Case Studies

Assembly Line Andon and FactoryTalk Metrics System

Posted in Application Development, HMI and SCADA, Manufacturing Automation and Intelligence, MES, PLC Programming, Web Application Development

Summary

DMC implemented a performance tracking and data collection solution utilizing OEE, Downtime Monitoring, and Track & Trace functionality for a client in the manufacturing industry to summarize overall line performance and analyze production targets. After we rolled out the initial solution, the client came back to us for an additional functionality through a second phase of work.

Solution

A client in the manufacturing industry has an assembly line with several manual assembly stations. The client defined targets for how many units per operator shift are needed for production. They asked DMC to create a solution to track operator performance and record data for line productivity.

DMC created a custom web application in ASP.NET to collect this operator data and write it to the line PLC. DMC used a Rockwell ControlLogix PLC to aggregate the data and supply it to FactoryTalk Metrics using OMAC PackML standard data structures to simplify configuration. An ASP.NET display takes readings from FactoryTalk Metrics, a local SQL Server database, and the PLC displays them on an Andon screen above the assembly line to display a summary of how the line is running on the shift.

whole system

asp.net

When operators run into issues on the line, they can enter the reason for the hold into the Andon system. FactoryTalk Metrics then compiles the data, developing events and custom reports using SQL Server. The SQL Server uses reporting services for later reporting to drive continuous improvement efforts. 

factory talk metrics

DMC also provided an Alarming solution that sends announcements through the industrial speaker when a serious problem with line productivity is identified. Event-driven emails are sent to notify management of potential issues on the line in real-time.

Customer Benefits

  • Created an interface for supervisors and operators on the line to enter performance details
  • Integrated custom development with off-the-shelf software platforms decreasing costs associated with regular off-the-shelf solutions with per-client licensing costs
  • Detailed reporting on overall line performance and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
  • Increased accuracy in identifying underperforming areas of the plant
  • Detailed downtime monitoring system increases productivity
  • Detailed record of productivity metrics and data collected from the line

Technologies

  • Rockwell ControlLogix
  • Rockwell FactoryTalk Metrics Software
  • ASP.NET Web Application
  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services
  • SignalR
  • OPC Connection