FactoryWiz allows users to monitor activity on each machine in their shop. Typical items monitored include:
Cycle Times
Part Counts
Idle Times
Alarms
Variable Changes
Feedrate Overrides
Each of these is dependant on the capabilites of the machine tool control.
FactoryWiz connects directly to machine tool controls that have Ethernet connections or to a data collection device that is added to the control. Newer controls allow a greater range of data to be collected, but Cycle Times, Part Counts and Idle Times are usually available.
FactoryWiz is a server device that can be installed in a network and contains the software and database associated with the application. The FactoryWiz supports up to 5 CNCs, while the FactoryWiz Pro will support up to 64. Both require a domain-based network with access to the CNCs. Data collected is put into a relational database, MYSQL, and stored for later analysis. With a browser-based GUI, FactoryWiz can be accessed from any workstation in the network and even from the Internet, should you decide to allow outside access. The data can be viewed in real time - what is happening right now - as well as massaged to show trends, utilization and other information. The longer the database is in place, the more valuable the information passed to management. Below are some sample reports:
