For more precise scheduling it is now possible to enter the expected end of current downtimes at the Machine Terminal and Multi Machine Terminal. This automatically corrects the calculation of the end of the current as well as the following orders. As scheduling will adapt accordingly this will make sure that the displayed situation is as accurate as possible.

If an unspecified downtime with a certain duration (no mini downtime) has been recorded at the PC-Topp.NET Machine Terminal the system prompts the user to enter a downtime cause by showing the downtime start and end on the Downtime button in the lower right corner of the terminal interface. So far the operator was reminded of missing downtime causes only for the last recorded downtime. (The causes for all earlier downtimes in the shift had to be entered via the Shift tab.)

As of now, PC-Topp.NET asks the user to assign reasons to all unspecified downtimes during the current shift, i.e. starting from the last downtime, all downtimes without cause are presented. When the operator has entered a cause for the downtime currently displayed in the button the next downtime in the queue is shown.

The new PC-Topp.NET Machine Terminal succeeds the PC-Topp Machine Terminal that still ran with legacy PC-Topp components in the background.

The PC-Topp.NET Machine Terminal is entirely free of any classical PC-Topp Windows programs. It has been designed to provide the full functionality of the old PC-Topp Machine Terminal plus many extra features.

• Palletisation Module Integrated into the Machine Terminal
  • Allows printing pallet labels with the correct quantity of products per pallet right at the machine.
  • The quantity on each pallet can be entered / modified individually; likewise pallet labels can be printed for each individual pallet.
  • PC-Topp.NET assigns SSCC numbers to all pallets und stores pallet information for use by a warehouse system.
• Fast Order Finishing
  • Smoother production flow thanks to the possibility to finish an order with one click instead of entering all its production data. The next order can be started immediately.
  • Orders finished with this one-click option are collected in a list to be closed for good when the machine operator has time to spare. He can then modify quantities, times and waste if necessary.
  • If the correct quantity on the last pallet is entered palletisation is updated right away and a correct label is printed for this pallet.
• More Precise Machine Schedule Due to Entry of Waste and Stock Quantities During Run
  • Entering waste quantities and quantities added from or transferred to stock during production allows correct calculation of order end times. The following orders’ start times are adapted so the machine schedule is closer to reality.
• New Counter Software Helps Keep Production Data Up to Date Even Without Server Connection
  • Thanks to a locally installed counter module production machine speed and downtimes are recorded even when the Machine Terminal web page is closed or the PC-Topp server is offline. (Order changes can’t be recorded without server connection, though.)
  • As soon as the communication with the server is re-established downtimes are recorded subsequently and statistics and performance graphs are updated.
• Innovative Quality Checks
  • In contrast to the predefined and limited classical quality checks the new quality checks can be defined in any desired number.
  • They are fully customizable and can be defined to exactly meet your needs.
• Extensive Shift Information Available at the Machine
  • For the current as well as for any past shift performance figures, key shift and performance data and the shift report are accessible in the Shift tab of the Machine Terminal.
  • Downtimes can be modified, order comments can be entered.
• Display of Article Comments, Flop Ten Alerts, Internal Complaints at the Machine
  • The General tab lets you enter article related comments that will be displayed at the Machine Terminal whenever an order with the same article number is run.
  • Likewise, the Machine Terminal displays information on Flop Ten customers and internal complaints in the General tab so the machine operator immediately sees them.
• Improved Staff Time Registration
  • The functionality for signing in / out at the machine has been brushed up and shows an overview of the personnel who have signed in at the machine during the current shift along with their times of presence.
• Send Messages to Any PC-Topp User or Machine Terminal
  • The Machine Terminal allows sending messages to any PC Topp user or other Machine Terminal. Incoming messages are shown in the toolbox so the operator can’t overlook them.
• Use the PC-Topp.NET Machine Terminal with a Touch-Screen
  • If the Machine Terminal is run on a touch sensitive screen all interaction can be done with a tap of a fingertip which makes using the Machine Terminal much easier and more direct.
  • All page elements are extra large for good readability and usability.

As of now, shift times and downtime reasons can be entered in the Corrugator Control page.

The PC-Topp.NET Palletizer Monitor can now be used for downtime recording, viewing, and modification. Besides, the Palletizer Monitor's restriction to four machines has been lifted: Now any number of machines predefined in the Machine Tables can be displayed.

The Machine Settings page has been modified to allow production data entry in Conversion Machine Scheduling without having to input duration. Only ending times have to be entered. This feature is used to mark orders as finished when there is no need for production duration data, e.g. in case of orders coming back from external suppliers, or for situations where several orders are produced simultaneously under the same machine code.