How does Plantnode differ from a data logger?

The difference between a data logger and Plantnode is that typically a data logger will be a database that collects signals from sensors and PLC’s and will store them for analysis using a separate tool or spread-sheet.

Plantnode is a self- contained device that has its own database (SQL) and presents reports via a normal web browser in Adobe Flash providing a rich interface with multiple reports that can be viewed singularly or overlaid to give insights that may not be easily achievable using a spread-sheet. This mean that no time is consumed in specifying the reports you need because they already exist.

Plantnode also utilises Visual management by an overhead LED display that is normally placed over the machine giving instant feedback to the operator that will carry such messages as ‘Below rate’, ‘Elapsed Set up time’ for example – giving real time feedback to the operator as to how performance can be improved.

Also included is a bar-code scanner that allows for a simple scan to record reasons for downtime giving context to a machine state. For instance a signal may be received that the machine is in an idle state but a barcode scan made by the operator may show that lack of materials or machine failure was the underlying reason.

Finally the bar code scanner allows for job standards to be taken into Plantnode which means variance from those standards may be measured in real-time (with feedback to the operator) so that the data collected is used proactively and not just historically to improve performance.