Starting situation and challenges
In the production of the RONAL GROUP, numerous industrial terminals were used, primarily requiring a single application: IBM-i emulation or an internal web application.
Despite the limited functionality, a full Windows operating system (XP to 10) was installed on each terminal. This resulted in:
Implementation with openthinclient
In the first step, various thin client concepts and providers were examined. The choice fell to openthinclient, as this solution met several central requirements:
• PXE Boot, automatic app starts, quick swap (< 5 mins)
• central control in kiosk mode
• Continued use of robust Hematec terminals (-20 °C to +60 °C)
Technical requirements
All technical requirements that were set for an industrial IT system could be implemented.
• Rapid Deployment: Network boot via PXE, central configuration management
• High security: locked USB interfaces, read-only OS
• Minimal maintenance: no local updates needed, replacement within minutes.
Scalability: DE, MX, CZ, PL, further works possible
Conclusion and feedback
The deployment is so convincing that openthinclient has now been defined as the group-wide standard for production environments.
• Production availability increases significantly; downtime and standstill costs decrease.
• Administrative overhead is reduced to a minimum: central console instead of manual client maintenance
• IT security improved: no unnecessary programs, no data transfer via USB.
• Staff focus on core activities – no more „time-wasting“ at the terminal.
The solution has proven successful and has been established as a group standard across the company.
„Suppose a terminal breaks down in production today. Then I go to the warehouse, get a new one... make an IP reservation on the DHCP and create it in the openthinclient manager. All of this, including booting and walking time, takes about 5 minutes, then the colleague can continue their work. With our previous Windows solution, just installing the image took around four hours.“
Fabian Burkhart – Administrator
RONAL GROUP
The RONAL GROUP, headquartered in Härkingen, Switzerland, employs around 7,000 people worldwide across two distinct business areas. The company was founded in Germany in 1969. Production sites for both divisions are located in twelve countries worldwide.
The RONAL Wheels division is one of the most significant manufacturers of light alloy wheels for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. RONAL Bathrooms produces high-quality products for the bathroom and wellness sector.