HMI Thin Client Panel PC & Industrial Web Panel

Why choose a thin client?

The term thin client is the opposite of thick client. Historically, a thick client is an application installed directly on the PC or Panel PC. This type of software is called a thick client because it generally requires significant processing power. For example, many SCADA solutions use a thick client. A large number of calculations are usually performed locally, meaning that a more powerful processor is required. In this type of situation, we generally recommend powerful Panel PCs equipped with Intel Core or Intel Xeon processors. 

By contrast, a thin client requires very few processor resources, as all calculations are performed on a centralised server rather than on the local machine. A thin client is also generally provided as a web application that can be accessed using an internet browser.

If your business application offers a thin client, we recommend using a thin client Panel PC, which offers numerous advantages, including:

• A low-power single-core or dual-core processor, such as an Intel Atom, Intel Celeron or ARM processor
• 4 or 8 GB of RAM and limited storage capacity
• A low-power processor that can deliver substantial savings on energy bills
• A smaller footprint, particularly in terms of depth

These features make it an energy-efficient Panel PC offering excellent value for money and requiring a much lower investment than a conventional touchscreen PC. 

Minimal connectivity

This type of product often offers limited connectivity and therefore only a small number of communication ports. Nevertheless, it generally includes two Ethernet ports, one or two USB ports and sometimes a serial port. Some versions provide additional USB connections for connecting a printer or barcode reader. This means that you can still use your entire system remotely, provided that it is compatible or supported by the remote desktop connection. 

Some versions of these industrial thin clients are even equipped with a webcam, smart card reader, NFC or RFID. It is important to check which compatible peripherals are supported. In addition, some models feature a DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI or VGA port for connecting a second remote display.

However, particular attention must be paid to the type of power supply connection. Depending on the model, internal or external power supplies with three-pin or Phoenix connectors are available. 

For compatible thin client applications

It is essential to ask the provider of your management system, MES application, HMI, information system, logistics solution or business application about its technical requirements. There are generally three operating modes:

• Remote access (also known as Remote Desktop, RDP or VNC): using a client pre-installed on the solution or the Windows RDP client, you can access a remote working session.
• Web browser: you access your software through a standard web browser, such as Chromium (Windows and Android), Google Chrome (Windows and Android), Microsoft Edge (Windows), Firefox (Windows), etc. 
• Compatible interactive client, such as the best-known solutions: Citrix or VMware. In this case, you will require a slightly more powerful processor with a higher clock speed and more cores, as well as more than 8 GB of RAM in many cases.

Depending on the services provided by your application and the environment in which it will operate, you will need to select the appropriate hardware. 

Panel PCs: the best choice for industry

Why is an industrial Panel PC the best thin client for the industrial sector? It combines all the functions of a PC and a touchscreen in a compact, generally fanless computing device. This all-in-one solution is therefore usually the preferred option. Panel PCs also generally support numerous mounting methods, including VESA, tube and/or panel mounting. 

In some cases, the preferred solution is an industrial PC, such as an Advantech UNO, combined with a rugged touchscreen monitor. The choice depends on the technical requirements and the environment in which your system will operate. 

This type of equipment is ruggedised and designed for industrial or demanding environments. It should therefore not be compared with thin client models from HP, Tini, Axel, Lenovo or Dell.