Plantnode® from Shoplogix™
Automated Data Stream
In the patented Plantnode approach, data is collected by a small device that is
connected directly to the heartbeat of your plant equipment. This Plantnode device
captures a real-time and 100% accurate reading of machine state (running or idle)
and production speed or count over time. Additional signals can also be captured.
On the plant floor, the operator uses a barcode reader to scan the job order (1),
thereby recording the standards for the job such as set-up time, run duration, run
speed and run quantity. Barcoding is used during the production run to record reasons
for downtime and scrap, eliminating all need for manual data input.
The Plantnode device calculates the variance between the job performance standards
and the actual machine performance.
100% accurate data is delivered in real time via a web browser so that reports and
analysis are available immediately, highlighting opportunities to drive performance
improvement (1a).
Employee Efficiency Stream
An LED display on the plant floor in plain view of the operator displays the current
operating mode and the variance between the target and actual performance in real
time (1b). A positive variance appears in green text and a negative variance in
red text, while information within a user-defined range of target is displayed in
orange.
The visibility of this real-time data stream has an immediate impact on operator
performance. First, it enables operators to draw on their skills and experience
to make immediate decisions that directly impact productivity on the job they’re
running. Secondly, because other individuals in the plant are able to see whether
the job is making money or losing money for the company, the operator is highly
motivated to improve his or her performance, and management can immediately redirect
resources as opportunities arise.
Managing Downtime
When a machine becomes idle, Plantnode automatically displays the idle state on
both the LED board and on web-based screens. If maintenance is required, the operator
scans the appropriate barcode, and the system automatically notifies the maintenance
department by email or pager (1c). The LED display shows “Awaiting Maintenance”
along with the elapsed wait time in minutes.
When the maintenance employee arrives at the machine, an additional barcode scan
records that maintenance is underway. The system calculates the duration of the
maintenance response and begins to count the duration of the repair or replenishment
task.
Plantnode’s ability to alert, calculate durations, and display machine status and
idle time translates into improved accountability, much faster response times, and
significantly reduced downtime.
Instant Insight
We wanted to give you the facts as briefly as possible. The power of Plantnode®
is in the reporting. It’s web based, so accessible via any web browser, anywhere,
and shows you through its intuitive interface where the problems and opportunities
are. Here’s a couple of screen shots – but there are a great deal more covering
OEE, Productivity, Alarms, Downtime analysis…. And more.
We can provide a 20 minute web demo so
you don’t even have to leave your desk. Alternatively if you’d like to talk about
what Plantnode can do for your business then will
call you.