The leader in industrial automation and control solutions

What is an Edge Gateway (EG)?

In automation systems a gateway is a protocol translator. In the IIoT, protocol translators are referred to as “Edge Gateways” because they are at the ‘edge’ of the widely distributed network of devices creating and consuming data.

Why would I use a HMI without a display?

Select Maple Systems’ HMIs without a display is a great solution if you need a gateway between your control system and the supervisor’s office. Many MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), SCM (Supply Chain Management), and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software does not support the myriad of communication drivers used in industrial PLCs,…

What is Microsoft® SQL Database Server?

Microsoft® SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and retrieving data as requested by other software applications-which may run either on the same computer or on another computer across a network (including the Internet).

What is JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)?

In computing, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is an open-standard file format that uses human-readable text to transmit data objects consisting of attribute–value pairs and array data types (or any other serializable value).

Why would I use a headless HMI unit instead of a touchscreen HMI?

Most HMIs have a built-in touchscreen to provide feedback and allow input from on-site personnel. If that is all that’s required, a standard HMI may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you have limited panel space, no need for a touch screen, and want the convenience of monitoring and accessing your system without having…

What is the difference between MySQL and Microsoft® SQL?

Both MySQL and MS SQL Server are widely used Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). MySQL is an open source, whereas SQL Server is a Microsoft® product. Microsoft® allows enterprises to choose from several editions of SQL Server according to their needs and budget. Both MySQL and SQL Server support multiple programming languages. Both RDBMS support…

Define Industry 4.0

This is closely related to the Industrial Internet of Things and the term is often used interchangeably. Industry 4.0 is mostly used in Europe and is more focused on manufacturing.

What is Message Queuing Telemetry Transport ( MQTT)?

MQTT stands for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. It is an extremely simple and lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol, designed for constrained devices and low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable networks. The design principles are to minimize network bandwidth and device resource requirements while also attempting to ensure reliability and some degree of assurance of delivery. These principles make…

Define Microsoft® Azure

Microsoft® Azure (formerly Windows® Azure) is a cloud computing service created by Microsoft® for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers. It provides software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and supports many different programming languages, tools…

What Maple Systems products support Microsoft® SQL?

Microsoft® SQL Server can be used with our High Performance series to help collect and display data for easier monitoring and analytics. The High Performance series also support a built-in database query viewer which enables production machines to retrieve data from your central SQL database. By connecting a High Performance HMI product to an SQL…