Shop Floor Automations – Your Trusted Partner in Machine Automation

A screenshot of Predator DNC software, showing the list of machines on the network.If you are looking to improve your shop floor efficiency, automating your shop floor equipment is the perfect way to do so and the experts at Shop Floor Automations can help.

Why should you turn to Shop Floor Automations instead of our competitors? Keep reading to learn why we’re the best in the business!

Shop Floor Automations Has Experience You Can Trust

At Shop Floor Automations, we have over 20 years of experience. Since , we’ve been working hard to help shops of all sizes automate their equipment and improve their operating efficiency. Our skilled team knows the ins and outs of machine automation and we are committed to addressing the individual manufacturing automation needs of our customers.

Shop Floor Automations Offers Turnkey Solutions, Software & Hardware

Our experienced team offers a wide variety of turnkey solutions, including a variety of software and hardware products. These products include:

Predator Software

  • CNC Editor: NC file editing, backplotting & file compare. Basic RS232 CNC communication. For your G-code editing needs.
  • DNC: Shop floor connectivity. Security, management, & reliability for any CNC make/model. Drip-feeding of large programs. The ultimate manufacturing automation software.
  • MDC:  Data collection of shop floor productivity metrics. Improve operations & decisions. Increase OEE & track machine trends.
  • PDM: Manufacturing documentation management. Sign-offs, instructions, requirements, & processes are in a secured vault with revision control.  Go paperless and obtain shop floor management through PDM!
  • Tracker: Keep track of tooling, gauges, & other valuable tools on the shop floor.

Scytec

  • DataXchange: Cloud or on-premise. Real-time machine monitoring for improved OEE.

MTConnect

  • A universal factory floor communication standard
  • Enables the efficient transfer of data between devices & manufacturing shop floor software applications.
  • We provide MTConnect Adapters for a variety of machines, plus implementation services.

If you are interested in learning more about our machine automation products, contact Shop Floor Automations today for more information.

Trust Shop Floor Automations with Your Software & Hardware Needs

At Shop Floor Automations, we have helped automate thousands of machines for shops of all sizes. We don’t force the same solutions on every customer, rather we work to understand the needs of our individual customers so we can provide a solution that is tailored to their processes. If you are looking for help automating your shop floor equipment, trust the experts at Shop Floor Automations to get the job done right. Don’t wait, give us a call today at (619) 461-4000 to request a quote or get on the schedule!

To learn more about the machine automation, hardware, and software services that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

 

What Are the Benefits of Installing DNC Software?

A screenshot of Predator DNC software that lets you manage CNC programs and machine parameters on a single network.If you want to improve your shop floor efficiencies, DNC software is a great option. At Shop Floor Automations, we offer DNC software solutions that can help take your manufacturing process to the next level.

What are the benefits of installing Predator DNC Software?

Predator DNC is a tool that allows you to transfer files to and from your CNC machines securely. There are many benefits associated with installing Predator DNC software, including:

  • The ability to integrate the software on legacy equipment of all types
  • Transparent CNC network security
  • Reduces the costs of upgrading older equipment
  • Integrates with other applications in the future, machine monitoring, tool management, paperless manufacturing from one vendor
  • Uses a standard TCP/IP protocol that is included with Predator DNC so there are no extra costs
  • Designed for all Windows systems

If you are looking for a way to securely transfer files from to and from your machines through a strict firewall, Predator DNC is the software you need.

What type of DNC software does Shop Floor Automations install and support?

At Shop Floor Automations, we install and support the following DNC Software products:

Predator DNC Software:

  • CNC networking of all machines with one solution
  • Drip-feed, upload and download all DNC programs
  • Mid-program restart after tool breaks remotely or at PC
  • Send, receive offsets, variables, and registers
  • Improve CNC part program and CNC variable management
  • Connect wirelessly, RS-232, Ethernet
  • Eliminate walking back and forth; works from your CNC
  • Remotely see directory listing using RS-232 serial CNC
  • Streamline the processes between your CNCs
  • Add Touch HMI for customized operator screens
  • Automate methods for transfers using bar code readers
  • Support for Xmodem on Fadal and Haas controls
  • License 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 8 port expansions as you grow
  • Support Windows 10, 7 and Server 2019/2016
  • Compatible with Virtual Operating Systems
  • Upgrade to Predator Machine Monitoring or Product Data Management
  • Free 30-day trial available
  • To learn more about the DNC software solutions that we offer, contact our knowledgeable team today.

