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MFG Day 2016 is Coming

mfg dayMFG Day 2016 is Coming

Shop Floor Automations (SFA) will present to our audience a week-long celebration of MFG DAY, which takes place October 7th. The National Holiday is a celebration of how the industry has evolved in recent years, with a heavy focus on pulling in a future generation to keep the job field thriving.

SFA will roll out the red carpet for MFG DAY by providing followers a day-to-day parade of content relative to the Holiday the week it occurs. Informative blogs, a video, maybe even an infographic, will be just some of the fun content to experience. We may even give out one of their hilarious G-code T-Shirts, but definitely, count on a discount to celebrate the Holiday in our online store!

Could an MFG DAY related strip from our new comic series called “Shop Floor Man” (which is pictured to the top left and may be clicked on to magnify) be coming? We are also reaching out to some of their amazing customers in the Manufacturing field to get their stories and insight from the work they do, which will hopefully be included in these celebrations.

Follow what we will be up to on Twitter at both @SFA_inc and @ShopFloorHumor. We are also on Instagram and Facebook under the username ShopFloorAutomations. Look for all of our MFG Day related content on our website blog. Fill out our contact form, so we can get in touch with you on your time.

Remember – when tweeting about MFG Day, please use the tag #MFGday16 or use it to keep up with the fun events on this momentous day!

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Scytec DataXchange Updates

August 2016 Scytec DataXchange Updates

There are some great changes on the horizon for DataXchange from Scytec. Shop Floor Automations, an authorized reseller of the program, would like to take the time to quickly highlight previews of changes to come.

dataxchange

Enjoy OEE machine monitoring with a real-time shop floor layout. New OEE charts, views from a real-time dashboard, plus multiple part-time analysis reports, a shop floor layout view in the dashboard, and various equipment status comparison charts that will analyze equipment utilization across a span of different days will be included in new updates.

dataxchange updates

For a quick window into what you get from Scytec’s DataXchange, via the product page:

  • Pay $45 monthly per machine – no long-term contract
  • We house the servers for an unlimited number of users
  • Real-time data collection from CNC controllers & equipment
  • Unlimited reporting & charting licenses
  • View & report on data results from anywhere
  • Track multiple cycle time types
  • System is supported under Windows 10

Check out our main page for what we will be up to at IMTS 2016, and call (877) 611-5825 for machine monitoring, and other shop floor solutions.

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Closing the MFG Skills Gap

A Haas CNC controller with a clip art "Vacancy" sign hanging from it. Behind the controller are another CNC machine and controller. The text says "SFA evaluates the manufacturing skills gap".Closing the MFG Skills Gap

To quote Bob Dylan – “the times, they are a-changin‘”. This also applies to the manufacturing industry and a serious demand for skilled workers in this field.

With today’s generation of youth, it seems as if they all want to be YouTube stars, singers, actors, artists – anything creative to get fame and to make a lot of money is the appeal. Many organizations are working hard to peak the interest of today’s youth into the manufacturing industry, which falls into the realm of more technological or scientific trades (AKA: STEM). They are trying to convey to this upcoming generation of workers that they can find creativity, the possibility of prominence, and good pay with jobs in the manufacturing sector. 

There are notable efforts from multiple organizations to combat the very near future’s need for skilled manufacturing workers. One example is the SME Education Foundation, who in a genius move also own the domain ManufacturingisCool.com.

You may remember a piece we did on Workshops for Warriors, which focuses on getting well-deserved military veterans into manufacturing jobs. We also tip our hats to NIMS (the National Institute for Metalworking Skills), the ML Council, The Manufacturing Institute, NAM (the National Association of Manufacturers), AMT (the Association for Manufacturing Technology), and NTMA (the National Tooling and Machining Association) for helping to close the skills gap in this area.

What more can be done? Recently, the Haas Technical Education Center has been encouraging those in any aspect of the manufacturing industry to let Congress know that the need currently ranges from moderate to serious for these skilled positions. With the help of NAM and the Manufacturing Institute, they are looking for help in passing H.R. 5587 AKA the Strengthening Career & Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.

More information about H.R. 5587 can be found via the National Skills Coalition site. If you are in need of technical solutions to help your shop floor thrive, please call us at 877-611-5825. You may also fill out our contact form. 

