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Does Predator Machine Monitoring support automatic CNC data collection?

Yes. Predator MDC supports automatic, error-free, and unattended machine monitoring for events such as job start and end, setup start and end, cycle start and end, to name a few of the events that can be monitored. This type of data is collected automatically using software, hardware, custom macros and other methods without requiring operator training or input.

A typical practice is when downloading the NC program into the machine, the system will automatically track the part #, job #, user and place the status of the work order in setup. Upon cycling the part, the status of the machine would change from in setup to in cycle.

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Does Predator Machine Monitoring support manual CNC data collection?

Yes. Using Predator MDC Express, users can print out the data collection form to enter cycle information, part quantity, good and scrap parts, and other metrics. Predator MDC standard also supports manual monitoring of events that are initiated by machine operators such as machine log on/offs, downtimes, and scrap reasons.

Predator MDC can be used to manually collect data using several methods including remote request, swiping bar codes, touch screen PCs or standard PCs. SFA does provide an Android solution to also input this data via a tablet.

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Can Predator Software display real-time machine monitoring on the shop floor?

Yes. Dedicate one or more large-screen monitors on the shop floor for real-time digital signage using Predator MDC.

Create slides of charts, dashboards, and reports with specific filters and details. Eliminate manual posting of paper reports and charts on the shop floor. Provide a focal point for standup shop meetings while enforcing productivity and manufacturing metrics that management, engineering, and quality departments care about. Eliminate the clutter of paper and go high tech!

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What types of reporting and charting are included with Predator MDC?

Over 1300 reports and charts provide unique insight into the productivity and efficiency of each manufacturer.

The flexibility of the reporting and charting options within Predator MDC converts the volume of data collected into concise reports and charts to identify issues and drive improved productivity. Eliminate manual OEE driven data collection and OEE spreadsheets. Software supports real-time OEE data collection with an OEE Dashboard, OEE Performance ranking charts, OEE Trend Analysis charts and OEE Reports.

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What type of equipment can Predator Machine Monitoring support?

Predator MDC standard and enterprise versions support up to 4096 CNC machines, robots, PLCs and ATE Test Stands per PC.

Data the software can monitor – simultaneous cycle time, setup time, teardown time, downtimes with reasons, good parts, scrap parts with reasons and an unlimited number of user-defined events.

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What is Predator CNC Service?

Predator CNC Service is a comprehensive service designed to work with Predator MDC.

The service can be installed on a computer to communicate to various machine types using proprietary protocols. Predator MDC supports FANUC FOCAS, MTConnect, and Structured XML to capture real-time data from the machine using the network connection of the controller.

Development is also being tested for working with Okuma Thinc controllers on P100 and P200 where the service is installed on the machine. The service will then communicate through APIs and no interface is required.

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What is Predator MDC Administrator?

Predator MDC Administrator is designed for the manufacturing department head or IS/manufacturing project lead to manage real-time machine monitoring processes centered on time and utilization. This seat is required with every purchase and allows for the creation of equipment, departments, locations, shifts, parts, reason codes, users, permissions and other administrative tasks.

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What is Predator MDC Client?

Predator MDC Client is designed for personnel and users that need to run MDC reports and charts centered on time and utilization. Users can also see real-time data on a dashboard.

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What is a Predator MDC Shop Floor Software Seat?

Predator MDC Shop Floor is designed for data entry for shop floor personnel. The software can also be used to display real-time data on the shop floor using LCD monitors or can be displayed in Engineering and Quality Departments to provide feedback on equipment status.

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How is Predator PDM different from revision control software?

Most revision control software packages use a database for the backend to store “links” or flags to shared files and reference the actual file.  The problem with this system is that while you might have the NC program and can place it in a database for check-in and check-out, there is no control with these systems. Whoever saves the file last wins!

Most revision control software packages use a database for the backend to store “links” or flags to shared files and reference the actual file.  The problem is that while you might have the NC program and can place it in a database for check-in and check-out, there is no control with this system. Whoever saves the file last wins!

With a true PDM system, complete revision control, lockout, and access only can be obtained by a single user until completed.  This eliminates changes of multiple file revisions – they will be unapproved.

More on Predator PDM:

  • Paperless manufacturing-driven Production Data Management
  • Designed to organize & control CNC programs
  • Master your setup sheets, safety procedures, quality documents, & more
  • Complete revision control
  • Integration with DNC, CNC Editor, Virtual CNC, MDC & Tracker.

Predator PDM includes best practice workflow wizards for release, unreleased, revise, rollback, check-in, and check out. Every wizard honors user and group permissions and includes ISO 9000-style history.