The speed and accuracy with which data is collected is probably the single biggest influence on the effectiveness of ERP and Supply Chain systems. Whatever the source of the data, type or context, it must be complete, accurate, timely and cost-effective to collect. SSI has added Shop Floor Data Collection (SFDC) and SCADA Integration to its range of TROPOS Software Development Toolkits so that devices can be quickly and easily configured to run standard transactions collecting, validating and updating data from where it is being generated.

TROPOS runs completely in a Browser, so any data collection device capable of running IE 6 and above can run TROPOS data entry transactions. The TROPOS Application Designer can create Browser Applications that will fit within the smaller screens of portable and industrial devices.

SSI has a long history of providing enterprise solutions to the manufacturing sector, and understands better than most the problems of data collection. To solve them, we have developed the required software tools and forged partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers to provide one of the most comprehensive portfolio of data collection solutions available.

Nematron Formula Mounted Touchscreen PCs - ideal for a rugged industrial environment

Industrial PCs and Tablets

SSI can supply fully industrialised PCs, including cabinets suitable for wash-down in food processing areas. When coupled with touch-screens and scanners, these PCs can be configured to provide easy to use, highly visual instructions suitable for use by shop-floor workers and contract labour with minimal training. PCs can either be linked directly into the business network, or RF network cards can be installed giving added flexibility for relocation or positioning in a shop floor environment.

Formula PCs are Nematron’s family of mounted touchscreen industrial PCs that bring very functional and cost-effective data collection opportunities into the production area. Mounted in cabinets or on the production equipment, these full-size touch-screens, available with 15 and 17 inch screens, can be configured with additional keypads and bar-code scanners. These are fully-functional PCs and are ideal for configured TROPOS input, enquiry or information screens.

Machine data collection

SSI use a componentised software toolkit including SCADA interfaces and ERP integration components to build solutions to integrate ERP systems with shopfloor machines and process management systems. Infinitely scalable, these solutions can collect machine output data from production equipment, such as counts, production variable and sensor output signals that are converted into recordable data for consolidating into system update transactions. The raw data, which may be more detailed than is required for the production management system, can also be maintained for ongoing analysis purposes. This level of integration gives unparalleled visibility across the whole factory, and the collection of data can be entirely automatic.

Shop floor data collection

TROPOS, like most ERP or MRP systems collects transactions such as recording production activity or stock movements. These transactions normally require keyboard input on a standard screen, however, the data entry process can be vastly simplified if bar-coded data can be scanned using a tethered scanner on the PC. Where data is being recorded in a location unsuitable for standard PC’s, dedicated shop floor data collection devices must be used.

Batch devices can collect data for later transfer to the host system, alternatively real-time devices linked by a RF network provide on-line validation and real-time update. SSI can provide a range of industrial data collection devices that can be hand-held or truck mounted, updating the host system in real time over an RF network. These devices accept keypad input or bar-codes and can be read with an integral, tethered or radio linked scanner. Using the SSI TROPOS SFDC Toolkit, scripts can be written that convert easily understood operator prompts on the data collection device to standard TROPOS transactions. All software runs on the host system, which means the maintenance of the device is minimal. Because this is operating in real time, data is fully validated and available to the business instantly.

Barcode data collection

SSI is a certified Intermec partner and can provide the widest range of barcode related equipment. This includes industrial label printers, print-and-apply equipment, bar-code scanners, batch data collection devices and real time radio frequency (RF) devices.

Mobile Data Collection

Where data has to be collected by a mobile device operating outside the range of a RF network, there is no alternative but to record the data on a suitable mobile device and periodically update the host system with a batch data link. The design of batch data collection solutions has to take into account data validation, how errors are handled, ergonomics, logistics of the solution and user acceptability. An example of a batch data collection solution is one developed by SSI for managing van sales. Stock and order data is downloaded from the host system to a cab-mounted system at the start of the round, the operator records deliveries, collects cash, prints documents using a cab-mounted printer, and updates the host system and the end of the shift. Another example of batch data collection was developed for a petrochemicals company where production information had to be recorded inside a hazardous area, where the requirement for intrinsically safe devices meant that RF equipment was inappropriate.

Summary

SSI can provide a comprehensive range of data collection solutions to meet requirements ranging from production, machine monitoring, warehousing and mobile data collection. In addition to the specification and supply of equipment, SSI can provide RF site surveys, design and development of batch and mobile data collection systems, training and support. SSI can also provide production data management systems to manage production data collection either as part of a TROPOS supply chain solution or interfaced with other ERP packages.