Happy Thanksgiving From CADDIS!

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Caddis Systems continues to be extremely thankful for all we have been blessed with. At Caddis we focus on what is right with the world and strive to do what we can as a company and individuals to make our Country and the world a better place. We are thankful for the opportunity to go to work every day and serve all our amazing customers.

Since Thanksgiving is a day where many different delicious recipes are shared with loved ones, I thought I would share my delicious recipe that is served best from the tailgate of a truck with family, good friends and a variety of adult beverages.


Recipe: Hawkeye Breakfast
Stick of butter
Cut Potatoes
Cut Up Kielbasa
Diced Garlic
Sliced Onions
Shredded Medium Cheddar Tillamook Cheese
Salt & Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Machine Efficiency: Industrial IoT

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It is essential that today’s manufacturers keep up to date with the latest technological advances. Basically, machine efficiency is vital.  Now more than ever, production should be efficient, and any extra machine downtime should not be tolerated.  For instance, if a company is battling unforeseen downtime, this will negatively impact production and assembly. Consequently, the manufacturing process will be obstructed.

Equipment MonitoringConsistently improving machine efficiency and overall capacity should be the goal. Considering preventative machine maintenance and the industrial internet of things model, companies will significantly see improvements in asset utilization and overall production schedules. At CADDIS, our machine monitoring systems highlight underperforming assets so you can spend more time taking action. In fact, CADDIS devices have multiple inputs allowing them to automatically detect machine status and alert you to any excessive threshold.

The Industrial Internet of Things

What is the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and how does this concept benefit machine efficiency? IIoT is an essential part of Industry 4.0, otherwise known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. IIot is considered vital in the manufacturing world. Its concepts guide preventative maintenance, increase machine efficiency and energy management, and help better understand the supply chain process.

Basically, IIot is a method to enhance digital information technology in manufacturing. Its network of sensors collects vital data and in return, this cloud data helps gather valuable insights about manufacturing operations. Simply put, the industrial internet of things connects machines and data management to achieve improvements in productivity and overall efficiency of machine-related roles.machine efficiency

Connecting Assets

Data communications and connecting assets are important to machine productivity. When actionable information is accessible, engineers and workers, alike can identify any issues with machines, the production line, or any larger issues at hand. CADDIS Systems technology improves downtime because of its ability to accurately measure a machine’s capacity. Contact us today for a free demo to learn how we can increase your assets today.

 

Watch this video to learn about CADDIS Systems

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What Sets CADDIS Systems Apart?

CADDIS Systems was designed by a team of industry experts with over 100 years of experience in manufacturing. Our goal with our system is to provide you with a solution on how to overcome costly problems related to your business. We combine technology and ease of use with simplicity to provide the perfect tool for machine management. Watch the video above or review the points below and you’ll know why CADDIS Systems is perfect for your business.

Why do you need CADDIS?

CADDIS streamlines your business by:

  • CADDIS is a machine monitoring system that works with your business model to make sure that you achieve the maximum ROI from your equipment.
  • CADDIS provides machine insights, accurate real-time visibility, and preventive maintenance management.
  • CADDIS Systems detects and automatically alerts you to any excessive threshold or maintenance task via text, email, and visible & audible alerts on the production floor.
  • All data is streamed to a cloud-based, online dashboard viewable through any computer or smart device by unlimited users. It requires no software to purchase or download. There are also no licensing fees.
  • CADDIS Systems has been engineered and built to withstand all types of environmental extremes including sand, salt, heat, dust, and more, unlike other monitoring devices.
  • CADDIS can be installed in minutes on any model or vintage of machine. It is scalable from one machine to an entire, global organization.
  • There is no special equipment needed for the install and you won’t need any outside resources for the installation process.
  • Once you install CADDIS your business will be elevated immediately to industry 4.0 once one machine is deployed.

Trust CADDIS just like thousands of other businesses to take your business to the next level. To learn more visit lcm2m.com or call 563-551-6418 today to schedule a free demo today!