Why should you trust Shop Floor Automations with your DNC software needs?

If you are looking to install DNC software at your facility, Shop Floor Automations can help. We have over years of experience and a skilled team that can provide excellent support. With a wide variety of machine automation and DNC software products to choose from, you can rest assured that you are getting the best from Shop Floor Automations. To get started with your project, give us a call today at (619) 461-4000.

To learn more about the DNC software and other machine automation services that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

 

Shop Floor Automations Has the DNC Software and Experience You Need

Man working with DNC Software at his desk.If you are looking to improve the workflow o your shop floor, you should integrate DNC software into your equipment. At Shop Floor Automations, we can help you do just that.

Shop Floor Automations Offers Quality and Reliable DNC Software

Our trusted DNC software solutions include:

Predator DNC Software:

  • Network all CNCs, EDMs, PLCs, & Robots with singular DNC package
  • Eliminates walking time to & from CNC to PC
  • Server / Client configuration
  • Major CNC protocols, including Mazatrol (CMT), Okuma B & Xmodem, supported
  • Send, receive or drip-feed to up to hundreds of machines from a single server/computer
  • Highly flexible connectivity options include wireless, serial RS232, Ethernet, & USB
  • Eliminate MoriServer, FileZilla, CuteFTP, NetShare and more using SecureDNC
  • Windows 10, 7 and Server 2019 and 2016 supported

If you are interested in learning more about DNC software solutions and how they can benefit your facility, contact us today!

Why Choose Shop Floor Automations as Your DNC Software Partner?

If you want the best company to install DNC software in your shop floor equipment, you should turn to Shop Floor Automations. We have over years of experience, a knowledgeable support staff, and turnkey solutions tailored to meet individual customer needs. With a variety of quality products and more installation and interactions with machines than our competitors, we are the company that you should trust with your DNC software installations.

We also believe in our products, which is why we offer web demos and trials for our Predator DNC Software. Visit here to sign up for your free 30-day trial. After signing up, one of our experienced team members will reach out to you to discuss your needs and requirements, and will then provide a web demo that lasts 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re still interested after the web demo, we will configure a few of your machines, provide an overview of the interface, and let you test the system out for 30 days with no obligation to purchase the software after.

Trust Shop Floor Automations with Your DNC Software Installations

If you are looking to install DNC software in your manufacturing facility, trust the experts at Shop Floor Automations to get the job done right. With years of experience and interactions with thousands of machines, you can trust us to do a great job. Give us a call today at (619) 461-4000 to request a quote or learn more.

To learn more about the DNC software and other machine automation services that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

 

Buying Guide to Machine Monitoring Software

A screenshot of Scytec machine monitoring software, showing the uptime, downtime, and productivity of various machines.Machine monitoring software has numerous benefits, but selecting the right software is essential. Every manufacturer has different needs, which is why it’s important to consider these 4 variables when choosing the machine monitoring software for your shop floor.

    1. Ease of Use

When selecting machine monitoring software, you need to select an option that is easy to use for everyone. That includes everything from operators and executives to managers. Examine the user interfaces and ensure that whatever software you choose is easy to use for all parties.

    1. On-Premise vs. Cloud-Based Monitoring

There are two types of monitoring solutions, cloud-based and on-premise. On-premise is where the data is stored on-site with your server and database. While this is often a cheaper option, there are limitations. Cloud-based monitoring allows anyone with access permissions to view the data from anywhere since it is stored in the cloud. With any internet-enabled device, you can view the data. Cloud-based monitoring also reduces the IT support required, because you do not need to buy or maintain expensive on-site servers. Whatever your preference, Scytec DataXchange offers both types of machine monitoring.

