Polydocs

Automate Data Capture for Infor ERP

Glossary

MDE

MDE

MDE

MDE is an abbreviation for the term Machine Data Acquisition. Machine data refers to all the information that accumulates on an industrial machine. The data is divided into two types, the process data and the production data. The process data is all the information that is necessary for the operation of a machine and is generated by the operation itself, such as the control data, but also the power consumption. The production data, on the other hand, shows the production process. This includes, among other things, information on the number of pieces produced, the weight of the parts or the dimensions.

Machine data acquisition is thus the interface between production technology machines and data processing.

The aim of machine data acquisition is to analyze information from the production processes. This increases flexibility when problems may occur. Malfunctions can be detected more quickly and communicated directly via e-mail or SMS. It also provides information on machine running times, machine downtimes and maintenance status. In this way, machine downtimes can be avoided, the potential for saving increases and overall efficiency is improved.

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PPS

PPS

What is “PPS”?

PPS stands for Production Planning and Control System. This is a computer program/software tool designed to help companies plan, control and monitor production, as well as manage the data generated in the process. 

It is composed of production planning and production control. In production planning, production processes are pre-planned in the medium to short-term, and in production control, the planned production orders are placed, controlled and monitored.

The software analyzes all processes and provides objective results that help those responsible for production, purchasing, and sales to make better decisions. 

Advantages of PPS:

The use of a PPS system can reduce lead times in production, bring about an even utilization of machines, ensure a high level of delivery readiness and adherence to delivery dates, and reduce inventories and thus capital commitment.

For these reasons, a PPS system is certainly helpful for all companies in production/manufacturing – regardless of whether they are SMEs or large corporations. In this context, it is not uncommon for a PPS to already be integrated into an ERP system.

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Smart Home

smarthome

Smart Home

What is it?

A smart home is a house or similar facility where appliances and devices can be controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. 

The devices in a smart home are interconnected and can be controlled from a central point – such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or games console. Door locks, televisions, thermostats, home monitors, cameras, lights, and appliances such as refrigerators can all be controlled through a home automation system. The system is installed on a mobile phone or other networked device, and the user can create schedules for certain changes to take effect.

Smart home appliances have self-learning capabilities so they can learn the homeowner’s schedules and make adjustments as needed. Smart homes with lighting controls allow homeowners to reduce electricity consumption and benefit from energy-related cost savings. Some home automation systems alert the homeowner if movement is detected in the home while they are away, while others can call the police or fire department in the event of a dangerous situation.

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CNC

CNC

CNC

What is CNC?

Computerized Numerical Control, or CNC for short, refers to the computerized numerical control of machine tools (CNC machines). Through the use of control technology, machines are able to automatically produce complex workpieces with precision, consistent high quality and in large quantities. CNC control in a machine allows you to control several axes at once, accurately and simultaneously, and allows you to perform multiple accurate cuts at a high speed.

All movements required in the production process is monitored by the CNC computer with the help of photoelectric and other sensors. This allows for complete control over the production process. Machine conditions such as oil pressure or coolant supply are also monitored, measured and controlled by the CNC computer. The control system also offers sufficient possibilities even to integrate the quality control fully automatically into the production process, therefore meaning that the use of manual labour through humans is greatly reduced with CNC machines.

Control of CNC machines

Industrial machines are usually equipped with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). It forms the interface between the CNC control and the plant. All fail-safe routines are carried out in the PLC. It ensures that operating modes, safety gates, coolant, lubrication, and other aggregates function. For example, it ensures that the rotating tool is switched off immediately when the safety door is opened or that the machining spindle stops automatically in the event of a collision.

The PLC is programmed once at the manufacturer and remains unchanged thereafter.

In terms of machine axis control, a distinction is made between point control (PTP control) and path control.

CNC machine language

The so-called G-code is called CNC machine language. With its help, a machine operator tells a CNC-controlled machine how to move and what to execute. The G-code consists of a line sequence of numbers and letter combinations. In the past, the G-code had to be programmed manually, but today it is generated almost exclusively by CAD/CAM programs. It is then read by the CNC software and transmitted to the CNC machines.

The CNC processes are used in industrial sectors such as metalworking, mechanical engineering, aerospace, automotive or shipbuilding.

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Creditor

kreditor

Creditor

Who or what is a creditor?

A creditor in finance is also called a creditor who has a claim or a receivable. Any individual or legal entity, as well as any company that supplies goods or provides services, becomes a creditor. 

Examples of creditors are:

  • Banks that give credit
  • Suppliers who deliver materials/products
  • Agencies that provide certain services, such as online marketing
  • The tax office, which levies taxes based on legal requirements.

Creditors assume an accounts payable risk.

This is because in most cases they make advance payments. To keep this risk as low as possible, a retention of title is often agreed in practice.

We also find the term creditor in accounting. The so-called accounts payable is a sub-branch of financial accounting, it deals with the debts/expenses of a company. This involves tasks such as processing incoming invoices and credit notes (checking, recording, account assignment, archiving), initiating payments and maintaining vendor master records. In addition, the accounts payable department is responsible for the dunning process, travel expense reports and much more. 

Vendor master record maintenance is the main part of the accounts payable department. Here, all general data of the creditors are recorded and always kept up to date. In addition, each vendor is assigned an identification number, the so-called vendor number, which enables a quick search in the system. With good vendor master record maintenance and ensuring that open items are paid when due, a good relationship can be established between the company and the vendor.

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