Equipment status visibility
Collect statuses like startup, running, debugging, alarm, shutdown, as well as machining counts, program numbers, spindle speed, and feed rate.
Machining workshop digital transformation · Solution overview
From CNC equipment networking to workshop data closed-loop
According to the "CNC Digital Workshop Technical Solution," with CNC equipment as the implementation target, build an integrated platform for "collection, monitoring, programs, maintenance, on-site collaboration, and dashboards," allowing equipment status, machining data, and anomaly handling to enter the same management process.
Equipment networking and data collection
MDC / NC equipment monitoring
DNC program version closed-loop
Web + Android APP
What the project aims to solve
Connect the workshop on-site status, data, and actions
The solution is not just launching a dashboard alone; it starts from data collection at the equipment end and links status judgment, program flow, maintenance reminders, tool usage, and anomaly handling, then outputs according to roles to the Web, workshop dashboard, and mobile.
Traceable anomalies
Keep records for statuses
Action forms a closed loop
Programs can only be issued after review, maintenance due reminders are automatic, Andon anomalies are pushed to the responsible role, the process can be tracked, and results can be counted.
Solution Architecture
Three-layer coordination: Device layer, Data middleware, Application layer
On-site devices connect through spindle current acquisition modules, DI signal output modules, or direct network cable connection; the middleware handles data storage and real-time analysis; the front end provides monitoring and management via Web and Android APP.
CNC and on-site equipment
CNC machines, dynamic balancing equipment, and optionally Andon control boxes.
Direct network cableDI signalsSpindle current
Server for data collection, storage, and real-time analysis
Receives raw device data, completes status recognition, anomaly detection, statistical analysis, and historical record storage.
Status slicingAlarm analysisProduction statistics
Web, dashboards, and Android APP
View device, capacity, Andon, maintenance, and efficiency info based on manager, role, and on-site position.
Workshop big screenWeb managementMobile view
System Function Map
Six business domains, covering from production data to on-site collaboration
NC Equipment Management and Efficiency Analysis
Monitoring and analysis based on equipment status, alarms, key parameters, slicing, operation modes, and output.
- Equipment status overview and alarm record query
- Managing status anomalies, parameter exceptions, and alarm codes
- Equipment slicing, uptime, operation mode, and production statistics
Program creation, review, upload, and issuance
Turns program file management into controlled version flow, reducing human transfer errors.
- Link programs with products and drawing numbers
- Manage statuses: pending review, approved, rejected
- Remote preview of device programs, review programs, and release to specified devices
Maintenance reminders and work hour statistics
Use equipment operation, debugging, and manual time as timing conditions to track maintenance cycles and effective cutting time.
- Overview of maintenance status, expiration reminders, and confirmation of clearance
- Query history by equipment, time, and maintenance type
- Automatically calculate team members' working hours, also supports manual reporting
Tool and tool cabinet circulation
Manage allocation, return, and recovery via tool cabinets and approval flows to reduce tool waste and loss.
- Plan configuration includes main cabinet, sub-cabinet, and recovery cabinet, totaling 3 units
- Manage storage locations for inserts, drills, milling cutters, etc.
- Allocation approval, circulation records, and recovery management
Abnormal call and mobile handling
Andon is an optional module, where material, maintenance, or production abnormal calls are initiated on-site via a status box.
- Categorize abnormal situations as faults, material, production, personnel, and quality issues
- Configure message notifications by position and level
- APP push notifications, order acceptance, handling, and status tracking
Basic data and role-based display
Establish factory, workshop, workstation, equipment, and personnel relationships, so data can be used according to organization and role.
- Configure personnel, departments, positions, shifts, and permissions
- Manage equipment types, ledgers, workstations, and responsible personnel
- Dashboards for TV, suspended screens, large screens, and mobile devices with multiple roles
Three key closed-loops
From data collection to management actions
- Equipment closed-loopCollect status and parameters → identify anomalies → record alarms → analyze downtime causes → form maintenance basis
- Program closed-loopCreate program → link to products → process review → assign to specific equipment → preview and call on the equipment side
- On-site closed-loopWorkstation initiates Andon → responsible role receives on APP → handle and feedback → Web dashboard statistics
Prerequisites for implementation
Prepare the conditions for on-site integration first
- Network:On-site uses gigabit fiber Ethernet; network must reach machines; equipment can connect to the server via Wi-Fi.
- Equipment:Based on the customer's equipment list and on-site survey, determine connection method according to CNC model, version, and network interface.
- Data:Collectable fields depend on the actual device capabilities; status, output, alarm, program, and parameter fields must be confirmed during the implementation preparation phase.
- Organization:Confirm personnel, departments, positions, shifts, equipment owners, and Kanban roles in advance.
Plan Goals and Scope
Clearly write down the benefits and the criteria
The numbers below come from the benefit analysis estimates in the technical plan and are reference targets, not equivalent to already accepted project performance; actual results should be verified according to the equipment list, statistical period, and on-site baseline.
5%
Estimated reduction in tool waste ratio
3%
Estimated improvement in tool management efficiency
3%
Estimated increase in equipment utilization
5%
Estimated reduction in unplanned equipment downtime
3%
Estimated reduction in NC program errors caused by humans
5%
Estimated improvement in program management efficiency
Implementation and Scaling
First complete a fully functional workshop loop, then replicate and promote
After implementation, the system can be replicated to other factories in the group; later, through cloud-edge collaborative upgrades, duplicate construction can be reduced, allowing management to view multi-factory machining production in a single system.
On-site Preparation
Confirm the equipment list, network connections to machines, equipment interfaces, personnel positions, and Kanban roles.
Platform Construction
Complete data collection access, system configuration, NC/MDC, DNC, operation, maintenance, and Kanban functions.
Scaling and Promotion
Expand to other factories based on the validated equipment models, organizational permissions, and business processes.
Start digital evaluation based on the equipment list
Provide equipment models, network interfaces, network conditions, and on-site management goals; we then break down the implementation scope and data collection boundaries.