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Caddis Systems

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what is industry 4.0?

What Is Industry 4.0? How Can It Benefit My Business?

Ultimately, Industry 4.0 refers to a new concept in the industrial revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, machine learning, and real-time data. Not only does it improve machine efficiency, but it can essentially establish a whole new way to track the progress of a business.

More specifically, Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution, offers a more comprehensive, interlinked, and integrative approach to manufacturing. It connects physical interaction with the digital landscape. Additionally, it allows for better collaboration and accessibility across departments, partners, vendors, products, and even people.

Caddis Systems and IoT (internet of things)

Basically, Caddis Systems wants to empower manufacturers to better control every aspect of their operation. Understanding Industry 4.0 standards and how its data boosts productivity and growth is an influential tool in any manufacturing, digital, or growing business. In fact, this new technological industrial revolution inspires business owners to take action and move towards a more internet of things model. Accordingly to ZDNet, the internet of things, or IoT, “refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data.” Essentially, collecting and sharing data through a variety of cloud-based elements will spur growth and knowledge.

How Can Caddis Influence My Business?

There are several benefits to using CADDIS Systems. Our smart machine approach maximizes the return on assets and prevents future problem areas. In addition, insightful and continuous data (see video below) is at the core of improvement and effectively monitoring machine uptime avoids unnecessary disruptions. Most importantly, time will not be wasted as underperforming assets will be noticeable and fixes can occur more rapidly. Contact us today for a free demo.

 

CADDIS Machine Monitoring Applications

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Machine Monitoring Systems

CADDIS Systems is not just another machine monitoring system.

 

CADDIS was initially developed to monitor CNC’s found in machine shops across the globe. Since then CADDIS has been deployed on many other types of machines to monitor not only utilization percentage but also a number of other key metrics that are critical to a company’s success.

 

Below is a sampling of the type of data that CADDIS is now monitoring for our customers:

• Overall Machine Utilization
• Cycle Count
• Cycle Time
• Excessive Downtimes
• Conveyor Speed
• Fluid Flow
• Fluid Levels
• Fluid Temperature
• Ambient Temperature
• Vibration
• Shift Start and Stop
• Humidity
• Preventative Maintenance tasks and schedule

 

Below is a sampling of the type of Machines CADDIS is now monitoring for our customers:

• CNC’s
• Robots
• Presses
• Conveyors
• Boilers
• Mills
• Parts Washers
• Permanent Mold Machines
• Pumps
• Compressors
• Spin Blasters
• Tumble Blasters
• 3D Printers
• Core Machines
• Molding Machines
• Dehumidifiers
• Wire Annealing Machines

 

Let CADDIS provide you with a simple solution for long term success!

Equipment Utilization Data: How it Benefits You

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Also known as asset utilization, equipment utilization measures the use of and performance of the machinery you have on a job site. This is increasingly important information to you because it can assist in improving productivity and bring down the cost of equipment usage or rental due to delays in projects due to poor equipment utilization. There are no two bigger areas of importance to your business – saving time and money.

How can CADDIS Systems help?

Utilization data is provided in the CADDIS Systems interface on the Equipment Detail View. The data showing in the equipment detail view shows all relevant data for a single piece of equipment. You can view the current overall utilization percentage. The data is influenced by the time filter setting on the device.
equipment utilization data

The current overall utilization is shown on top as shown in the image above. The data below that is a breakdown of how that value was calculated. To the left of the slash is a XX.XX h value that represents the number of hours the equipment has run. To the right of the slash is a XX.XX h value which represents the number of hours that equipment was scheduled for use.

The run hours divided by the scheduled hours times 100 (run / scheduled * 100) yields the utilization value. At the bottom of the area is a bar that graphically represents the utilization percentage.

It’s a simple equation that tells you so much. Is your equipment being used the way it was scheduled to be used? Knowing the answer saves you so much. To learn more reach out to the CADDIS Team today and request a free demo of the system.

