Bringing machine data into business systems

A machine can report its status and output while production targets and service schedules sit in separate systems. Connecting those records lets a team see what is running, what has been produced and what needs attention.

Our Nebula example dashboard shows how that information can appear together for a manufacturing site.

Collect the machine data

The connection depends on the interfaces the equipment provides. Data might come through a controller, gateway, API or database. Establish which readings are available, their units and how often they update.

Give each machine a consistent identifier so its readings can be matched to production records and maintenance schedules.

Add the surrounding records

An output count is more useful alongside a target and the period it covers. Machine status needs similar context: a planned service stop should be distinguishable from an unexpected interruption.

The example brings machine readings, production figures, staff attendance and service schedules into separate views within one dashboard. Each view serves a particular operational task.

Make connection failures visible

A last-known reading can look current if the screen gives no indication of when it arrived. Show timestamps and connection status, and make missing or delayed data visible.

When the integration writes information into another system, it also needs rules for retries and duplicate records.

Use the same data beyond the dashboard

Connected machine data can feed production reporting, maintenance systems and alerts. Those connections need agreed definitions for events, thresholds and the records passed between systems.

To discuss equipment and software you want to connect, tell us about your systems.