    1. Service – Training and Support

Something else to keep in mind is the customer service and support that you will receive. A lot of machine monitoring platforms provide initial training and customer service for initial issues, but that’s where the support stops. With Scytec DataXchange and Shop Floor Automations, you will get continual support and service to ensure that everything works properly. Our cloud model include support in the cost, so we must win your business each month.

    1. Analytics

When it comes to choosing the right machine monitoring software, you should also consider what analytics are offered. The data collected is pretty similar across platforms, but how that data is used and what reports can be produced vary widely. Be sure that the machine monitoring software you choose has the right data and analytics for your process. Your definition of a machine cycling may be different for different equipment since all machnes are not the same. Tool changes, multiple spindles, warm-up programs, and maintenance procedures also should be consider when looking at the data and how it’s acquired by the software.

What Machine Monitoring Solution Does Shop Floor Automations Recommend?

At Shop Floor Automations, we want our clients to have the best. That is why we recommend Scytec DataXchange for machine monitoring. This software is available in an on-premise or cloud-based package and starts at only $45 per month.

Overall, Scytec DataXchange offers the following specs:

  • On-Premise or Cloud-Based
  • Starts at $45 per machine, per month, via Cloud
  • We house the servers – you provide the data!
  • Real-time data from any CNC control/equipment, regardless of the machine age
  • Unlimited number of reporting and charting licenses
  • View & report on your data results from anywhere
  • Track multiple types of cycle time

If you want to take advantage of everything Scytec DataXchange has to offer as a machine monitoring software, Shop Floor Automations can help! Since , we’ve been offering assistance implementing machine monitoring software and we would be happy to do that same for you. Give us a call today at (619) 461-4000 to learn more or request a quote.

To learn more about the machine monitoring solutions and other hardware and software solutions that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

The First Step to Industrial IoT – Machine Monitoring

A smart tablet with a 3d bar graph and pie chart extending from its screen accompanied by a CNC machine and text that says "Machine Monitoring".Industrial IoT is the future of manufacturing because it allows plans to reduce costs and improve productivity and profitability without compromising product quality. However, if you want to truly take advantage of what IIoT can offer, you need to have accurate and real-time data to work with. That is why machine monitoring software is so essential to have.

What is Machine Monitoring?

Machine monitoring is the installation of machine monitoring systems connected to your equipment throughout your factory. With machine monitoring, you can bring older machines onto the network to collect data from them. The easy to use software can collect, analyze and translate data automatically in a way the provides fast and reliable information. The type of information that can be collected through machine monitoring software includes production level, work order status, quality results, the condition of the machine, and even downtime data.

Benefits of Machine Monitoring

There are many benefits of installing machine monitoring on your machines. Smart machines are the basis of IIoT and the best way to give yourself a competitive advantage in the manufacturing world.

Not only can you reduce waste with machine monitoring, but you can also improve efficiency across your entire production process. With improved communication across the organization, the manager and operator can also improve efficiencies. It’s not just immediate, real-time access to data that matters, but machine monitoring in conjunction with IIoT can also provide essential actionable insights.

What Machine Monitoring Solutions Does Shop Floor Automations offer?

At Shop Floor Automations, our main machine monitoring solution is Scytec DataXchange. Scytec DataXchange offers the following specifications:

Scytec DataXchange:

  • On-Premise or Cloud-Based
  • Starts at $45 per machine, per month, via Cloud
  • We house the servers – you provide the data!
  • Real-time data from any CNC control/equipment, regardless of the machine age
  • Unlimited number of reporting and charting licenses
  • View & report on your data results from anywhere
  • Track multiple types of cycle time

To learn more about Scytec DataXchange and the benefits it can provide your shop floor, contact our experienced team.

Contact Shop Floor Automations for Scytec DataXchange at Your Facility!

