Expanded Enterprise Management capabilities

The new web browser interface is a read-only version of the ThinManager console that can be used by non-administrative team members. Users will be able to view asset configuration properties, shadow other terminals, and send terminal commands, without the ability to alter the configurations themselves. Also added the ability to notify operators, when needed, by sending scheduled messages to terminals. Finally, speed up boot time by choosing a preferred port for container download with option to preload container images over HTTPS.

Internal Events Enhance the End-User Experience

ThinManager event actions can trigger a change in visualization that automatically updates content or changes the display on the screen based on the internal event that was triggered.

Mobility Updates for All*

Improvements to all ThinManager Client (TMC) apps provide a consistent user experience across ThinManager Client applications. Users can now login to a mobile device using the local biometric (face id, fingerprint, etc.). ThinManager receives a token with the local biometric. Support for third-party mobile device management platforms has also been added so IT departments can more easily manage numerous mobile devices.

*All TMC (ThinManager Client) app updates will launch separately from v14 releas

Improved Functionality for ThinManager API and a Single Sign On Option for the API and the new Web UI

Support for OIDC Authentication Single Sign On capabilities can now be added to the ThinManager API as well as the new ThinManager browser-based UI. The REST API model has also been simplified and support has been added for partial updates and several new endpoints have been added to expand functionality. Admins can now prevent unauthorized actions or changes with option to automatically log off user with optional maximum user session time. Secure remote connections with the ability to enable or disable clipboard access between VNC and remote connections (interactive shadow)

Easily validate and scale large systems

Support for REST API allows ThinManager administrators to take full control of their deployment(s) and manage assets at scale. Automated database health check ensures your deployment stays optimized. Cookies and sound are now supported in ThinManager containers. Capability to sign containers upon creation of containers. User modified or created container images may be installed into ThinManager. MSI patch adoption simplifies Microsoft updates. Support for wireless thin client from OnLogic.

Delivery content based on what just happened

Event based content delivery will automatically create an action based on preset event configurations. Pre-designed virtual screen layouts are now available to reduce commissioning time for customized screen layouts. New icons.

Sound is now fully mobile

Full sound support is now available in the Apple and Android mobile applications from ThinManager.

More built-in security

Web browser containers now support custom CA certificates to support facilities that operate with limited or no cloud connectivity. Support is also available for the RA Firewall Utility that allows non-IT personnel to securely open necessary ports for their customized installations.

ThinManager-ready hardware now supports secure boot, increasing security across all managed thin client devices. No longer rely on traditional ThinManager firmware delivery (TFTP, port 4900). ThinManager will now default to boot over HTTPS if the port 8443 is open and TFTP boot can be enabled/disabled. Ability to create an “E Signature” Event action leveraging event-based content delivery. Create a Passthrough event that returns the credentials via the selected login method; ability to add permissions and access groups as necessary. CFR 21 Part 11 Compliance. Flexible badge enrollment provides login options allow manual login fallback and card registration at the terminal.

Certificate authentication during synchronization of primary and secondary ThinManager Servers. Device authentication using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to ensure proper firmware delivery. Flexible container certificate policy to use your own or Windows Certificate Store certificates for containers. Secure boot protocol to validate firmware and bootloader trust (ASEM hardware only).

Web Browser Display Client - Enhanced Images

Containers can now be hosted on thin clients, using the required resources to run the web-based session to be sourced from the designated thin client. Firefox or Chrome browsers can be launched by the Container Application. It is recommended that a terminal have at least 8 GB of RAM to host containers.

Container applications can also launch the Firefox or Chrome browser with the capability to launch .ica files. These are compatible with Citrix StoreFront.

Change Existing DB Password

ThinManager Administrators can change te database password without knowing the previous set password. Users can also do a vacuum to reduce the database size upon start-up or shutdown of the system.

mobility User Manual Unlock

ThinManager mobility user accounts can be manually unlocked in the Admin console using the mobility User Configuration wizard. This can be done at any time, regardless of the Account Lockout Period duration.

SysLog Compatible Recording

ThinManager events can now be viewed in SysLog Servers instead of only ThinManager interface’s Event Logging tab. View events in the SysLog Event viewer based on what is configured in the ThinManager Server Configuration wizard.

Updates to Expired Subscription

On an expired subscription, terminals will continue to boot and receive configuration, however the design time environment will have limited functionality. Terminals booted without a license will receive a renewal notification every 2 hours that can be closed by clicking “OK”.

ThinManager’s MultiSession technology allows administrators to deliver applications and resources from various sources such as Remote Desktop Servers, IP and USB cameras, other terminals, VMWare, Hyper-V and even Citrix servers to virtually any end-user device. ThinManager creates unique sessions for each authorized user to access centralized applications.

ThinManager easily manages these sessions allowing end users to have access to multiple applications through a single terminal. Users no longer have to worry with applications that compete for resources on a single PC or working on more than one PC at a time to compensate for power hungry programs. ThinManager can deliver everything you need through a single thin client terminal.

ThinManager’s MultiMonitor feature allows users to display multiple monitors attached to a single thin client*. The number of screens which can be configured is now limited only to the hardware support. MultiMonitor can be used to span sessions across monitors and/or run individual or multiple sessions on each monitor. Touchscreens are also supported.

