Wireless Performance Monitoring with IMPAX

By: Steven Noto, Process Technologies Group, Inc.
Topics: Downtime Analysis, Production Reporting, Wireless Networking, IMPAX TSS

Real-time production monitoring and reporting, powered by low-cost and easy-to-install wireless networking

IMPAX TSS Wireless Data Collection Network Layout

Machine production data and downtime information can now be accessed by wireless Ethernet, thanks to new wireless adapters for IMPAX TSS efficiency monitors. With these adapters, IMPAX monitors can track and display machine efficiency and shop floor status information wirelessly. As a result, IMPAX TSS (Time Saver System) products provide a powerful real-time production monitoring and reporting system, powered by low-cost and easy-to-install wireless networking.

Wireless performance monitoring is easy with IMPAX

This wireless technology is an extension to the existing IMPAX TSS features for uptime and efficiency tracking, and software for downtime analysis and reporting. The new wireless offerings allow this data to be collected more easily where it would otherwise be difficult or expensive to run Ethernet cables. The new system is compatible with the universal Wireless-G standard, so IMPAX TSS monitors can access existing wireless networks. The monitors also support the newer Wireless-N standard, which provides more bandwidth and stability through the use of multiple parallel antennas.

Wireless networking adds great flexibility to the TSS network, because each TSS monitor can act as an independent wireless node. Alternatively, a simple wireless bridge can be used to give network access to an existing group of connected monitors. Furthermore, the system's range and signal quality can be enhanced by using additional wireless access points or range expanders. Additional devices can use the network as well: shop floor data display boards can be added to conveniently show the status of the whole shop. This means that the entire production tracking and reporting system can be made wireless, providing accurate real-time data and process insight to managers, all through the affordable, flexible, and easily extendable IMPAX TSS efficiency monitoring system.