A new low-cost machine interface unit (MIU) from Mattec Corp. automatically monitors machine production and downtime, while allowing manual entry of downtime reasons, scrap counts and scrap reasons. The new MIU Level Z operator terminal can process all the basic data required by entry-level production monitoring, planning and scheduling systems, such as The Man-A-ger and ShopPro systems from Mattec.
The unit is designed to monitor a single processing machine and accepts both real-time production data and manually entered information. It has a two-line digital display and keyboard for at-the-machine information feedback and entry.
"This new MIU-Z is designed for those applications that require a one-to-one connection of machine and MIU," explains Mick Thiel, President of Mattec Corp. "Previously, our entry-level production monitoring systems have been built around MIUs that serve up to 16 machines. But they require operators to go to some central location to make manual entries. Here, for less than $850, we're offering an MIU that can be mounted at the machine for easy cost-effective data entry."
The MIU Level Z is compatible with the other types of operator terminals supported by The Man-A-ger and ShopPro systems, including the MIU Level 0 family of multi-machine terminals. These units support 4, 8 or 16 machines and permit data retrieval and entry via a color touch-screen display.
THE-MAN-A-ger® is a low-cost production monitoring system that monitors cycle time, downtime, and scrap for up to 24 machines in real-time. The system can be upgraded at any time to the top-of-the-line ProHelp® EPM system to provide enterprise-wide production and process monitoring capabilities.
Mattec is the industry's leading supplier of real-time production and process monitoring systems for plastics injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, metal stamping and other industries. Mattec brings together computer hardware, interactive terminals and machine monitors with software that collects, analyses, reports and stores manufacturing information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With real-time information, production and management personnel can make informed decisions, effectively managing resources, reducing scrap and downtime, and improving quality and productivity.
