Month: March 2023

How Industrial PCs are Revolutionizing Industrial Automation

Michelle

Industrial automation has come a long way in recent years, and the rise of industrial PCs has played a significant role in this revolution. Industrial PCs are used to control and monitor a wide range of manufacturing processes, from assembly lines to robotic systems. In this blog, we will discuss how industrial PCs are revolutionizing industrial automation.

  1. Increased Precision: Industrial PCs offer precise control over manufacturing processes, ensuring that each step is carried out with exacting accuracy. This increased precision leads to improved quality control and reduced waste, resulting in higher profitability for manufacturers.
  2. Enhanced Flexibility: Industrial PCs are highly customizable, allowing manufacturers to tailor their automation systems to their specific needs. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changes in production requirements and helps manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
  3. Real-time Data Analysis: Industrial PCs can be integrated with data management systems to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of manufacturing processes. This enables manufacturers to identify bottlenecks, optimize production, and reduce downtime, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability.
  4. Improved Safety: Industrial automation can be dangerous, and safety is a top priority for manufacturers. Industrial PCs offer advanced safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, safety interlocks, and programmable safety controllers, that help protect workers and prevent accidents.
  5. Cost-Effective: Industrial PCs are a cost-effective solution for industrial automation. They offer superior performance and reliability compared to traditional automation solutions, while also being more affordable and easier to maintain.

In conclusion, industrial PCs are revolutionizing industrial automation. Their increased precision, enhanced flexibility, real-time data analysis capabilities, improved safety features, and cost-effectiveness make them an essential tool for modern manufacturing facilities. With industrial PCs, manufacturers can achieve improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and increased profitability.

Choosing the Right Industrial PC for Your Manufacturing Needs

Michelle

Manufacturing processes have become increasingly reliant on technology, and industrial PCs have become an essential component of these processes. However, selecting the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs can be a daunting task. In this blog, we will discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs.

Environmental Considerations: Industrial PCs are designed to withstand harsh environments, including temperature extremes, dust, and vibration. When selecting an industrial PC, consider the environmental conditions in which it will operate. Choose an industrial PC that can withstand the conditions of your manufacturing facility.

Processing Power: The processing power of an industrial PC determines its ability to handle complex applications and data-intensive tasks. Consider the processing power needed for your manufacturing processes, and choose an industrial PC with sufficient processing power to handle these tasks efficiently.

Customization Options: Industrial PCs are highly customizable and can be configured to meet specific manufacturing needs. When selecting an industrial PC, consider the customization options available. Choose an industrial PC that can be tailored to your unique manufacturing requirements.

Expansion Capabilities: Manufacturing processes are subject to change, and you need an industrial PC that can adapt to these changes. Consider the expansion capabilities of an industrial PC when making your selection. Choose an industrial PC with expansion options that allow you to add components or upgrade hardware as needed.

Connectivity Options: Industrial PCs need to be able to communicate with other devices and systems in your manufacturing process. Consider the connectivity options available when selecting an industrial PC. Choose an industrial PC that supports the necessary communication protocols and interfaces.

Support and Maintenance: Industrial PCs require maintenance and support to ensure optimal performance. Consider the level of support and maintenance available for the industrial PC you are considering. Choose an industrial PC with a reliable and responsive support team.

Selecting the right industrial PC for your manufacturing needs requires careful consideration of several factors. Environmental considerations, processing power, customization options, expansion capabilities, connectivity options, and support and maintenance are all crucial factors to consider. By carefully considering these factors, you can select an industrial PC that meets your manufacturing needs and helps you achieve optimal efficiency and profitability.

Industrial PCs for Clean Room Applications

Michelle

Clean rooms are critical environments used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and semiconductor manufacturing to maintain a controlled environment free of airborne contaminants. The stringent requirements for clean room environments make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs are an essential component in clean room applications, offering a reliable and efficient solution for controlling processes and data management.

Industrial PCs designed for clean room applications must comply with strict standards to ensure they do not generate any contaminants. These PCs are typically made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.

The benefits of using industrial PCs in clean room applications include their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.