The latest update to MultiMonitor completely recreates the configuration wizard for deploying multiple monitors with ThinManager. Now you can simply drag and drop your monitor arrangements to easily customize your plant floor view in minutes.

MultiMonitor supports spanned resolutions up to 8192 x 8192 with 64K colors for MS Server 2012 and newer. MS Server 2008 and prior are limited to a spanned resolution of 4096 x 2048. ThinManager supports 4k single monitors with up to 3840x2160 resolution (client device graphics must support 4k).

Design custom
screen layouts to
deliver applications
and content from
multiple sources.

Virtual Screens

Virtual Screens allow multiple sources of content to be arranged on the screen in almost any way imaginable. Administrators can create custom-sized screen overlays to design “composite applications” from available user content on any terminal.

Virtual Screens are set up in a very similar manner to camera overlays. As with most ThinManager features, Virtual Screens are easily created using the wizard-based configuration tool. Simply enter screen coordinates and overlay sizes, then assign applications and content into the spaces you choose.

Session Scaling

Session Scaling allows for applications to be auto-scaled to fit a particular layout or monitor resolution. Applications no longer have to be rewritten to accommodate varying resolutions. Session Scaling is the perfect complement to Virtual Screens as it will automatically fit your content into the overlays created.

Display your Virtual Screens on most mobile devices.

4k Resolution

Because Virtual Screens encourages adding even more content to the operator experience, ThinManager supports 4K resolution* to enhance the clarity of additional content and applications. This also allows for a single 4K monitor to act as four physical monitors operating at 1920 x 1280 without the additional costs of mounting and wiring four physical monitors.

* Appropriate hardware required.

Authentication Pass Through

ThinManager can now pass User credentials natively to supported HMI products using a token-based technology. FactoryTalk View SE will be the first HMI to support this. Capability will be made available to other HMI vendors in subsequent releases.

RFID Badge Readers

RFID readers come in many form factors and are used in numerous applications and OEM solutions including: multifunction printers, kiosks, building and door access, pointof-sale and computer logon. This new USB badge reader module will enable ThinManager to support a broader range of badge reader manufacturers. This particular module will work for badge readers that emulate a keyboard.

Smart Card Reader

Faster than the traditional username and password, smart card readers allow for the user to swipe, tap, or insert a smart card to prove the identity of that user. Handy for touchscreen terminals where a keyboard might not be optimal. Card readers can also be used in part with a password for even more security. ThinManager now supports NLA (Network Level Authentication) policies depending on the configuration and desired method of use.

PIN Authentication

Administrators can now set up and use a PIN instead of or in conjunction with a password. PINs can be revealed or hidden when entered and PIN complexity requirements are adjustable. This method can be combined with badges, biometrics and manual logins.

Biometric - (Mountable) Fingerprint Reader Support

Multiple fingerprint readers are supported from various third party vendors.

Biometric - (Wearable) Nymi Band Authentication Support Phase 1

Updated Smart Card Module will pass Nymi Band identifier from NFC Reader to a smart card or a Nymi-SDK-enabled application running in session on a ThinManager terminal.

Password Caching/Rotation

Administrators can now configure a time period for password caching. For example, users can enter a password at start of shift, but then only use a badge for the remainder of their shift. ThinManager can also rotate your password for AD users if your IT security policy requires periodic password changes.

Setup is Easy

Just configure the camera with an IP address to add it to your network, define it as a display server, and then deploy it as a window or as part of a group of windows.

Manage the Bandwidth

If your thin client is equipped with dual Ethernet ports, it is possible to directly connect an IP Camera into the 2nd Ethernet port on the thin client. This greatly decreases network activity, instantly freeing up more bandwidth.

Multiple Viewing Options

Users have the option to choose a single camera display, several cameras with multiple displays, or as an overlay in an existing application. Users can define their own custom layout of the camera overlays or choose from predefined layouts. ThinManager also allows the ability to choose whether or not the IP camera feeds are to be tiled.

Advantages

IP camera support gives users the ability to see around the corner and through the walls. Use it to expand the line of vision in a production process or as a security tool to monitor every part of a facility at the same time. ThinManager makes it easy to define and deploy a wide variety of cameras.

Shadowing allows an administrator, or a user, to view or operate a terminal remotely.

VNC sources can be shadowed and deployed to any terminal.

Display your Cameras, Shadows and VNC sources on your mobile devices.

Redundancy

Full-Redundancy uses a redundant pair of servers storing configurations on both with a fully accessible ThinManager GUI. Taking measures to eliminate downtime is crucial in today’s production and business environment. Now you can add redundancy to your ThinManager environment at a lower cost per license.

Software Maintenance

Support for ThinManager software comes in two flavors—24x7 and 8x5, depending on the times and level of support you might need. All current Software Maintenance subscribers receive complimentary version upgrades.

Upgrades

Using an older version of ThinManager? Not current on your Software Maintenance plan? We offer a path to quickly get all of your ThinManager installations up-to-date. For more information, please contact customersuccess@thinmanager.com.