Capabilities of Internet Thin Clients

Tools and features vary by choice of thin client. Capabilities of each client are listed here, starting with the most restrictive connection option:

The Mobile Internet Client (MIC) provides the following features:

  • For any application page, operators may choose between an minimal display optimized to reduce bandwidth, or a full display including all widgets and graphics.
  • Operators can view I/O tag values on a page by page basis.
  • Operators can set output tag values.
  • View and acknowledge current alarms.
  • View the alarm history.
  • View a trend graph (HDV display) for any I/O tag.
    Graphs are images, updated only when recreated using a refresh. Data cannot be exported
  • View a slippy map.
  • If the mobile device supports the "pinch" user interface, operators may scale the HDV display.
  • No access to the following system pages: Reports page, Operator Notes, the full HDV page, Thin Client Monitor.
  • No access to the VAM as an application.

The mobile client is intended for use with a personal mobile device. It does not include a "sign out" option. The sign-out will occur automatically several minutes after closing the application. If sharing a device, you should use one of the following clients for increased security.

The Fast Scan Immediately option of the Fast Scan Widget does not work with a Mobile Internet Thin Client (MIC)

The VTScada Anywhere Client adds the following features. Operators may:

  • View and use all pages, subject to each operator's security privileges.
  • Perform limited configuration operations to a standard application, including:
    • Copy existing tags
    • Modify the properties of an existing tag, excepting font selection within a Font tag.
    • Delete a tag
    • Add new tags
  • Modify Alarm Notification System options and pronunciation.
  • Work with security
  • Access the Application Configuration dialog to:
    • Edit properties
    • Edit server lists
    • Edit security
    • Import/Export Files
    • Maintain the File Manifest
    • Deploy changes
    • Revert changes
    • Show the version log
    • Open the Information page.
  • Add and edit page notes.
  • Run a script application.
    Only one instance of a script application may run at a time - if it is running on a workstation, it may not also run on an Internet connection.
  • Managers may work with security accounts.
  • Administrators may configure security.
  • Run and download reports, generated as text files. (See following note.)
  • Create and download ChangeSets.
  • Export and download data from the HDV.
  • Unique to the Anywhere client: sign in using OpenID Connect Authentication.
  • Run the VAM as an application with the following exceptions:
    • Cannot use Get From ChangeSet
    • Cannot use Clone From ChangeSet
    • Cannot use Find Existing.

Edge and Chrome block PDFs shown in the Web Browser widget when using the Anywhere Client. This is related to the sandbox attribute set on the iframe.

If generating a file using the VTScada Anywhere Client, it will be transferred to your browser automatically. Check your browser's download history. (Will vary by browser.)
Only text files can be generated by a thin client, not spreadsheet or database files.
Similarly, Excel templates cannot be used when reporting via a thin client.

This applies to report generation, HDV exports, note exports, ChangeSet creation, and tag exports.
You cannot view a generated file (such as a report) within the Anywhere Client. The client shows only the VTScada user interface.

The VTScada Internet Connection (VIC) adds the following features to those listed above:

  • Open and use the VTScada Idea Studio. (Subject to your license restrictions and account permissions. Note that it is not possible to select images for the Animated Bitmap Widget via a thin client.)
  • View a list of available VTScada applications (as permitted by the Thin Client Server).
  • Display the VTScada screens on multiple monitors by configuring Realm Display Setup Tags.
  • Use the VTScada print icon to print pages.
  • Create and apply a ChangeSet.
  • Export/Sync tags.
  • Manage Types. (User-defined tags)
  • Open and use the Idea Studio, if permitted by your license key.
  • Maintain logged-off sessions.
  • Maintain a list of available servers and automatically connect to the next in the list if one is not available.
  • Provides the option of creating a desktop shortcut that operators can use for subsequent connections.
  • Provides Smart Card Support.
  • Run the VAM as an application with the following exceptions:
    • Cannot use Find Existing.
  • As with all clients, only text files can be generated by a thin client, not spreadsheet or database files.