Preventative Maintenance Management

The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance Management

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Track all your machine maintenance needs for only $10.00 per month

The CADDIS System was designed by a team of engineers, software developers, and operations experts to maximize machine efficiency and increase output. Our Cloud-based architecture coupled with a dynamic, mobile-friendly user interface allows CADDIS Systems to deliver real-time analytics that can be monitored from anywhere. The benefits of Preventative Maintenance Management are numerous so let’s discuss how Caddis Systems is the perfect system to ensure your business avoids unplanned downtime by using data to address potential problems prior to machine failure.

Preventative Maintenance Management

 

How Preventative Maintenance Management can benefit your business:

CADDIS Systems allows you to build your machine family tree, schedule maintenance tasks, and assign tasks to those responsible. First, tasks are assigned to an individual(s) and they will receive an alert via text, email, or both. Once this step is completed, they will then be responsible for completing the task and noting this within the CADDIS Preventative Maintenance Management System. Over time you will build a maintenance log that will encompass all of your preventive maintenance tasks as well as any notes related to those tasks. With Preventative Machine Maintenance, CADDIS devices have multiple inputs allowing them to automatically detect machine status and alert you to any excessive threshold.  The system is efficient. It takes just a few minutes to set up CADDIS devices.

Current Caddis Preventative Maintenance Applications:

  • Hydraulic Pumps
  • HVAC Systems
  • Packaging Conveyors
  • Mining Conveyors
  • Boilers
  • Compressors
  • CNC’s
  • Plastic Molding Machines
  • Rolling Machines

What are the additional benefits of CADDIS Machine Monitoring?

We’ve discussed the value added by preventative maintenance management. There are numerous other benefits including:

  • Increases Machine Efficiency
  • Provides Real-time Production Environment Visibility
  • Sends Text & Email Alerts
  • Sends Shop Floor Visual & Audible Notifications
  • Includes Downtime Reason Tracking
  • Has a Simple Set-Up
  • Is an Affordable Solution

 

Put CADDIS Systems and the benefits of  Preventative Machine Maintenance to work for your business.

Our team has hands-on experience working in all types of manufacturing, transportation, and industrial environments where machine uptime is critical in the success of the business. We recognized a problem and are offering you a solution to increase your profit and avoid costly downtime.  We would like to put CADDIS Systems to work for your business.  For more information or to set up a free demo, contact us at 563.551.6418

CADDIS Reporting Capabilities Lead To Increased Profits

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Reports really only have value if people actually look at them and then act upon the information they have read.

 

CADDIS reporting is designed to provide actionable data for production meetings, initiatives, and analysis. CADDIS currently has three primary reports available that are aimed at three primary goals. These goals are to enable businesses to properly maintain their machines/assets, increase the overall efficiency of these assets, and also increase company profits.

Below is a summary of the reports that CADDIS currently offers, with other planned to be added in the near future.

CADDIS Reporting Samples

Excessive Downtime Report

The Excessive Downtime report shows each instance where a piece of equipment was down for longer than expected.  These entries include the start and end times when the event occurred and provides a duration for how long the downtime event was.

 

Figure 8.1.1 – Excessive Downtime Report

 

In addition, the report allows users to set why the machine was down for that long.  The possible reasons are as follows.

  • Man (i.e. there was no operator)
  • Machine (i.e. the equipment was in need of repair)
  • Method (i.e. an operator cannot keep a piece of equipment running due to not having the proper tools)
  • Material (i.e. no material was available to run the part)
  • Schedule (i.e. the equipment was not scheduled to run, or was scheduled incorrectly)
  • Maintenance (preventative maintenance was being done on the equipment)

 

Once a reason is set in the drop-down box, the downtime entry in the report will disappear.

