System updates go hand in hand with computers, even server computers. But some updates can change functionally, how machines communicate or interact with third party software.

Huffman Engineering expands validated system with thin client technology
The modern industrial enterprise is complex. Many contemporary manufacturers not only face the challenges that come with automation and ensuring that facilities remain secure, but they must also manage very strict validation procedures. While downtime can negatively affect any type of installation, a validated installation requires even more effort when new equipment is commissioned, or existing equipment must be updated or replaced.
Fortunately, companies like Huffman Engineering have built their business around providing innovative solutions for their customers’ validated environments. We recently spoke with Keith Mandachit, engineering manager at Huffman. Keith shared some insights into a recent project Huffman completed for a global pharmaceutical manufacturer.

ep23 The Plant » Gaining the Edge with Stratus Technologies
Longtime Rockwell Automation partner, Stratus Technologies’ own Frank Hill, joins Bryan and Tom to talk edge computing in industrial automation

ep22 The Plant » Training The Future Super Users of ThinManager, with Todd Garmon and Tom Jordan
Bryan Harned and Todd Garmon discuss challenges faced from the System Integrator down to the end-user when using and learning ThinManager.

ep21 The Plant » Application Container Technology Shines Bright in ThinManager 12.1 release, with Nick Neppach
Bryan Harned and Nick Neppach talk ThinManager 12.1, the expansion of integrated application container technology, and why it’s a real game changer.

125-Year-Old Dairy Plant Pivots to the Next Century with Thin Client Technology
When one of Canada’s oldest operating dairy facilities needed to update their aging facility, they partnered with PID Engineering to create a modern visualization solution.
“Our customer needed to upgrade their outdated server running obsolete HMI software. This was putting their factory at greater risk of unreliability and downtime without support,” stated Jonah Renouf from PID. “We installed a Stratus Server and wanted to utilize ThinManager® to manage the client-based delivery system for HMI production screens throughout the plant.”

System Integrator Uses Thin Client Technology to Extend Lifespan of 20-Year-Old Machines and Systems for Another Decade
Our partners at Project Binder share their success using ThinManager to bring new life to an aging system. Read on to find out how this was accomplished and how it paves the way for expanding the project further.
https://projectbinder.eu/success-stories/extending-machine-lifespan/

ep20 The Plant » Talking ThinManager Install Successes, Stories and Top Features with Amy Carter
Bryan Harned and Amy Carter discuss some ThinManager stories and customer successes and why ThinManager’s robust feature set is needed for your automation install.

System Integrator Uses Thin Client Technology to Centralize Control of Disparate Machines and Systems
Growth, for any business, is always a good thing. But even good things have challenges. When a growing food and beverage customer found that too many new machines combined with their existing controls system were making work harder, they called on Everworks, Inc. to streamline their facility.
The customer had acquired multiple machines and new automation equipment as part of their growth strategy. Each new machine came with an OEM solution that is typically a stand-alone FactoryTalk View ME PanelView or SE Local Station. The SE instances ran on industrial computers that required continuous updates and expensive maintenance. What the customer needed was a strategy to integrate 4 OEM systems with their existing native controls to create one modern, fully automated, large food processing line.

ep19 The Plant » ThinManager Version 12. The Latest and Greatest with Nick Putman
Bryan Harned and Nick Putman discussing the all new ThinManager Version 12