One or more SIMATIC ITCs are connected over Ethernet to a server (PC or panel). No local applications are executed on the devices themselves (apart from the integrated web browser). All thin clients are provided with the faceplate by the server over the network, and display this faceplate without applications being installed on the thin client. Inputs on the thin client are transferred to the server and processed there. The user operates the thin client as if working on the server itself. Touch operation or operation using a keyboard/mouse connected to the USB interfaces is possible.