low-cost operator stations, so-called thin clients. No complete files or programs are exchanged between thin clients and the server, but rather the pure screen display for the programs running on the central server is transferred to the operator stations and workplaces of the personnel.

Robust client hardware for the production environment

Whereas thin-client solutions have established themselves in many areas of modern industrial companies, there has been previously hesitation at the production level. The direct machine control (operator panels) still largely uses local, distributed terminals. This results in unnecessary insular solutions, risks production stoppage in case of failure of a client and means an increased administrative effort and cost for each terminal.

Thin-client systems, however, are predestined for the use in production factories. The large vendors of industrial PCs have already recognised this gap and augment their product portfolios with extremely robust thin-client terminals. Such terminals can completely dispense with trouble-prone components such as hard disks and large power units and so guarantee the highest-possible availability.

Flexi-Clients - intelligent client software for the machine control

The itemic AG uses the advantages of the server-client architecture and, with an intelligent software architecture, developes an innovative thin-client system specially conceived for the production environment.

The so-called "Flexi-Clients" adopt the function of operator panels. They are controlled by a central production server. If the server fails, an identical copy takes over without any data loss. If a Flexi-Client fails, its function is assumed by another client without any production stoppage.

Flexi-Clients also allows manual inputs by the machine operator using the operator panel of a neighbouring client - this avoids machine stoppage. Failed Flexi-Clients can be replaced without manual installation effort; they are setup automatically by the manufacturing server. Flexi-Clients guarantee a high protection against failure, intuitive operability and intelligent escalation management for client failure without production stoppage.

Advantages

• Low purchase, energy and administration costs
• High protection against failure
• Intelligent escalation management
• No machine stoppage in case of operator panel failure
• Manual inputs even in case of operator panel failurestill possible
• Open source