A combined visualization configuration is stored and provided by a visualization manager to a thin client HMI. Based upon the configuration, the thin client HMI accesses individual visualizations from automation components, such as automation controllers, motor controllers, camera, and so forth. Policies may be established for users and their roles, and for particular thin client HMIs, and for particular locations of or around a machine or process being monitored and/or controlled. Based on the policies, the individual visualizations are combined and may be changed if one or more of the factors changes. Interactions with the individual visualizations of the combined visualization result in signals back to the automation components originating the visualizations.