What is the Scytec DataXchange Current Status?

The Sytec DataXchange current status screen shows a list of all of the equipment. Each row contains four pieces of information.

The color icon will represent the General Status and will use the color assigned to the associated Status Type. The machine name will be displayed, and then the middle text will show the specific status is one is active.

If a specific status is not active then the general status will be displayed. The text on the bottom will be the amount of time the equipment has been in the associated status. The current status will update automatically approximately once a minute.

What is a Scytec DataXchange Chart Type?

The Chart Type screen provides the ability to select a specific chart for viewing.

All charts that are generated from the Chart Type page are static charts, they will not update automatically.  Associated information such as the time frame and the equipment must be selected before a chart can be generated.

Is Mazak Data Collection supported in Scytec Machine Monitoring Cloud Software?

Yes. Almost all models of Mazak controllers can be monitoring with MTConnect. 

Mazak has embraced the MTConnect standard to allow for software updates to older controls back to T2, M/T32, Plus, Fusion, etc.  For more information, send us an email for a complete listing and how to update your controller.

What is Cloud-Based Machine Monitoring?

This is the latest Industry 4.0 technology being utilized by manufacturing companies to monitor CNC machines without the hassle of databases, servers, web servers, firewalls, or any IT challenges.

Report real-time CNC machine data including uptime, downtime, reason codes, alarms and more across the web or on your mobile device. DataXchange, in particular, offers incentives for using Cloud-based monitoring, such as no contracts and monthly per machine pricing.

How does Scytec DataXchange work?

Scytec DataXchange uses a single PC located in your facility which is connected to the equipment.

There are no servers to maintain or purchase but Microsoft SQL licensing is required. Each user has an individual login, which can be configured to their language of choice. Each login has a set of permissions which define the areas of the cloud machine monitoring software that can be accessed.

Data is automatically collected from equipment to indicate a running or an idle status and includes various downtime codes as well. Data can be access from anywhere with an internet connection, including phones and tablets.

What is MTConnect and how is MTConnect in manufacturing used?

MTConnect is a set of open, royalty-free standards intended to foster greater interoperability between controls, devices and software applications by publishing data over networks using the Internet Protocol.

The common communication data shared is XML language that allows for software designers to download, use, embrace the data from the equipment and provide a reporting tool for management. Visit our MTConnect page for more information

What type of reporting does Scytec DataXchange Cloud Machine Monitoring offer?

There are several reporting options available in the product.

Real-time configurable dashboards, trend reporting and desktop and mobile charting are all available. The real-time viewer (RTV) is user/company based live display which includes timelines, current status, and grids.

The trend reports include cycle time, unknown downtime, planned, and unplanned downtime. Any computer or mobile device with access to the Internet can chart historical and current status information to allow for easy off-site reporting.

How is Scytec Machine Monitoring licensed?

Licensing is simple and straightforward with Scytec.

The licensing is based on the number of equipment collecting data and there are discounts based on the quantity of equipment.  There are no license keys and the license is assigned to the equipment and can be moved to other CNC equipment as desired.

How does Predator DNC Software communicate to a network-based CNC?

Predator DNC supports FTP (File Transfer Protocol) as well as Windows Share (mapped drives) for communication to the CNC.

The advantage of using this connection is faster speed and ease of connection to the network. The machine will require configuration from your network administrator to provide IPs, drive letters, user and permission controls. Some corporate networks do not allow this equipment to be connected through FTP due to security issues and potential risk of viruses.

Furthermore, most operating systems on CNCs are out-dated running Windows 95, 98, Server 2000 or NT. Updates to the operating system are not permitted typically from the machine tool builder, unlike computers used in the office.

Due to issues such as these, Predator DNC software now also supports Secure DNC, which allows encrypted communication via only two TCP ports. It can also transmit not only main programs but also subprograms and library programs to the correct folders in your CNC working memory and/or hard drive. It supports operating systems as old as Windows 95 and has extremely minimal system requirements that essentially any Windows-based CNC can meet.

It is also worth noting that Predator DNC now supports Fanuc FOCAS communication, which can rapidly send programs directly in and out of Fanuc i-Series controls. This is done without any action needed at the CNC itself, unlike older Serial send/receive processes. Moreover, Predator DNC now also supports Ethernet-based communications for DMG Mori (formerly Mori Seiki) machines running MAPPS versions II, III, and IV. This, in a fashion very similar to Fanuc FOCAS, allows programs to be sent in and out of CNC controllers, over the network, without any operator input needed at the machine.

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What do I need to use DataXchange on FANUC CNC Machines?

You will need:

  1. Focas option on FANUC CNC (Active)
  2. Embedded network port on FANUC CNC (Active)
  3. Network cable ran from your network to FANUC CNC machine
  4. Static IP address for FANUC CNC
  5. A valid subscription to a version of DataXchange
  6. PC that has Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (This PC must be running at all times)