If you want to implement Scytec DataXchange in your facility, Shop Floor Automations can help. We have over years of experience implementing machine monitoring solutions in Dallas TX and beyond. Whether you want to install Scytec DataXchange on a cloud-based subscription or Predator MDC on up to 4,000 CNC machines, we can help. We have automated thousands of machines and helped numerous companies improve their OEE through machine monitoring. If you are interested in implement machine monitoring at your facility, give us a call today at (619) 461-4000!

To learn more about the machine monitoring solutions and other hardware and software solutions that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

Open sign hanging on a window

We Are Open For Business As We Are Deemed An Essential Business

Shop Floor Automations is open for business as we are deemed an essential business. For your machine automation needs, contact Shop Floor Automations today.

Shop Floor Automations would like to inform our customers that we are open for business as we are deemed an essential business! Please see the memorandum below for more information. If you have any questions or would like to request our machine automation, hardware or software solutions, contact us today at (619) 461-4000 or info@shopfloorautomations.com.

Memorandum

Monitoring OEE Can Maximize Your Shop Floor Productivity

If you are looking to maximize your shop floor productivity and improve your OEE, Shop Floor Automations can help!

What is OEE?

OEE stands for overall equipment efficiency. Simply put, OEE measures the efficiency of a machine and takes into account the availability, performance, and quality of a machine. Mathematically, OEE is equal to the Availability x Performance x Quality.

As far as scores go, a perfect OEE score is 100%. This equates to perfect production that only manufactures good parts, as quickly as possible, without any unplanned downtime.

Machine Monitoring Can Help You Improve Your OEE

While an OEE score of 100% is what manufacturers strive for, a score of 40% is more common for companies that are just starting to monitor their performance. This leaves a lot of room for improvement.

So, how does machine monitoring come into the equation? Manufacturers are always striving to identify and solve problems, but they often struggle to determine the root cause of the problem. It is important to not just know how to calculate OEE, but also have accurate data to base decisions off of. That is why machine monitoring software is necessary. Machine monitoring software can provide real-time metrics, including cycle time, scrap time and downtime, in addition to downtime reasons. By utilizing real-time data, you can make informed decisions to improve your OEE.

What Machine Monitoring Solutions does Shop Floor Automations offer?

At Shop Floor Automations, we specialize in hardware and software solutions geared towards improving shop floor efficiencies. The machine monitoring solutions that we offer include:

Scytec DataXchange:

  • On-Premise or Cloud-Based
  • Starts at $45 per machine, per month, via Cloud
  • We house the servers – you provide the data!
  • Real-time data from any CNC control/equipment, regardless of the machine age
  • Unlimited number of reporting and charting licenses
  • View & report on your data results from anywhere
  • Track multiple types of cycle time

Predator MDC:

  • Monitor 1 to 4k CNC Machines
  • Over 30k Reports & Charts
  • Automatic & Manual shop floor data collection
  • Real-time machine, job & part dashboards
  • Track cycle time, idle, setup, teardown, downtime, & more
  • Multiple plant support metrics
  • Integrate with Touch HMI to replace proprietary hardware

If you’re ready to implement machine monitoring software in your facility, Shop Floor Automations can help.

Contact Shop Floor Automations for Machine Monitoring Solutions to Improve Your OEE!

If you are looking to improve the OEE at your facility, Shop Floor Automations can help. Since , we’ve been helping clients throughout California and Texas implement machine monitoring equipment on their shop floor. From scrap time to cycle time, our machine monitoring solutions can help you take your OEE to the next level. To obtain more information or request a quote, give us a call today at (619) 461-4000!

To learn more about the machine monitoring solutions that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations.

How to Improve Your OEE With Industrial IIoT

An infographic comparing a "Nature Cloud" vs an "IIoT Cloud".OEE stands for overall equipment efficiency and is tracked via the data obtained through machine monitoring software. By incorporating the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and machine monitoring solutions, you can improve your overall OEE.

