Hoffmann + Krippner Launches Automatic Diagnostic and Recovery Software for Industrial Panel PCs

flexx-RESTORE features an intuitive interface that is suitable for non-technical users. If a problem occurs the user is given the option of a ‘network boot’ that will run all necessary diagnostics and suggest an appropriate course of action. All the user then needs to do is accept the course of action and flexx-RESTORE will either automatically restore the PC to full operation or outline some additional steps to take.

The software works by allocating a server to hold a reference operating system image and copies of relevant applications for each panel PC on the network. In the event of a system crash, failure to boot or other problem, this allows the PC to be booted from the network and restored as appropriate.

Take, for example, the problem of a corrupt memory card. In this instance the server can automatically load a program onto the panel PC that will reformat the card and then re-install the operating system and the application. If this does not rectify the problem the user has the option to replace the card and then repeat the re-install process.

Discussing the launch of the new software, Ian Ritson, the managing director of Hoffmann + Krippner in the UK, comments: “flexx-RESTORE minimises the time that a unit needs to be out of service during a repair and allows non-technical users to take a frontline role in resolving a problem without the need to call an engineer. In a facility with a number of units this provides a great ‘safety net’ that reduces the time and the cost of problem identification and rectification.”