SSI DACS - The Prize Winning Data Collection and Integration Solution

SSI-DACS provides a unique capability to manufacturing companies by allowing ERP systems, such as SSI’s TROPOS, to capture real-time data directly from process controls and discrete instrumentation on the factory floor. This information can be used for process and quality monitoring and by providing real-time work in progress (WIP) information to the ERP system, it can improve the accuracy of customers’ ‘Available to Promise’ and ‘Capable to Promise’ data within Sales Order Processing.

SSI-DACS utilises ERP system based data to add value to machine readings, such as temperature or moisture, by relating them to a particular product, works order or other unique reference. This level of integration gives customers more visibility of their production environment and also allows them to exercise far more control than was previously possible.

SSI-DACS brings together what is often a community of internally integrated, traditionally disparate, systems to provide increased visibility of WIP, product quality, plant reliability, and plant utilisation.

SSI-DACS is designed for easy integration. As well as the two-way interface with ERP and other business systems, the database is accessible by Business Intelligence tools, such as COGNOS Impromptu and PowerPlay for modelling and forecasting or simpler Microsoft products such as Excel and Access for data extract and queries.

Because the data is real time and on-line, SSI-DACS information can be accessed anywhere on the network and even across Intranets, Extranets or the Internet. This means that executives never need to be out of touch with their operation wherever they happen to be. Furthermore, it provides vital supporting information for supply chain collaboration initiatives.

SSI-DACS consists of two major elements - the SSI-DACS database and the SSI-DACS Client. The database holds master definition tables for transducers, machines and processes. These tables enable SSI-DACS to store all the readings taken against a process. The Client consists of a process I/O module, and various control components which are used to provide both Man Machine Interface (MMI) and the integration to other systems.

The successful implementation of a comprehensive solution such as SSI-DACS requires the support of experts from a number of fields. SSI is the ideal partner for companies wishing to gain the maximum benefit for their investment. The implementation services provided by SSI include:

• Process definition
• Discrete Solution Definition
• Instrumentation surveying
• System Integration
• Bespoke development
• Testing
• Training
• Full ongoing maintenance and support

For technical innovation and competitive advantage through improved factory control, SSI are the partner of choice.

*At the CIM 2000 Awards, Independent Exhibitions, SSI were awarded a “Highly Commended” in the ‘Best New Factory Control Product’ category for SSI-DACS. The key criteria for judging in each award category was “the most convincing demonstration of business advantage from the system for manufacturing users”. The panel of judges was chaired by, Brian Tinham, Editor of Manufacturing Computer Solutions, the awards sponsor, and comprised of independent industry analysts and consultants, AMR Research, ARC Advisory and Cambashi.