Downtime Reason Drop Down

 

Downtime entries that have already had a reason assigned can be shown again by checking the Show Previously Marked checkbox.  If no additional entries appear after setting the checkbox, it may be that there have not been any entries that have had their reason set yet based on the time filter you have set.

 

Excessive Downtime Report Show Previously Marked Checkbox

 

As downtime reasons are set in the report, the bar chart at the top of the report will begin to populate.  There are two bars for each reason.  The purple, left-most bar is the number of occurrences of the reason.  The green line indicates the number of total hours the equipment was down for that reason.  This chart can be hidden at any time by un-checking the Show Chart checkbox.

 

Remote Montoring software CADDIS Systems sample of CADDIS ReportingExcessive Downtime Report Chart

Summary Report

The Summary Report option is only available above the equipment level in the company tree hierarchy, and reports on data from the current level down to the bottom of the company tree.  The sections of the Summary Report are outlined below.  Utilization color-coding follows the pattern outlined in the Overall Utilization section.

 

Sample report from CADDIS ReportingSummary Report

  1. Takes the utilization metrics from all equipment below the current level in the company tree, and combines them into one value.  Below the overall percentage, the value is an indicator showing the hours run versus the hours scheduled.
  2. Shows a breakdown of each group (department, facility, etc.) directly below the current level in the company tree.  This makes it easy to determine how departments and facilities are performing compared to each other.
  3. Equipment Exceptions:  When the No recent cycles (>=2d) tab is selected, devices on equipment that have not reported in for at least the last 2 days are listed.  Reasons for this can vary. Equipment can be powered down for maintenance, thus shutting off power to a device, or a device might have a network connection issue. This list can be used to help the maintenance department triage devices that need attention.  When the Underutilized (<80%) tab is selected, pieces of equipment that are showing less than 80% utilization are listed.
  4. Excessive Downtimes:  This shows the number of hours associated with excessive downtime in each department/facility below the current level in the company hierarchy.
    The threshold defining what constitutes excessive downtime can be set in the equipment management section of this guide.
  5. Downtime Reasons:  Pie chart showing the distribution of reasons why the equipment was down. This chart depends on the information provided by users in the Excessive Downtime report.

 

This information can be used to determine which facilities, departments, work cells, etc to focus on, but is very dependent on the type of equipment in a facility.  For instance, a CNC machine shop will typically have a smaller number of excessive downtimes than a molding operation that involves several manual steps by an operator.

Therefore, groups of equipment cannot always be directly compared.  Hovering your mouse cursor over each bar in this chart will show a tooltip with the hour values.  Downtime Reasons: Pie chart showing the distribution of reasons why the equipment was down.  This chart depends on the information provided by users in the Excessive Downtime Report.

A legend is provided on the right, showing the reasons that users are allowed to enter.  Hovering your mouse cursor over each slice in the pie chart will display the number of times that a reason was selected as being the cause of the excessive downtime.

 

Raw Cycle Data Report

The raw cycle data report is only available when at the equipment (lowest) level in the company hierarchy.

 

Sample of CADDIS Reporting

Raw Cycle Data Report

 

The table includes individual cycle information including when the cycle occurred, what the cycle time was, what the temperature (measured via thermocouple) was, and what tags (if any) are associated with the cycle.  The data in this table is set based on the time filters.  There is also an Export button that allows the data from the table to be downloaded for further analysis in applications such as Excel and Minitab. When the Export button is clicked, two new buttons will appear.  The first is JSON, and the second is CSV.

 

If in doubt, choose CSV because it can be directly used with Excel or Minitab.  Clicking the CSV or JSON buttons will present you with a save-as or open dialog in your web browser.  The filename of the downloaded file is encoded with the start and end timestamps of the data.

CADDIS Reporting can lead to savings for your business. Need more information on CADDIS Reporting? Contact us today.

Christmas with CADDIS 2020

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As the holidays approach many companies around the globe are slowing down production or come to a complete halt. Companies also have fewer employees on-site, as many choose to use the final days of their vacation to spend time with family, or travel to exotic places like Bettendorf, Iowa where CADDIS is based!

