Modern industrial control systems (ICS) face growing challenges, such as how to ensure consistent performance, minimize downtime, manage increasingly complex applications, the expansion of edge devices and central servers over distributed architecture, and maintain security— all without requiring advanced technical skills. In our previous post, we discussed how containers bundle applications with their dependencies for reliable, lightweight deployment across IT and OT environments. Now, let’s explore how Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Optix and ThinManager use containers to address these issues head-on, simplifying operations and empowering your team.
ThinManager
ThinManager is a content delivery and thin client management platform designed for configuration, deployment, and management of industrial applications, users, and end-user devices. ThinManager centrally manages your industrial computing assets and securely delivers content to terminals (thin clients, PCs), users (based on role), and/or locations (mobile devices). ThinManager can also deliver content based on an event, such as an alarm being raised or a light curtain breach.
FactoryTalk Optix
FactoryTalk Optix is a modern, cloud-enabled Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and visualization platform. It is designed to enhance industrial automation by providing advanced capabilities for data visualization, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, and data management.
Container Options
ThinManager 12.1 introduced a chrome-based container, enabling seamless operation of FactoryTalk Optix applications that host and run a Web Presentation Engine from a web browser running on a thin client. This approach leverages web technologies to deliver a lightweight, flexible containerized solution that simplifies deployment across diverse industrial hardware.
In addition, ThinManager 14.1 comes with a built-in FactoryTalk Optix container. Think of this container like a space where you can run a FactoryTalk Optix application, which, depending on your needs, can:
- Use only a Native Presentation Engine (to run on a local device touchscreen)
- Use both a Native and a Web Presentation Engine (to access the app remotely through a browser)
The configuration and deployment are further simplified in FactoryTalk Optix 1.6 or newer with the ability to export a compressed file of the Optix application that ThinManager can easily use and include in this container.
Unlike traditional headless containers, these options are designed for HMIs and have graphical user interfaces (GUI).
Why This Helps You
This containerized solution transforms OT environments across ICS. Here’s why:
- Simplified Deployment: Instead of needing to manage individual PCs or servers, each with its own applications and OS to install and update regularly, ThinManager’s centralized management lets you scale and distribute FactoryTalk Optix with minimal effort. You can push uploads in a simple no-code workflow.
- Resource Efficiency: Lightweight containers optimize resource-constrained IIoT devices, leveraging untapped CPU and RAM on low-power thin clients. This reduces server resources and hardware costs while supporting sophisticated visualization architectures.
- Enhanced Security: ThinManager authentication restricts FactoryTalk Optix access to authorized users. With no data stored on end devices, your system remains secure even if a device is compromised, enhancing protection.
- Rapid Recovery: ASEM 6300 thin clients, designed for industrial environments, offer superior resilience compared to office-grade computers. However, if a terminal fails, ThinManager can redeploy the containerized FactoryTalk Optix application in under two minutes, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
- User-Friendly Experience: No coding or container expertise is needed- wizards guide OT teams through setup, deployment and maintenance. Updates are effortless: load once on the ThinManager server and deploy multiple times.
How They Work Together
Once you have a completed FactoryTalk Optix application from the latest version of the FactoryTalk Optix Studio, you can distribute it quickly to all your thin clients in a ThinManager Environment. No coding skills are required to set up this container. The first step is to export to ThinManager from the FactoryTalk Optix Design Studio. Configuration is then done through the ThinManager Admin Console. After creating a Display Client and assigning it to a terminal, your FactoryTalk Optix application will be delivered on the next power cycle.
After the application is deployed, you can remotely see the screen and control your ThinManager terminal. This will allow you to make sure that all your data is populating, and the HMI environment is functioning for your machine operators- all from the comfort of your office. Updates and redeployment in the case of hardware failures can be delivered with the same ease and speed.
Wrapping Up
Managing complex applications, reducing downtime, securing systems, and simplifying operations are daily challenges in modern factories. FactoryTalk Optix and ThinManager tackle these issues using a container, offering a solution that’s easy to deploy, resource-efficient, secure, and quick to recover— all without requiring advanced expertise. Whether you want to use the ThinManager chrome container to take advantage of thin clients for your operations or leverage the new ThinManager dedicated FactoryTalk Optix container to host the FactoryTalk Optix application on a thin client, we have the right (and easy) way to deploy and manage this solution for you! Ready to make your operations smoother and more reliable? Check out thinmanager.com/containers.