The Automated Data Collection System’s vision in software development is to take care of only the information helpful to better manage operations and business. The design’s approach is not to fill the applications with data that the customer will not use: our goal is to provide to the operator, or to the decision maker all the information required to act most effectively. Nothing more. The modular structure of these solutions shapes the application to the specific needs of each customer. Moreover the designed solution will keep the hardware required at the minimum needed to guarantee this effectiveness.

Matrix Defined - "A rectangular array of numerical data-data Matrix has controlled for 50 years to save you money!"

The Basics of Auto Data Collection are:

• The data is collected by machine and/or by event
• The data comes from any type of sensor (temperature, length, weight, on/off etc)
• The information is presented and grouped at the appropriate level (single machine or machine group or department)
• The data logging can be continuous and/or by event
• When needed an event can trigger an alarm system
• The solution can be on-line or stand alone
• The data is exchanged with the company system regarding the instructions and the operations.

The Automated Data Collection’s solution, compared to other market available products:

• Is the best system to support operators controlling one machine, or a limited number of machines
• Uses graphic information to improve the communication, not as a show-box addition
• Minimizes the data keyed in by the operator, reducing the number of manual errors
• Fits perfectly to the customer’s presentation needs (On the spot customization)

Automated Data Collection System’s: Data Logging

• Data logging is continuous: The data is logged by machine-independently if a work
  order is in process or not. The logging interval is parametric and can be set by
  machine
• The Data is logged by event:
  • End of work order step
  • Start of work order step
  • When a stop is detected
  • Operator input.

Auto Collection Highlights: Alarm System

The Auto Data Collection System is equipped with an efficient alarm system that can control the critical parameters by work orders. The control value is downloaded from the system and the out-of-line value will trigger:

• Displays of predefined pictures
• Automatic entry to data logging
• Alarm windows, with required operator confirmation
• An optional switch can activate external alarm devices
• When needed the parameters can be temporarily disabled

Auto Collection Highlights: Stop Detection

The stop of a machine is an event carefully recorded.

• Automatic recorded stop (if machines stop, or are on low speeds within a defined time frame)
• Code recorded stop (by operator input, or by digital input from the machine)
• Start after stop detection when the machine starts running after a stop
• Multiple stop recording (In case of several stop/starts without entering the stop code, all stops remain till they are confirmed).

Auto Collection Highlights: Linking with the Information System

Some data is downloaded to Auto Collection from other applications. Most often they are:

• Work order steps and details
• Article with article information
• Instructions by work order step
• Instructions by article
• Customer information.

The collected information is then uploaded from Data Collection to the Information System:

• Shift summary
• Operator summary
• Shift/operator change on occurrence
• Event summary by step
• Event on occurrence
• General step data (length, time,...)

Many calculations are done online by Auto Collection. For example:

• Efficiency
• Remaining production length/time
• Speed
• Length
• Theoretical weight
• Shift change on user login (+,- minutes handled)

Auto Collection Highlights: the Supervisor

The supervisor handles all data and provides the information in the most suitable form:

• by machine
• by machine group
• by department
• by plant
• data for queue management

Auto Collection Highlights: Statistics

The details for each work-order step are handled by Automated Data Collection. The data can be exported in different formats (FTP, XML, ASCII, dBase) with the statistics processed using Business Intelligence tools (such as BOARD), or databases (such as MS-Access or SQL-server). Small analysis can be done with a spreadsheet tool like Excel.

The Automated Data Collection’s Highlights-Hardware Utilization

The entire system has to run on a local area network. You, or any local supplier can do the installation. There are no special requirements on the server and the operating system. Standard hardware and software are used for the server and the network. Depending on the environment it's often possible to install standard PCs on the production floor.

When needed, Matrix can offer industrial PCs:

- Fully cased, without fan = dust protected (without keyboard)
- With length measurement units included.

The work parameters can be measured with different devices. For example Matrix can offer the length measurement units as:

- Encoder with 5 Meter cable
- PC-Card for connection to encoder
- PC-Card includes also a signal contact (i.e. for Alarms)

System administration:

• Translation of screens, messages and labels by end user
• Station depending periphery (PLC, Scale)
• Station depending length measurement
• Each language supported, including Chinese etc.
• Free designable screens
• Simple customization of data exchange (host)
• Label and report parameterization by end user

Please contact Matrix Controls with any questions (Contact Us), or feel free to fill out a Needs Analysis Form (your Industry), where we can further provide solutions for your company. Free PDF Downloads available upon registration, as well.

>> Automated Data Collection's Return on Investment Overview

>> Download/View Automated Data Collection System Short Overview - Register Here

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