Mapping Data

Introduction:

This article will explore the purpose of data mapping and how you can work with data items in your Machine Settings to transform your machine data.   

When you integrate your machine and connect to MachineMetrics, your machine passes data items from the PLC to our platform. These data items are automatically mapped and tell us many specific components about your machine such as part counting, and/or controlling the colors on your dashboard, like execution data items. 

With this tool, you are able to view, make edits, and add additional mappings to your data items list. 

Note: User permissions are required on the Manager or Executive role levels.

Topics covered in this article:

• Adding New Data Items
• Editing Data Items
• Removing Data Items
• Refreshing/Reverting Data Items

Note: That you will not see data items for a machine until after it is integrated. A list of data items for a machine can be seen on the machine's Diagnostics page. Now, with Data Mapping, these data items can also be seen in the Machine Settings Form.

Adding New Data Items 

Adding Data Items can be done directly from the Add New Data Item button on the Data Mapping section on the Machine form or from the Data Collection section.

Learn how to access a machine's Settings form.

After these steps, further steps are required to update your adapter script in the Data Collection section.

Adding a Data Item to the Data Collection section first will automatically add it to your Data Mapping where you can then configure it by editing the Data Item in your list. So, let's break that down: 

Adding a Data Item from the Data Mapping Section of the Machine form: 

1) Select Add New.

2) Add your Data Item and configure the fields.

3) Go to the Data Collection section for that Machine, and add the Data Item to the Adapter Script. 

Adding a Data Item from the Data Collection Section of the Machine form: 

1) Add Data Item to the Adapter Script.

2) That Data Item will automatically appear in the Data Mapping section for that Machine. 

3) Select the Data Item to configure it further. 

To confirm your Data Item is properly configured and that data is flowing to MachineMetrics, navigate to the Diagnostics page for the machine to confirm you see the Data Item and data flowing. To learn more about adapter scripts visit these articles on V1 Adapter Scripts and V2 Adapter Scripts.

Editing Data Items 

From the Data Mapping section on the Machine form, you can edit any Data Item by clicking on the item in. your list. As you make updates, you can use the Diagnostic Preview to see how the Data Item will be configured on the Diagnostics page for that machine.

How to get there: 

1. Navigate to the Machines Page by selecting Machines in the side bar navigation.
2. Select your specific machine from the Machines Switcher
3. Select the Settings Cog Icon
4. Select Data Mapping 
5. Select a data item under the Data Item list. 

Removing Data Items

From the edit modal for any Data Item, you can choose to remove it from the mapping. Removal of a Data Item removes the Data Item along with all current settings for the item and can affect certain functionalities. After removal, the Data Item can be added back to your mapping by reverting to a previous version of your Data Mapping.

How to get there: 

1. Navigate to the Machines Page by selecting Machines in the side bar navigation.
2. Select your specific machine from the Machines Switcher
3. Select the Settings tab
4. Select Data Mapping 
5. Select a data item under the Data Item list. 
6. Select the Remove From Mapping on the top right-hand corner. 

Refreshing and Historical Data Items

The Refresh selection, shown below, will allow you to re-query the Data Items from your Machine so that any new Data Items or data values that have changed will be updated. This button is useful when you add additional Data Items, as sometimes the mapping can take a moment and you can use this Refresh selection to refresh the mapping until the new Data Item appears in your list. 

View history opens a log to view historical changes made to the data item mapping by date and user. It also allows you to undo changes and return to a previously saved version of your Data Mapping. Selecting a version will re-establish all Data Items and associated settings.

How to get there: 

1. Navigate to the Machines Page by selecting Machines in the side bar navigation.
2. Select your specific machine from the Machines Switcher
3. Select the Settings tab
4. Select Data Mapping 
5. Select either Refresh List or View History (select to Save Point) 

Additional Terms

• Hide Diagnostic Preview
  This shows how your Data Item will appear on the Diagnostics page for this machine.
• Component Type
  This describes how the Component is categorized.
• Component
  This describes the physical place on the machine where the Data Item is coming from and determines how it will be grouped on the diagnostics page for this machine.
• Key Name
  The unique label, or key, the machine assigns to a data value. This cannot be edited from the Machine form since it could break the Data Mapping functionality if not updated properly.
• Type
  This describes the category of data that is coming from the key.
• Subtype (If Applicable)
  This is used to describe the Data Item on the Diagnostics page for this machine and determines how the data is treated within our system.

Have Questions?

Reach out to support@machinemetrics.com.