Production Monitoring FAQs

  • Can you monitor older machines?

    Sure, we can monitor older machines—the real question is do you need to monitor them? We will work with you to determine what’s best for your shop.

    • Measure uptime and downtime with an amp clamp
    • Depending on the model, some cycle time data might be available too.
  • Why does Datanomix not rely on reason codes?

    With Datanomix, there is no reason for reason codes.

    “The underlying assumption is that reason codes are necessary because the software doesn’t understand how a job is supposed to run, and therefore cannot possibly tell you whether something is running well or poorly. However, Datanomix has developed an adaptive algorithm that establishes a standard for optimal performance across various metrics, such as cutting time, probing time, touch time, and the number of planned stoppages per cycle, among others. Through G-code analytics, we can determine the cause of each stoppage and the expected duration for each event. Once you have these elements of job performance, you fully understand your process capability without putting any additional burden on your operators.”
    —Greg McHale, Founder & CEO, Datanomix

  • How does your scoring system work?

    By running just a few parts, Datanomix creates performance benchmarks for every job you run. Benchmarks are based on your best performance for every part and evolve over time, providing a stretch goal for future runs of that part. The benchmarks are also used to create a production score—from A plus to C minus—for every job.

    Production scores for every job are displayed on smart TVs on the shop floor. This easy-to-understand score shows your entire team—in real-time—which jobs are on track and which jobs need attention. Different shifts know how they are performing in relation to your benchmarks and to other shifts, giving everyone an incentive to achieve.

  • How does your software get the benchmark for cycle time? Does someone need to enter a benchmark for every job?

    This is one of the things that makes us unique—we don’t require operator input for anything. Our software automatically figures out benchmarks for cycle time, parts/hr and utilization just by doing statistical analysis on the data coming from your machines.

  • What’s involved in getting the system setup?

    We typically just need WiFi network information and can take it from there. We plug a device into your CNC machines which sits on the WiFi network and is collecting real-time data.

  • How many users does your licensing include?

    Our pricing is per machine per year, not per user. You can have as many user accounts as you’d like.

  • Can this data integrate with my ERP system?

    It certainly can, although the vast majority of our customers choose to run us as a standalone system because of the value of our information and the quality of our user interface.

    Use ProShop?
    A ProShop ERP integration is now available inside the Datanomix platform. By enabling this integration, Datanomix automatically matches part numbers in the machine code to those from the ProShop ERP system and extracts target takt times. These targets are integrated into the Datanomix Quote Calibration Report to quickly identify opportunities for margin improvement by comparing the ProShop target takt times to Datanomix actuals and benchmarks. Pre-packaged filters in the report show exactly which jobs to work on —Biggest Winners, Biggest Losers, Losers that Could Be Winners, and Winners with Upside— are a Continuous Improvement leader’s dream.

    If you are looking for deeper insights from your ERP system, you should consider our Digital GEMBA Board.

Digital GEMBA FAQs

  • How does this get the data to populate the Digital GEMBA Board?

    Part of our Digital GEMBA Board product includes our GEMBA Connector—a simple piece of software that connects to your ERP database to feed information into our system.

  • Which ERP systems do you support?

    We currently support ShopTech E2, JobBoss and GlobalShop. Have something different? We’re more than happy to work with you!

  • How do I display my digital GEMBA board?

    The solution includes everything you will need to broadcast the GEMBA Board on a smart TV. TV’s can be placed in both office areas and on the factory floor for interaction by all team members. Our Digital GEMBA Board is designed to be a real time interactive experience. 

Condition Detection FAQs

  • What kind of conditions can I monitor?

    In addition to the alarms available from your machines themselves, you can monitor any environmental condition of your choosing. Common applications include temperatures, pressures, and vibrations.

  • Which sensor types do you support?

    We work with any brand of sensors that supports IO-Link. This includes the most common industrial brands such as Baluff and IFM.

  • How do I get alerted when something is outside of acceptable parameters?

    We support text and e-mail alerting. Additionally, our software automatically determines reasonable statistical ranges for any condition on a per machine and per job basis. This means we know acceptable ranges of tool loads, vibrations, etc. on each job you run, and are able to guardband those to detect outliers and alert you accordingly.