In summary, industrial PCs are a critical component for clean room applications. They offer a reliable and efficient solution for controlling processes and data management while maintaining the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment.

Clean Rooms and Industrial PCs: A Perfect Pairing

Michelle

Clean rooms are critical environments that require specialized equipment to maintain a contamination-free environment. Industrial PCs are a perfect pairing for clean room applications, providing reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management.

The strict cleanliness requirements of clean rooms make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs designed for clean room use are made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.

The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications offers many benefits, including their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.

In addition, industrial PCs can provide real-time data monitoring and control, making it easier to detect and correct issues that could cause contamination. They can also help streamline processes, reducing the risk of human error and increasing productivity.

Clean rooms and industrial PCs are a perfect pairing. The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications offers many benefits, including reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management while maintaining the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment.

Industrial PCs Necessary for Clean Rooms

Michelle

Clean rooms are critical environments used in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and semiconductor manufacturing to maintain a controlled environment free of airborne contaminants. The stringent requirements for clean room environments make it necessary to use specialized equipment that can operate without causing contamination. Industrial PCs are a necessary component in clean room applications, offering reliable and efficient solutions for controlling processes and data management.

Industrial PCs designed for clean room applications must comply with strict standards to ensure they do not generate any contaminants. They are typically made of high-grade stainless steel and have a sealed design to prevent particle ingress. They must also meet the necessary certification requirements, including ISO 14644, for clean room use.

The use of industrial PCs in clean room applications is necessary to maintain the strict cleanliness requirements of a clean room environment. They provide real-time data monitoring and control, making it easier to detect and correct issues that could cause contamination. Industrial PCs can also help streamline processes, reducing the risk of human error and increasing productivity.

The benefits of using industrial PCs in clean room applications are numerous, including their ability to operate in harsh environments, handle large amounts of data, and integrate with other equipment. They can be customized to meet specific application requirements and can withstand exposure to chemicals and other contaminants.

software license manager and subscription manager

The Difference between a Subscription Manager and a Full Software License Manager

Michelle

Do you know what truly sets a software license manager apart from a subscription manager?”

A software license manager and a subscription manager may seem like similar entities, but in reality, they serve distinct purposes. A quote from Michael Feiner, a renowned management expert, puts it perfectly: 

“Good managers know how to delegate; great managers know when to delegate.” 

The same applies to software license and subscription managers – understanding the difference between them can make the difference between effective software management and costly software chaos.

So, what is a software license manager? Simply put, it is a tool that helps organizations manage and track the use of software licenses they have purchased. It ensures that only the authorized number of users can access the software and that the licenses are used in compliance with the terms and conditions set by the software vendor.

On the other hand, a subscription manager is a tool that helps organizations manage their software subscriptions. It allows organizations to keep track of the subscriptions they have taken and their renewal dates, as well as manage the subscription costs effectively.

Difference between a software license manager and a subscription manager

The difference between a software license manager and a subscription manager lies in their focus. While a software license manager focuses on the use of the licenses, a subscription manager focuses on the management of the subscriptions. A software license manager ensures that the licenses are used within the bounds set by the vendor, while a subscription manager ensures that the subscriptions are managed efficiently and cost-effectively.

The role of a software license manager is to monitor and enforce the use of software licenses within an organization. It ensures that only the authorized number of users can access the software and that the licenses are used in compliance with the terms and conditions set by the software vendor. A software license manager also helps organizations track the usage of the licenses, which can be useful in making informed decisions about purchasing additional licenses or upgrading existing ones.

The role of a subscription manager is to manage software subscriptions effectively. It helps organizations keep track of the subscriptions they have taken and their renewal dates, as well as manage the subscription costs effectively. A subscription manager also helps organizations make informed decisions about renewing or cancelling subscriptions based on usage patterns and costs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, a software license manager and a subscription manager serve distinct but complementary purposes. While a software license manager focuses on the use of the licenses, a subscription manager focuses on the management of the subscriptions. Understanding the difference between them can help organizations make informed decisions about software management and avoid costly software chaos.

“Are you ready to take your software management to the next level by understanding the difference between a software license manager and a subscription manager?”

Industrial PCs Versus Military PCs

Michelle

Industrial PCs and military PCs are both specialized types of computers that are designed to operate in harsh environments and demanding conditions. But what exactly sets these two types of PCs apart? How do they differ in terms of performance, durability, and functionality?

Industrial PCs are designed to operate in industrial environments, such as factories, warehouses, and power plants. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration. They are also designed to be easy to install, maintain, and upgrade. 

Industrial PCs Versus Military PCs

Military PCs, are designed to operate in military environments, such as battlefields, warships, and aircraft. They are built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, as well as electromagnetic interference. They are also designed to be secure, rugged, and portable.

One of the main uses of industrial PCs is to control and monitor industrial equipment, such as robots, conveyors, and pumps. They can also be used for data acquisition and analysis, such as monitoring energy consumption and production efficiency. Industrial PCs are also used in transportation systems, such as trains, buses, and trucks, to control and monitor navigation, communication, and other systems.

Military PCs are used in a variety of military applications, such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. They can be used to control and monitor weapons systems, such as tanks, aircraft, and ships. They can also be used for navigation, communication, and other systems. Military PCs are also used in unmanned vehicles, such as drones and robots, to control and monitor their movements and payloads.

Another use of industrial PCs is in process automation and control, such as in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductors. They can also be used in process control systems, such as in the oil and gas industry, to monitor and control the flow of oil and gas.

Military PCs are also used in aviation and aerospace applications, such as in aircraft, helicopters, and satellites. They can be used to control navigation, communication, and other systems, as well as to monitor weather, terrain, and other conditions. Military PCs are also used in ground vehicles, such as tanks, trucks, and jeeps, to control navigation, communication, and other systems.

So what exactly is the difference? To be clear, Tangent Industrial PCs can be used by the military for many different applications. Industrial PCs by Tangent have been carefully crafted to withstand and consistently perform even in the harshest of environments. While some industrial PCs may be specially crafted for specific military applications, many of our industrial PCs can be used by the military.

Industrial PCs and military PCs are both specialized types of computers that are designed to operate in harsh environments and demanding conditions. They may have different features and capabilities that make them suitable for different types of applications. 

Military and industrial PCs are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and vibration, extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, as well as electromagnetic interference. Industrial PCs and military PCs can be used for command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, unmanned vehicles, aviation and aerospace applications and ground vehicles. 

Explore our line up of industrial PCs here: https://www.tangent.com/industrial-Pcs/

software license manager

How Big Companies Manage All Their Software Licenses

Michelle

Have you ever stopped to think about the sheer number of software licenses a large company might have to manage? With hundreds, if not thousands of employees, each with their own devices, programs and applications, the task of keeping track of software licenses is a complex one. 

According to a recent survey, the average cost of a software license for a large company is around $100 per license. This might not sound like a lot, but with the sheer number of licenses a company might have, this cost quickly adds up. In addition to the cost of acquiring the license, there are also ongoing costs associated with maintaining the license, such as upgrades, support and renewal fees. These costs can run into the millions of dollars each year.

But why is it so important for businesses to keep track of their software licenses? 

There are a few key reasons:

Compliance: In order to comply with licensing agreements, a company needs to know exactly how many licenses they have, and for which programs. This information helps to ensure that the company is using software in the way that is permitted by the licensing agreement.

Legal implications: Not keeping track of software licenses can result in legal implications for a company. For example, if a company is found to be using software that they do not have the correct licenses for, they can be sued for copyright infringement.

Audits: Software vendors can conduct audits at any time to check that their software is being used in accordance with the licensing agreement. If a company is found to be using software without the correct licenses, they can be fined, or even have their license revoked.

So, How Do Big Companies Manage All Their Software Licenses? 

One solution is to use a software license manager.

A software license manager is a tool that helps companies to keep track of their software licenses. It can help to keep track of the number of licenses a company has, the programs they are licensed for, and when they need to be renewed. It can also help to manage the cost of licenses, by keeping track of how much each license costs, and when it needs to be renewed.