 

With fewer onsite personnel watching over operations, CADDIS’ remote monitoring capabilities can provide key company stakeholders with the peace of mind that their facility is still meeting scheduled or even non-scheduled runtime expectations as well as ensuring that machine health is being managed and maintained.

 

It’s important to remember that monitoring key machine failure indicators can mean the difference between ending 2020 on a positive note or stepping into 2021 with a possible workplace disaster. Please be aware that the following issues can lead to big problems and should be avoided at all costs.

 

1. Vibration increase or non-typical vibration.

2. Excessive component heating.

3. Excessive fluid temperature.

4. Rapid increase or decrease in the flow of such liquids as coolant or lubricating oil.

5. Rapid increase or decrease of key machine temperature parameters.

 

If you want to ensure your production environment has a healthy and happy 2021, reach out to CADDIS.  CADDIS monitoring systems make great stocking stuffers and are the perfect gift for that hard to buy for Plant Supervisor or Company President!

 

How Can CADDIS Machine Monitoring Save Your Company A Lot Of Money? 

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“How can CADDIS Machine Monitoring Save My Company A Lot Of Money”? 

My immediate response to a customer when this question comes up is…How can CADDIS NOT save you money? Below are some very defined and proven ways of how integrating CADDIS into your production environment will immediately not only save you money but also make you money. Ultimately, CADDIS is considered a cost-effective machine monitoring software.

Cost-Effective Machine Monitoring

Machine Utilization: tracking the overall machine utilization percentage on a daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly basis will ensure that this machine has minimal downtime and is being utilized to its fullest potential.

 

Capital Improvement Expenditures: having a clear view of your overall utilization and efficiency of your entire operation will enable you to be in a much better position to either approve or disapprove large capital expenditures. Regardless of the industry, machines are expensive, and knowing how utilized a machine is can be the deciding factor in deciding if another one is needed or not?

 

Predictive Maintenance: with the ability to track key predictive maintenance indicators such as runtime, cycles, temperature, and vibration, companies are taking a proactive approach versus a reactive approach. CADDIS allows users to create maintenance schedules based on the key predictive maintenance indicators and then assign these tasks to those responsible. Over time large amounts of money can be saved because machines are serviced and maintained based on the key predictive indicators and not only when they either break down or it’s marked on a calendar, regardless of the machine even ran. Maintenance is critical to a company’s profitability, but over-maintenance can also be wasteful.

 

Accountability & Safety

Accountability: many of our CADDIS customers are very lucky to have such a dedicated and loyal workforce. However, there are those employees that may take a bit longer break, continuously have a late shift start, or just not properly maintain their equipment. CADDIS allows supervisors to better manage their team and also recognizes those employees that continuously meet or exceed their goals. CADDIS does promote accountability, but it also is a tool that gives the employee the motivation they sometimes need to hit their goals. In the end, the more employees that take accountability for their work the more revenue a business will generate.

Safety: now includes the need for social distancing, and pay closer attention to washing hands, facility cleaning, and sanitizing touchpoints in your factory, plant, warehouse, etc. How this relates to machine monitoring may sound complex but is actually very straightforward. The fewer employees your business has in a specific area means a lower chance of transmitting an illness. A way that many companies are adapting to this is by integrating a machine monitoring system that allows their employees to monitor operations remotely. While operators and shop floor personal are still needed on a day-to-day basis at their facility.

Overview

Many other employees such as the executive team, sales, marketing, scheduling, and IT can work either entirely remote or on a flex schedule that requires less time in an enclosed workspace with others. Machine monitoring gives these departments a visual overview of their entire operation. They will have remote access to all the data they need to effectively manage their responsibilities and monitor the job performance of the company, department, and individuals. Essentially, if you are interested in cost-effective machine monitoring, contact CADDIS Systems today. Call Us Today to increase machine efficiency and machine productivity.