How to Improve OEE with the Industrial Internet of Things

By relying on the IIoT, you can improve your OEE. With a smart, connected factory, improvements are driven by the integration of computer and machine. With machine monitoring equipment like Scytec DataXchange, you can gather real-time information and make informed decisions.

IIoT helps because technology can work faster than humans, and also perform at a microlevel that goes beyond what humans can accomplish. Computers also work faster and more accurately and can analyze data and predict trends that are not so easily detected by humans.

Barriers to Industrial IoT Adoption

While it seems obvious that manufacturing companies should implement IIoT, there are some barriers to overcome, including:

  •  IT Skillset: One of the biggest barriers to IIoT adoption is the lack of skills and access that is required to deploy IIoT. Many companies are not up to date on what such a deployment would look like or even require. In addition to technology, IT skillsets must also be upgraded in order to implement IIoT.
  • Data Interoperability: Another barrier to IIoT adoption is data inoperability. Data is often siloed in functional areas of specific departments or is otherwise not compatible for analysis. Thankfully, there are options available to bring legacy equipment onto the network so you can obtain real-time and accurate data.
  • Network Security: Last, but not least, security is also a barrier to IIoT deployment. New connections often create the possibility of a breach and manufacturers and service providers often debate who should provide end security solutions.

Despite the barriers to adoption, it is important to deploy the IIoT on your shop floor to improve your OEE. Thankfully, Shop Floor Automations can help you improve your OEE with our machine monitoring solutions.

Shop Floor Automations Can Help You Improve Your OEE!

At Shop Floor Automations, we can help you improve your OEE at your shop. We’ve been in the business of offering machine monitoring software since and can help install Scytec DataXchange at your shop to improve your OEE.

If you don’t believe us, you should believe Derek at Aero Precision who says, “We have been able to increase our productivity by 25 percent just monitoring the machine utilization.” Jerry at Tech Manufacturing LLC also benefited from our machine monitoring solutions, stating, “There was minimal startup cost and it requires little software management on the user end. Benefits are significant increases in machine utilization, better internal information flow.”

We’re proud of the service we offer and would be happy to help take your OEE to the next level. Give us a call today at (619) 461-4000 to get started!

To learn more about the machine monitoring and OEE improvement solutions that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automations .

Let Shop Floor Automations Connect Your Haas Machine with Our Reliable USB to Haas Solutions

A Haas CNC machine accompanied by some RS232 to USB solutions that SFA offers, such as the USB Connect Portable, Floppy Drive Emulator, and USB Connect Pendant Display.

In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to do what you can to improve your shop floor efficiency. If your shop floor equipment isn’t connected, you are missing out on valuable opportunities to increase productivity and decrease downtime.

If you want to upgrade your Haas CNC controller to improve your process efficiency, Shop Floor Automations can help. We have over 20 years in the business and can help implement USB to Haas in your facility. This not only helps increase the memory on your machine but it also allows you to drip feed large programs.

Keep reading to learn more about our USB to Haas solutions.

USB Connect Haas DNC Settings and Solutions for Your Facility

Not every shop is the same, which is why we offer a variety of solutions for your Haas machines. For those looking for USB to Haas, our solutions include:

 

Portable USB Connect

·        Portable aluminum enclosure

·        Drip-feed with single button repeat operation

·        Mid-tape start with search function

·        Connects via RS232 serial port with 4 line LCD display

·        Eliminates the need for expensive memory upgrades

·        Configure any baud rate or handshake

 

Pendant USB Connect

·        All Portable USB features, but with pendant mount

·        A great solution for smaller shops with fewer machines

·        Easy to install on any CNC

·        Support Xmodem for fast speeds

 

Haas Floppy to USB Drive Emulator

Our Haas Floppy Emulator is designed specifically for Haas CNC machines and works on a variety of controls. This plug and play” option is easy to install and doesn’t require any system configuration or software. You can use the same buttons to load and save programs on the CNC controller that you are already familiar with.