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Machine Monitoring is a Must

Machine Monitoring

Machine Monitoring is a Must

You can see your machine manufacture something in real time. What about monitoring the data of what your machines are doing in real time? It’s possible! 

Software can be utilized to collect and analyze machine activity data such as MTConnect, Fanuc FOCAS, plus custom macros, and the aid of certain hardware devices. An easy-to-view dashboard, as well as charts and historical reports, can help your shop floor monitor downtime, runtime, and OEE data.

As discussed in a previous blog, you can get email notifications when there are any production delays due to your machines. You can also get text messages.

These different messages can also be targeted to specific operators who work different shifts, which means one employee who is off for certain shift doesn’t have to hear about a machine that is down when employee two can handle it.

Options for machine monitoring you can take advantage of range from a convenient application, a permanent license you own, or a month-to-month license that does not require on-site servers. Be sure to call us if you want more information at (877) 611-5825, or ask us questions on social media! 

 

SFA Examines TouchHMI

what is touch hmi Predator Touch HMI

Predator Touch HMI, a relatively new application, is a favorite here at Shop Floor Automations. We wanted to take the time to do an in-depth piece on its benefits.

What can best be described as a big button interface, Touch HMI is an application that operators to use to simplify sending and receiving programs to and from machines. For shops employing machine data collection, they can put in downtime codes that the operators can choose, such as setup or preventative maintenance, for example.

Touch HMI can be accessed from any Windows-based platform, such as a compatible tablet or cell phone, as well as a network PC. Touch HMI can communicate over a network, wired and wirelessly, as well as via a serial connection.

This time-saving interface consolidates multiple automation platforms with features like data collection, DNC, plus other types of document control platforms. You can automate processes on the machine, and really any third party software can be integrated with it. It acts as one common place for the operator to interact with that looks visually pleasing and is easy to understand.

Predator DNC is one tool used to communicate with and network CNC machines. Touch HMI makes communicating easier than all the different alternatives currently available. You can use it with a bar code reader, but it can also replace what a bar code does, too! Custom color coding is also an option SFA has for customers to make the system easier to read.

Another great feature of TouchHMI that you may not have thought about? Because the Internet of Things is such an influence in the manufacturing industry, a button can be customized on an individual client’s interface that is a supplement to their daily schedule.

Want a button that goes to a web browser, so your operator can order lunch and have it be ready for pick up when they go on break? Or a button where a tech can request time off? A button on the interface that can report work hazards is also a possibility. Anything you can think of to put on that extra button is likely a can-do by our creative technical team, so call us to learn more at 877-611-5825!

CNC Email Notifications

Machine Monitoring NotificationsCNC Machine Email Notifications

You rely on emails heavily in today’s technological world. Imagine being able to receive an email when your CNC machine goes down. 

DataXchange from Scytec is a machine monitoring solution we highly recommend if this sounds appealing to you. DataXchange connects to your newer CNC equipment through an ethernet port, or for legacy machines and non-CNC equipment, SFA adds a hardware solution to compliment DataXChange that can monitor your machines.

Configure downtimes you want to be notified about, and an email automatically sends to anyone on your specified distribution list. Set custom parameters for timing or hierarchy of the emails, too.

Picture this: if a machine alarm goes off, you can set the system up to wait for a set period of time before it emails you – this eliminates an email being sent out for every small event.  Or you can set it to send an email to John Smith at the company if the alarm happens during first shift, while if the alarm happens during second shift, the email is sent to Jane Doe. This eliminates unnecessary emails to people that might be at home asleep!

Instant access to shop floor data and productivity is a valuable tool.  Correct problems faster and increase up-time with solutions like these. Call us at 877-611-5825, send a message to our Sales team, or come find us on one of our social media channels.

First Hawaii SFA Customer

A USB Connect Portable is on a clip art beach with a coconut drink and a hawaiian lei around it. The text says "Aloha! California to Hawaii".

First Hawaii Shop Floor Automations Customer

Here at Shop Floor Automations, we love all of our customers and we are excited that the number grows every day. An order we got today was particularly thrilling, as it’s our first ever client based out of Hawaii!

The order we saw come in was for our Portable USB Connect. Turns out, they need it to communicate with their Milltronics control. They are currently using SD cards and they no longer want to deal with the 2GB restriction. Who can blame them?! The cards are also hard to find for them, so they opted for our Portable USB Connect.

