Production Collection Mode

In automatic mode, a direct PLC connection enables continuous production tracking:

• Production counts are recorded at regular intervals.
• OPC Items are used to link a PLC’s counter to a Unit Count in MES.
• Automatic counts are recorded for machines counting the output of the line. However, counters can be configured for every machine for which the PLC provides a counter.
• Provides the highest level of accuracy.

In manual real-time mode, operators record production counts:

• Entries follow machine operating cadence.
• Greater effort is required.
• Accuracy is lower than automatic recording.
• Often used when the machine has a counter that can be manually read by the operator, however, cannot be connected to the PLC or to the application.

Operators record total counts after completion:

• The end of the production run to record produced quantities for the order.
• Or at the end of their shift to record produced quantities for the order before they hand over to the next shift.

The exact date and time of the counts is not logged.

• Only the total quantity is logged for the current period (hour/job/shift).
• The total quantity is usually an estimate.