The Haas Floppy Drive Emulator features the following specs:

  • Haas compatible, Plug and Play model
  • Replace old Floppy disks with a USB Flash drive & still maintain Floppy procedures
  • Slide the old floppy drive out of the HAAS & slide in the SFA Floppy Emulator
  • Hold the same amount of data on a USB drive that Floppy disk could
  • Add USB to your old Haas at a low cost
  • Save programs to any brand USB drive and load from our device into CNC

If you want to learn more about the Haas Floppy Emulator, contact us today!

Trust Shop Floor Automations to Connect Your Haas Machines

At Shop Floor Automations, we’ve worked with shops big and small to connect their Haas machines. There is no job too big or too small for our talented team. If you want to learn more about our Haas solutions or need help selecting the best option for your facility our team can help. Since , we’ve been helping our clients take their facilities to the next level of efficiency and we’d be happy to do the same for you. Contact us at (619) 461-4000 to learn more or request service!

Eliminate Floppy Drives From Your Shop Floor with Floppy Drive Emulator

Floppy to USB

Floppy Connect

Floppy Connect allows you to replace your floppy drives, which are hard to obtain and can often be unreliable. If you want to implement Floppy Drive Emulator on your shop floor, Shop Floor Automations can help.

Benefits of Installing Floppy Drive Emulators

Though the Floppy Connect hardware doesn’t add memory to your machine, there are so many benefits to the CNC upgrade.

First, Floppy Drive Emulator allows you to refresh legacy machines without replacing them. This upgrades your machine without requiring you to spend thousands of dollars on a new CNC machine.

It also saves you from having to hunt for obsolete storage media. It can be difficult to track down floppy disks but with the Floppy Drive Emulator, you only need a USB stick.

Finally, you can also eliminate proprietary upgrades. Floppy Connect is a small investment compared to having a tech from the machine tool builder evaluate your machine for upgrades.

Types of Floppy Drive Emulators

There are various models of Floppy Drive Emulators available, including:

Floppy Drive Emulator (Universal)

  • Eliminate Floppy Disks
  • Works with PCs or CNC machinery
  • Interface to the existing ribbon cable
  • No modification to the equipment needed
  • Plugs into the floppy power connector
  • Supports 720k/1.44MB capacity IBM
  • Support Wired EDM, Mills, Lathes, Robots, & other types of equipment

Haas Floppy Drive Emulator

  • Only for Haas machines
  • Plug and Play Haas Floppy to USB functions
  • Replace old Floppy disks with a USB Flash drive & still maintain Floppy procedures
  • Off-the-shelf pricing
  • Slide the old floppy drive out of the HAAS & slide in the SFA Floppy Emulator
  • Hold the same amount of data on a USB drive that Floppy disk could
  • Supports mills, lathes, and tool room CNCs
  • Add USB to your old Haas at a low cost

Mazak Floppy Drive Emulator

  • Emulates Mazak floppy actions
  • Replaces old Floppy disks with a USB stick
  • Low-cost Mazak floppy USB solution
  • Easily installed hardware
  • Handles Mazatrol (CMT) files
  • Holds same data amount on a USB drive that floppy disk could
  • Add USB to your Mazak at a low cost
  • USA support with a toll-free number

Okuma Floppy Drive Emulator

  • Only for Okuma machines
  • Floppy Disk Drive Core Replacement
  • Easy to install and use
  • Transfer IGF Files to a USB stick
  • Holds the same amount of data on a USB stick that Floppy disk does

If you are trying to decide what Floppy Drive Emulator is right for your shop floor, Shop Floor Automations can help!

Contact Shop Floor Automations for help choosing and installing Floppy Drive Emulator!

If you want to eliminate floppy drives at your facility with Floppy Drive Emulator, contact Shop Floor Automation. We’ve worked with countless clients to improve their shop floor efficiencies and we can help you do the same by installing Floppy Drive Emulator in your machines. Contact us today at (619) 461-4000 to request service today!

To learn more about the Floppy Drive Emulator and the other hardware that we offer, visit us on the web at Shop Floor Automation.