While our Wireless Connect was not the best option for them, we respect and will anticipate how to cater to every need for every one of our customers. As we say “aloha” to this unit and ship it off to Hawaii, we sure hope our new client will say “aloha” back and let us know how the unit is working for them!

If you want to become our newest customer, or have purchased from us in the past and want some new solutions, contact us here. Did you know that if you once had a maintenance agreement with us, that it may be time to renew? Call us to find out at 877-611-5825. We can’t wait to chat with you! 

July/August 2016 SFA Newsletter

Shop Floor Automations NewsletterThis is an archive of our July/August Shop Floor Automations Newsletter.

Manufacturing Jobs for Veterans

Shop Floor Automations recently attended an event where
an open house was held for an organization called Workshops for Warriors.

Military veterans from all over the USA come to Workshops for
Warriors in San Diego so they can gain nationally recognized
certifications and get careers in the manufacturing industry.

Get a DNC Safety Net

It goes without saying that your machines are your biggest asset on
your shop floor. New employees can be trained, generators can be used
when the power goes out – the list of safe alternatives goes on and on.

What happens when the DNC goes down? There are numerous ways this can
happen, but instead of running nightmare scenarios in your head, how
about a backup plan instead?

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO!
Toll Free: (877) 611-5825
LINK TO ORIGINAL NEWSLETTER

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Manufacturing News – June 2016

A clipping of an article about SFA and Touch HMI Software, accompanied by an angled view of a Floppy Drive Emulator.

Manufacturing News – June 2016

Shop Floor Automations was featured in Manufacturing News this past month of June 2016. In the article, we spoke about Touch HMI Software from Predator, as well as our Floppy Drive Emulators.

“Touch HMI has the ability for wired and wireless support, as well as configuration to communication with CNCs, CMMs, test stands, and other devices,” we stated, of Touch HMI software.

In regards to the Floppy Emulator, which was once called the FD Connect but is now part of our Floppy Connect line, we wrote: “a CNC control that still uses a floppy drive can easily switch to using a USB drive.” The Floppy Connect line is off-the-shelf compatible with Haas, but it is also compatible with other machines, with the help of our technicians.

Click Read our piece, plus the whole issue! Call (877) 611-5825 for more information.

The founders of SFA have many years of experience providing effective solutions to manufacturers large and small from coast to coast. Their expertise in designing and implementing DNC and Shop Floor Networks allows them to take the best hardware and software products to the next level. That level is a fully implemented, turnkey solution tailored specifically for a customer’s requirements and environments.

SFA has become the industry leader in Shop Floor Communications and Machine Monitoring Solutions. Totally redefining what “Shop Floor Automation” solutions should be.  With thousands of customers from across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia, SFA was called upon by other vendors to provide other solutions that could be met by our knowledge, support and sales experience of the manufacturing industry.  In 2010, SFA aligned itself with these vendors to close the loop with maintenance management software, job management and scheduling software, hardware manufacturers, and machine tool companies.

SFA YouTube Transcriptions

Okuma Floppy DriveShop Floor Automations YouTube Transcriptions

For those who are hearing impaired, or just wanted a little more comprehension on our YouTube Automation Insights and Solutions, we at Shop Floor Automations have taken the liberty to not only personally caption our own videos, but to provide transcriptions here.

In a hurry? Contact Support by sending a message.

The very first transcription best symbolizes what our company is all about, and we encourage you to read more after the page break:

Manufacturing Integrator – CNC Hardware & CNC Software :  Shop Floor Automations sells, installs, and supports software and hardware solutions for the manufacturing industry. We have a variety of solutions that will increase the efficiency and productivity of a shop floor. They range from machine monitoring, DNC software, job scheduling, document control, and more! We also offer hardware solutions to help a shop go wireless or convert to USB.

Our off-the-shelf products are completely customizable, scalable to grow with your company, and able to meet the needs of any company, small to large, in any industry. If you want to optimize performance throughout your shop process, Shop Floor Automations is ready to help.

We’ve been in business since 1998 and we cover the entire United States, parts of Canada, and Mexico. We have a singular focus in providing preeminent automation tools with world-class service. We take great pains to know your products, machines, and methods, inside and out, to build lasting customer relationships and allow us to develop superior customized solutions to help you run a more efficient shop. Shop Floor Automations helps keep you connected to your shop, so you can keep your shop connected to the world! READ MORE BELOW
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