Put your head in the cloud

Once designed to manage a single production line, some systems are now being used to oversee multiple factories.

California-based 42Q, a spin-out from electronics manufacturer Sanmina, recently announced it has launched what it claims is the first fully cloud-based MES system. The system does not require the purchase of new software or server hardware, according to 42Q. Instead, companies can simply log-in and configure the system to begin operating.

Meanwhile German communication and automation systems specialist Hilscher recently announced it has formed a partnership with SAP to provide access to shop floor sensor and actuator data via its netIOT Edge Gateway on SAP’s HANA Cloud platform and Asset Intelligence Network.

This is a cloud-based hub designed to allow operators to access up-to-date maintenance strategies, manuals, and other equipment-related information from manufacturers. At the same time, manufacturers can automatically receive machine usage and failure data from operators.

Conventional MES systems have long been used to keep track of real-time information from the shop floor, including data from both equipment and staff. They are typically used for everything from tracking inventory to monitoring quality control.