cTRACKER

Management, supervision and tracking capabilities, all in one.

cTracker is a powerful tool to monitor and control your finishing line from one single control point, answering the demands of companies, especially whose lines fall into one of these categories:

  • complex lines performing multiple processes
  • lines with several machines covering a large surface area
  • lines that require specific tracking capabilities
  • lines that will benefit from data sharing with an ERP
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How cTracker responds to frequent needs issuing from the above scenarios

Managing a complex line

Managing a complex line from one single control point avoids the need to handle production changeovers on each single machine.

cTracker enables one operator to set up and control the entire line via a single monitor, without moving around the factory floor. This saves time and increases overall production efficiency.

Constant tracking

Constant tracking, even of a single piece on the line enables the operator to switch shapes, thicknesses or even implement a colour changeover on the fly, without needing to empty the line each time, re-program the machines and re-start the line. This saves time and boosts productivity.

Keeping an eye on alarms arising from single machines on the line, being able to pinpoint issues without checking each phase of the process. This saves time by targeting each incident and identifying the solution faster.

Integrate third party equipment

cTracker is also able to integrate third party equipment into its management, supervision and tracking capabilities. This completes the overview of the finishing line and further centralises the abundance of data available from the entire line.

Gathering data

Gathering data, storing and sharing it with a company’s management software is a means of optimising production.

With cLink companies are empowered to maximise this asset to optimise workflows, perfect recipes and improve the efficiency of all connected systems.

Why cTracker is preferable to a specially-built software or SCADA?

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Compared to standard solutions or one-off software from a developer, cTracker handles data from multiple sources and benefits from the vast experience Cefla Finishing has in this field. Manually gathering data from different machines is unnecessary, so there is no time lost in acquiring the required information.

cTracker is based around a powerful relational database, capable of managing alarms, generating reports, graphical data, extrapolating statistics and calculating statistical indices regarding line productivity based on OEE values.

Already incorporating remote assistance software, cTracker will enable technical support and intervention on each connected machine.

Featuring advanced multiple user management, cTracker can track all activities performed by the user operating the system at any time.

Tracking of single pieces is possible without the presence of RFID or QR code thanks to a sophisticated virtual tracking function integrated into cTracker software. This includes generating reports for batches or single pieces.

How and where cTracker will benefit the most

cTracker is recommended for spray and roller-coating lines, edge coating and will benefit companies processing not only wood and its derivatives, but also plastics, metals, glass and inert materials.

cTracker addresses critical issues and minimises major factors that will generate production inefficiency. One tool to track and control production from one single point, gathering all data and feeding them to and from the company’s management software is what our cTracker and cLink solutions take care of.

At power-up, cTracker displays a view of the line synoptic, with which the supervisor can interact to look into details of individual machines, as well as alarms, recipes, and so on. The user-friendly interface ensures traceability of processing data for each batch or individual workpiece in the line.

What are the other major benefits I obtain from cTracker

The greatest advantage offered by cTracker is that it is one of the enabling factors of the Smart Packs.

Remote assistance is a key issue in today’s fast-moving world and cTracker gives customers immediate access to all the benefits of our Smart Packs.  Instant connectivity allows for error diagnostics and debugging, enables us to verify operating parameters and check for correct interaction with other machines on the line, even the least sophisticated equipment.

cTracker also gives access to detailed consultancy included in the Efficiency Pack, aimed at maximising productivity. With a small software upgrade, access to the Reliability Pack opens the doors to an advanced maintenance contract to prevent downtimes and encourage savings.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does digitizing my factory mean?

Firstly, digitizing your factory means converting production processes by moving away from traditional systems towards highly automated, interconnected ones that also act as a rich data source. As we see it, this digitization makes sense if it allows your company to remain competitive, cut costs and maximise profits.

What data is available to me? What do I need it for?

The available data ranges from traceability data - stored by our cTracker line supervisor which saves all events, alarms and plant parameters, associating them with production batches - to detailed data on individual machines (telemetry) and the production statistics managed by our IoT product, cMaster.

Can my competitors see my data?

Absolutely not! We use commercially available, secure, certified remote assistance software. Security assessments carried out together with our specialised partners ensure top-grade data confidentiality. They also ensure the data is readily available and safely stored.

Can machine downtimes be predicted?

There are several ongoing projects concerning analysis of the data collected by our Ubiquo software tools. The goal is to anticipate any problems and provide services that are both predictive and proactive:
- to improve performance
- to prevent finishing line breakdowns and stops
- to reduce spare part and finished product stocks.

How can I know whether the coating system will cause problems after assembly?

Our unique know-how allows us to process all operational data and extrapolate from it the tasks needed to pro-actively improve the output of coating processes and ensure their stability and repeatability.  Note also that our extensive experience in the field gives our solutions exceptional efficiency.

Is there something that allows me to monitor my coating process?

Of course. At all times cTracker, our line supervisor, lets you:
- set up and check the entire line from a single point
- trace workpieces on the line
- export alarms/production reports
- exchange information with your internal company systems.

How can I know whether the production process is working properly?

Our line supervisor, cTracker, provides you with an OEE/KPI section that lets you monitor line capacity and productivity. And you're not alone! We provide customers with expert technical support both locally and globally. A far-reaching network of branches, agents and affiliates provides authorised, highly qualified technical assistance. We also provide remote assistance by providing immediate answers to on-line questions, thus ensuring real-time situation monitoring and accurate diagnostics as regards both technical aspects and the process.

How can I get an overview of the whole line from a single point?

Our cTracker line supervisor has been specifically designed to control our machines from a single point on the line. In fact, on large-scale lines with multiple machines, it would be unthinkable to manage production changeovers and modify parameters or work recipes via the control panels on each individual machine. That's why the cTracker solution manages everything via a single screen at the beginning of the line.

How can I simulate my production process?

Simulation is a valuable tool, hence the introduction of a pre-sales service called cCloner. More specifically, this line simulator can:
- show a realistic 3D configuration of the line layout: a sound, reliable picture made up of measurements, 3D imaging and objective data.
- provide accurate line operation simulation: to prevent problems, avoid machine downtimes and have more general information right from the design stage.
- simulate real productivity and consumption: finding the best configuration gives you a realistic forecast of the situation, also in terms of productivity and energy/heat consumption.

Is there an alarm system to tell me if something is wrong?

Yes. Alarms are an essential part of the machines as they provide information vital to the prevention of downtimes and the easy pinpointing of problems. Together, the individual machine control panels, cTracker line supervisor and IoT cMaster ensure you have detailed alarm lists available at all times. With cMaster you can also get automatic notifications on your mobile devices to keep you informed wherever you are.

Can I buy spare parts directly via the machine?

Yes, cMaster now features a Spare Parts section (available on enabled machines). This feature lets you put in a request directly via the virtual Web App cart, thus speeding up the spare parts management and retrieval process.

Is there a plant maintenance planning tool?

The IoT cMaster tool features a Maintenance section where you're offered maintenance services, grouped by function. The software manages scheduling and reminds you of deadlines according to actual machine running times.