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.
History of the DNP3 Protocol In the late 1980s, the SCADA industry faced a massive hurdle: every manufacturer used their own unique communication protocol. Furthermore, when a utility purchased equipment from a single vendor, it committed to that vendor for the life of the system.…
What is vPro Enterprise? Elevate your business computer performance and reduce IT overhead with the Intel vPro® platform. Designed for zero-touch fleet management, vPro Enterprise enables IT departments to secure, manage, and repair PCs remotely—regardless of OS health or power status. By providing a consistent,…
The primary strength of an industrial pushbutton lies in its straightforward operation: an operator applies pressure to an actuator to either open or close an electrical circuit. This simplicity is by design, ensuring intuitive use even in high-stress or gloved-hand environments where precise interaction with…
Industrial control cabinets serve as the central nervous system of modern manufacturing, far exceeding the role of simple protective enclosures. These units house and integrate critical devices like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Variable Frequency Drives, and circuit breakers to orchestrate the automation of complex industrial…
Read More Control Cabinet Fundamentals for Industrial Automation
A Deep Dive Into the Best Business Tablets of 2026 In 2026, business tablets are critical tools in demanding environments where reliability matters most. From field service and logistics to healthcare, construction, and industrial automation, tablets are expected to operate reliably under constant movement, environmental…
A Brief History of FactoryTalk Before FactoryTalk, Rockwell Software operated as a collection of separate products, such as RSView32, RSLink Classic, and RSSql and RSBizWare. Many of which were acquired or developed in isolation. In the early 2000’s, Rockwell recognized that customers needed different software…
In harsh environments such as military, public safety, and construction, device durability is essential. Rugged tablets and industrial computers used in these settings must stand up against drops, vibration, temperature extremes, moisture, and dust. The MIL-STD-810H is an environmental testing standard used to evaluate device…
Read More MIL-STD-810H: Ensuring Reliability in Harsh Industrial Environments
When space is tight and flexibility is key, mounting options can make or break your setup. That’s where the VESA-100 standard comes in. The VESA-100 standard provides a consistent, mechanical interface that allows any sort of display device, such as a panel PC, an HMI,…
Read More VESA Mounting Standards for Industrial Applications
What is a Rugged Tablet? In today’s fast-paced and increasingly technology-driven industries, mobile computing devices are essential for keeping operations running smoothly. While standard consumer tablets offer portability and convenience, they are not designed to survive the rigors of demanding work environments. This is where…
In the fast-moving world of industrial automation, staying connected to your machines and systems is no small task. Operators, technicians, and engineers are constantly on the move, scanning barcodes on one end of the plant, tweaking PLC logic on the other, and troubleshooting systems that…
Read More Rugged Laptops vs Rugged Tablets: Which Device is Better for You?
What is a Tablet? Tablet PCs are portable, touchscreen computers that combine laptop functionality with smartphone convenience. Slim and lightweight, many support stylus pens and detachable keyboards. They are used for web browsing, media, note-taking, and productivity, running Windows, iPadOS, or Android apps for both…
Tablet Operating System: Windows or Android? Selecting between Windows and Android for your industrial tablet depends on your specific workflow, software ecosystem, and long-term operational goals. Both platforms offer rugged durability and strong connectivity, but they differ in performance, integration, and cost considerations. Windows Tablets…
Read More Android Tablet vs Windows Tablet: Which Operating System is Better?