Comprehensive Operator Support -2
Streamlining Production Operations with Smart RDM Event Handling
In Part 1 of the article, we wrote about monitoring of device’s performance, events, and CMMS module. In the second part, there is even more coming. Enjoy.
Operator context
Smart RDM is a dedicated application designed for a broad range of users at each level of the organisation that provides functionalities such as data visualisation, events monitoring, and reporting. However, to enhance its functionality for production operators, Smart RDM has a separate function that limits the information available to the user based on the selected resource(s). This function records the user’s name in the resource’s attributes, indicating the operator’s name and shift, which can later be used for reporting purposes.
The primary advantage of this functionality is the ability to assign an operator to a resource and add their name to any event. This feature helps perform summaries in reports per operator and identify those who have the worst results. By having this information, managers can focus on those operators and provide them with additional training or support to improve their performance. The operator’s name added to the event can also help trace the issue’s root cause.
Secondly, the operator context in Smart RDM is essential because it fills the gap that automation systems cannot cover. Automation systems are designed to handle repetitive tasks and data analysis, but they need the human factor necessary to understand the context of the situation. The operator function in Smart RDM provides that context by displaying the application on the machine, allowing operators to understand the situation better and take necessary actions to address any issues.
Moreover, the operator function in Smart RDM is also useful in enhancing the overall efficiency of the maintenance process. By assigning operators to specific resources, the application can provide relevant information to the operators based on their assigned tasks. This information can include data related to the specific resource, maintenance history, and other relevant information that can help operators perform their tasks efficiently.
Knowledge base
Access to accurate and up-to-date information is critical for success in today’s fast-paced world. This is particularly true in the context of manufacturing, where the performance of machines and equipment can significantly impact overall productivity and efficiency. A knowledge base is a centralized repository of information that can be used to provide this information and support to users, particularly operators in the manufacturing environment.
The Smart RDM reporting module is an example of a system that enables the creation of a reporting structure that reflects the real structure of assets in the factory. This structure can include information about machines, work instructions, and other relevant data. By making this information available to operators, the system can help them to quickly find the information they need to carry out their work effectively.
The business administrator of the application is responsible for maintaining the knowledge base and keeping the information in the system up-to-date. This involves updating the reporting structure and ensuring that the right parts are available to the right users.
The subscription functionality of the system is another important feature that enables operators to receive notifications when documents are updated in the system. This helps ensure operators always work with the most current information available. For example, if there is a change in a work instruction, operators can receive a notification and update their work accordingly, reducing the risk of errors or delays.
Reporting
Operator’s perspective
Smart RDM is a powerful tool that collects data related to events and the operator’s actions, providing valuable information for analysis and future decision-making. The data collected includes a wide range of information, such as KPIs, summaries, calculations, manually entered data, and more. This data is essential for understanding the performance of a system, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions to increase efficiency and productivity.
One of the advantages of Smart RDM is that it allows operators to validate and change data collected by automation systems if necessary. This ensures that the data is more accurate and reliable for the specific purposes it is being used for. Operators have a unique understanding of the system they are working with and can provide valuable insight into the data collected. They can also manually enter data into the system, providing additional context and information that may not be captured by automation systems alone.
The ability to validate and change data is essential for ensuring the accuracy of KPIs and other metrics used to measure performance. When the data collected is inaccurate or unreliable, it can lead to incorrect conclusions being drawn, which can have serious consequences for the organization. By using Smart RDM, operators can help ensure that the data used to make decisions is as accurate and reliable as possible.
Management’s perspective
Smart RDM offers more than just accurate data; it provides valuable insights into operators’ actions. By tracking the actions of operators and the events they interact with, the system can identify patterns and trends that can help improve efficiency and identify areas for improvement. For example, if certain events consistently cause downtime, it may be necessary to take action to address the underlying issue.
However, the data collected by the machines offer an even broader perspective. This is because the assets in the factory are modeled in a way that refers to their context. Over time, the collected values of production and machine parameters can create a basis for preventive and predictive maintenance. This information can also be used to create investment plans and manage the spare parts warehouse more effectively.
By using this information, manufacturing plants can minimize the risk of equipment failure and increase the overall efficiency of their operations. In addition, monitoring and analyzing machine data in real-time can help organizations make more informed decisions about their operations and improve their bottom line.
Summary
In brief, ConnectPoint’s Smart RDM platform offers a range of robust features that optimize production operations for manufacturing machine operators. The platform facilitates machine performance monitoring, real-time tracking of production plans and order fulfillment status, event handling, and support for operators and their managers. Two modules bolster event handling: Events and CMMS, with the latter providing efficient maintenance operations management while the former automates event detection and handling. Smart RDM also incorporates an operator context function, which limits user access to information based on selected resources and tracks the user’s name in the resource’s attributes. This feature aids in generating operator-specific reports and identifying those with suboptimal performance. These capabilities enhance manufacturing processes, minimize downtime, and boost productivity.