A software license manager can also help to ensure compliance by checking that the company is using software in the way that is permitted by the licensing agreement. It can also help to prevent legal implications by ensuring that the company is using software in accordance with the licensing agreement.

One of the biggest advantages of using a software license manager is that it can help to automate many of the manual tasks associated with managing software licenses. For example, it can help to keep track of when licenses need to be renewed, and send reminders to the relevant departments. This can help to avoid the cost and disruption associated with license renewals.

Closing words

In conclusion, managing software licenses is a complex and time-consuming task, but it is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. By using a software license manager, companies can reduce the cost of managing licenses, ensure compliance with licensing agreements, and avoid the legal implications of not having the correct licenses.

So, the question remains: is your company making the most of software license management tools to stay on top of software licenses?

stophackersdmarcmisconfiguration

DMARC: How Hackers Exploit Misconfigured DMARC Settings

Michelle

Email security is a critical concern for businesses and organizations of all sizes. One important tool for protecting against email-based attacks is DMARC. When properly configured, DMARC helps to confirm the authenticity of emails & intercept them from being spoofed or impersonated.

However, misconfigured DMARC settings can leave an organization vulnerable to hacking attempts. We’ll explore how hackers take advantage of misconfigured DMARC settings and what organizations can do to protect themselves.

How hackers take advantage of misconfigured DMARC settings:

Hackers can use misconfigured DMARC settings to launch a variety of email-based attacks, such as phishing, spamming, and impersonation. 

For example, a hacker might send a phishing email from a domain that appears to be legitimate but is actually unauthenticated. 

By bypassing DMARC protection, the hacker can trick recipients into disclosing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. 

Hackers can also use misconfigured DMARC settings to send spam or impersonate a legitimate sender, damaging an organization’s reputation and credibility.

Examples of DMARC misconfiguration:

Unfortunately, misconfigured DMARC settings are all too common. In 2018, a major data breach at the Marriott hotel chain was attributed to a misconfigured DMARC record. The hackers sent phishing emails to Marriott employees that appeared to be from the company’s CEO, leading to the compromise of hundreds of millions of customer records. 

Other organizations have suffered similar breaches due to DMARC misconfiguration, including Yahoo, Target, and the Democratic National Committee.

Some common mistakes organizations make when setting up DMARC include not properly aligning SPF and DKIM records or not setting the DMARC policy to “quarantine” or “reject.” These errors can leave an organization open to attack.

Best practices for configuring DMARC: 

So, how can organizations protect themselves from these types of attacks? 

Here are some best practices for properly configuring DMARC:

  • Align SPF and DKIM records: Make sure your SPF and DKIM records align with your DMARC policy. This will help to ensure that only authenticated emails are delivered to your recipients.
  • Use a “quarantine” or “reject” policy: Set your DMARC policy to “quarantine” or “reject” to prevent unauthenticated emails from being delivered to your recipients.
  • Monitor and manage your DMARC settings: Use tools and resources like DMARC Analyzer to monitor and manage your DMARC settings. This will help you to identify any potential vulnerabilities and take action to fix them.

Misconfigured DMARC settings can leave an organization vulnerable to email-based attacks. By configuring DMARC and following best practices, organizations can protect themselves and their customers from these threats. Stay vigilant and take steps to ensure the security of your email communications.

Lorraine's House

Celebrating Women’s Month: Lorraine’s House

Michelle

In honor of Women’s Month, Tangent would like to highlight a notable non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women: Lorraine’s House. 

Lorraine’s House is a transitional living community comprising four luxury homes for residents to live in during their transitional sobriety journey. Lorraine’s House provides guidance, counseling, and support for residents to help build new sober living habits. Lorraine’s House exclusively serves women and is committed to assisting their residents live meaningful and purposeful lives, independent of addiction. 

Tangent has donated two computers to support Lorraine’s House. Our computers will assist Lorraine’s House residents with job seeking, web-research and other necessities, such as, resume creation. Our hope is that our computers further the success of Lorraine’s House residents. 

To learn more about Lorraine’s House, visit: https://lorraineshouse.org/.
Donate to Lorraine’s House: https://lorraineshouse.org/donors/