Downtime Collection Mode
Automatic
In automatic mode, a direct connection to the PLC enables real-time recording:
- Exact machine stop and start times are recorded.
- The start and stop times cannot be modified manually.
- Machine stops as short as one second are recorded by the PLC.
- Downtime reasons can be automatically identified or later assigned by an operator.
In automatic mode, downtime is recorded for all machines in the line with PLC signals available.
Manual Real-Time
In manual real-time mode, operators manually control machines stop and start events, resulting in the following characteristics:
- Recorded times are intended to align with actual machine start and stop events.
- Additional effort is required from operators.
- Accuracy is lower compared to automatic data collection.
- Stop and start times are often based on operators estimation.
- Short duration stops are not usually recorded by the operator.
- Recorded reasons represent the operator’s understanding of the issue.
Manual Retrospective
Operators either log the duration of the downtime:
- At the end of the Machine Stop.
- Or summarized at the end of the Job or Shift.
The start and stop time of each machine stop is not logged.
- Only total downtime duration is logged.
- The total duration is an estimate, usually based on paper notes from the shift.
- Short stops are usually excluded.
- Recorded reasons reflect operators understanding of the issue.