Archive for category: Blog

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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 .

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.

Do you need to connect your Fadal machines? With USB to Fadal, you can not only achieve Fadal file transfers but also increase program storage and streamline loading. That means upgrading your shop without buying expensive new equipment. Regardless of your number of machines, types of machines, or the types of controls, Shop Floor Automations has you covered.

Utilize Our USB to CNC Solutions

We offer a USB Connect series that is designed to eliminate old technology on your CNC machines. If you want to add a USB port to your CNC control to transfer NC programs or streamline the loading and saving of part programs, USB Connect can help.

What Are the Different USB to Fadal Solutions?

There are numerous USB Connect models that allow for connectivity to just about any machine tool CNC control. In regards to Fadal machines, at Shop Floor Automations we offer the following solutions:

Pendant USB Connect

• Handles high baud rate programs
• Great for small shops with a couple of machines
• Turns RS232 Serial Port into a USB port
• Upload, Download & Drip-Feed
• Supports XModem

USB Connect Portable  

• Handles high baud rate programs
• Carry from machine to machine
• Not dedicated to one machine & quick setup
• Can be used with other CNCs
• Same functionality as Pendant USB Connect.

If you are interested in learning more about USB to Fadal and how it can take your shop floor efficiency to the next level, contact us today!

Shop Floor Automations Offers a Complete Connectivity Suite

At Shop Floor Automations we know no two shops are the same. That’s why we offer customized connectivity solutions. We work with Haas, Mazak, Okuma, Mitsubishi, Fadal, and more! With our complete connectivity suite, you can convert RS232 to USB, get USB serial port adapters, floppy drive replacements, refresh older equipment, go wireless, or add Ethernet to CNCs.

Shop Floor Automations Can Help with USB to Fadal In Your Facility

At Shop Floor Automations, we have helped automate thousands of machines for shops of all sizes. If you want to connect your Fadal machines, we can help! It’s important to note that not all USB to Fadal solutions work in every situation. That’s why our experienced team will work with you to determine the best solution for your shop floor. With over years of experience in the industry, you can trust us to implement the best solution for your facility that will help take your shop floor efficiency to the next level. Don’t wait, give us a call today at (619) 461-4000 to request a quote or get on the schedule!