FS.net

Live quality and production data on the factory floor

Factory Systems offers FS.net, a quality and production data tool. It shows how a plant is performing on live dashboards, and it connects the inputs on the plant floor, such as probes and gauges, to statistical process control and overall equipment effectiveness dashboards. The company says the software has been refined over four decades of use in plants around the world.

FS.net sits alongside FSWorks, which presents quality and production data in real time. FS.net connects that data with quality analysis, process performance insights and compliance reporting, whether a manager is on site or working remotely.

Statistical process control and OEE dashboards

The system includes dashboards for statistical process control (SPC) and for overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The SPC view tracks quality measurements as they arrive, so that a change in the process can be seen while it is happening. The OEE view shows how production is performing across the line. Both are built to display a range of custom factory data, so each plant can see the figures that matter to its own operation.

Connecting probes, gauges and other inputs

FS.net collects readings from probes, gauges and other key inputs on the plant floor. The company says the integrations are not limited to a fixed set of sources, so a plant can bring in the data it already has. The information then feeds the reports and alerts the plant uses to manage quality and output.

Reports, alerts and traceability

Quality and production reports and alerts are available as the operation needs them. Live data can be shown on in-house monitors, or viewed from any computer or tablet. Traceability follows products and production status across lines, and the company says web access lets managers check the position of the work without being in the plant.

Training and support for technicians

Factory Systems says it trains technicians on its workstations and teaches them the reasons behind each process, not only the steps. The company says technicians need to understand the fundamentals of SPC, so that they know their role in the process as well as how to take measurements. The company describes its support and training as ongoing, and says it works with manufacturers that run production lines.