Industrial control and automation can be complex. At Maple Systems, we want to break the barrier between knowledge and know-how to make sure every engineer and operator is fully prepared for whatever task comes their way.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes rugged tablets unique, their key features, common uses, and how to choose the right one for your needs. You’ll gain a clear understanding of why they’re essential for tough work environments. What is a Rugged Tablet? In today’s…
You may be familiar with consumer-grade tablets and laptops, but there are higher durability devices called rugged laptops and rugged tablets. This article will compare rugged tablets vs rugged laptops, while clearing up misconceptions about these devices along the way. In the fast-moving world of…
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For businesses, tablets can enhance tasks such as presentations, customer interactions, remote work, and field operations. In this article, you’ll learn what tablet PCs are, the features that make them valuable in a professional setting, and how they can improve efficiency across different industries. What…
Choosing the right industrial tablet can make a big difference for your business. Rugged Android tablets and Windows industrial tablets both offer durability and performance in harsh environments, but each comes with unique advantages. From app compatibility and long‑lasting battery life to security features and…
Read More Android Tablet vs Windows Tablet: Which Operating System is Better?
For facilities that rely on strict sanitation, outdoor operation, or heavy washdown procedures, choosing the right waterproof panel PC can make or break your operation. Discover the key features to look for when choosing a waterproof computer, and dive into some industry-specific use-cases. In industries…
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) provide an elegant solution. By dividing a single physical Ethernet network into multiple logical networks, VLANs help engineers control traffic flow, improve performance, and enhance security—all without adding extra hardware. Introduction As industrial networks expand to support more devices, data…
Modern industrial automation relies on reliable, deterministic communication between controllers, I/O devices, HMIs, and supervisory systems. As factories become more connected through IIoT and edge computing, maintaining consistent network performance is critical for both uptime and safety. Introduction Unlike unmanaged switches that simply forward Ethernet…
Broadcast storms occur when excessive broadcast or multicast traffic overwhelms the network, consuming bandwidth and CPU resources on every connected device. Even a single malfunctioning node can bring a production line to a halt. Introduction In Industrial Ethernet networks, reliability is everything. PLCs, HMIs, drives,…
The ability to detect early warning indicators—such as rising packet errors, latency spikes, or port failures—can prevent costly downtime. Introduction In a modern industrial environment, Ethernet networks are the nervous system connecting every part of the operation—from PLCs and drives on the plant floor to…
In industrial automation, determinism—the ability for data to arrive predictably and on time—is essential. Introduction Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), drives, and sensors must exchange control data within precise time intervals. Even small variations in latency can cause jitter, disrupt synchronization, or trigger system faults. However,…
Network Redundancy and Link Aggregation are essential features of managed industrial switches eliminates this single point of failure by providing alternate communication paths that activate automatically when a fault occurs. Introduction In industrial automation, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. Whether you’re running a bottling line,…
Maple Systems HMIs are engineered for demanding Oil & Gas operations, delivering reliable performance in harsh environments and across complex multi-vendor networks. As an Oil and Gas HMI, instead of protocol converters, they feature built-in drivers, multiple communication interfaces, multi-session Ethernet support, and secure cloud…
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