Operational data collection in production

Operational data collection in production refers to the collection, recording, and evaluation of data that comes directly from the production process. These data can include information such as machine run times, downtimes, production quantities, quality parameters, and material consumption.
Das Bild zeigt die EDV-Pyramide eines produzierenden Unternehmens. Auf der unteren Ebene befinden sich die Betriebsdatenerfassung (BDE) und Maschinendatenerfassung (MDE). Darüber steht das MES-System. An der Spitze befindet sich das ERP-System. Planmeldedaten werden von oben nach unten und Rückmeldedaten werden von unten nach oben durch die Schichten übergeben.

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Introduction

Industrial companies are feeling an increasing pressure to adapt themselves to the changing environment. Medium-sized companies in particular are currently facing a wide range of challenges. At the same time, these changes offer enormous opportunities and potential. In order to remain competitive in the future, small and medium-sized enterprises must reposition themselves and face the challenges.

Implementing digital solutions can help companies streamline business processes, increase productivity, and open up new business areas. The step towards a digital future is not too far. The key to increased efficiency and thus increased profit lies in the networking and use of information that is generated daily in every company. The collection of this operating data is a prerequisite for the automation of production control and thus a central step on the way to a smart factory.

Operational data collection as a basis

Many companies already use ERP, PPS, CAM, or MES systems. However, a comprehensive operational data collection, which enables a transparent view of the actual state of production, is not possible without a corresponding module.

ERP

(Enterprise-Resource-Planning)

Software solutions for controlling business processes that are used in all areas of operation. It ensures that corporate resources such as capital, personnel and material are provided on time and in line with demand, so that value creation remains efficient and company operations are continually optimised. The aim is to ensure an efficient value creation process and a continuously optimised management of business and operational processes.

PPS (Production Planning and Control Systems)

For operational planning and control of production activities. You take over the associated data management. The aim of the PPS systems is to realize short turnaround times, to meet deadlines, to achieve optimum stock levels and to make economical use of the equipment. ERP systems can integrate PPS systems.

CAM

(computer-aided manufacturing)

CAM refers to the use of cnc machines independent software to generate the NC code, which controls CNC machine tools. CAM refers to the use of cnc machines independent software to generate the NC code, which controls CNC machine tools. CAM is an essential part of computer-integrated production (CIM) Working on the CAM system does not interrupt the productivity of the CNC machine. Recurring tasks can be completed more quickly by depositing your own functions.

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

MES are used for operational control of production. The PPS system transfers production orders (debit data) to the MES via an interface. The ODC (operational data collection) collects the production results (actual data) and returns them. By comparing target and actual data, processes can be optimized and errors in the flow can be detected. For production planning, the ERP accesses the MSE and at the same time passes on the production planning to the MSE.

Types of data from operational data collection

The term operational data collection or sometimes production data acquisition (PDA) refers to the collection and processing of data in machine-processable form from operational production. Correct and up-to-date data from the production process are indispensable for planning by PPS components of ERP systems and by MES. The advancing digitalization enables an automated ODC, at the same time the ODC intervenes more deeply in the processes of different areas in the company. Old machines should not be replaced, but connected in such a way that software can be used effectively to make the collected data usable. Thus, the real value lies in the software. The aim is to gain transparency in order to identify and exploit optimization potentials and thus to make the work of people and machines smart and efficient.

Order data

  • Production data (times, number, weight, quality, quantities)
  • Order progress

Personnel data

  • Inand and absence, working time
  • Wage costs
  • Access rights

Process

  • Running times, downtimes, waiting times
  • Utilization
  • Availability and reliability
  • Machine condition (main time, off-time, fault, maintenance, maintenance)
  • Consumption of energy and aids
  • Immission values
  • Process and set-up time
  • Setting data
  • Quality
  • Pressure, Temperature, Clock

Product Data

  • Quantities produced
  • Production
  • Percentage of scrap products

Tool data

  • State

Material data

  • State
  • Storage
  • Use
  • Precursors

An important data source for operational data collection in production is machine data aquisition.