You can now map data items without the assistance of MachineMetrics support. 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.  

Data Items and MachineMetrics 

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 things about your machine. Some of these data items help us understand your machine's part counting while others control the colors on your dashboard, like execution data items for example. 

Data Item Visibility 

A list of data items for a machine can be seen in the Machine Diagnostics page. Now, with Data Mapping, these data items can also be seen in the Edit Machine Form.

*Please note that you will not see data items for a machine until after it is integrated.

Working with Data Mapping

User permissions required: Manager or Executive 

Data Mapping is a powerful tool for transforming machine data. Some examples include changing thresholds for part counting or adding an additional sensor. Before Data Mapping, customers would have to work directly with MachineMetrics support and have our team make the changes. However, with this tool, you are able to view, make edits, and add additional mappings to your data items list. 

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.

Adding a Data Item does require you 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 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. 

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. 

Confirming your Data Item was properly configured: 

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.

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.

Refreshing the Data Items List 

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. 

Reverting to a Previous Version

Reverting to a previous version of your mapping 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.

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.

If you are unsure how to construct or edit an adapter script, please reference our Knowledge Base articles: I/O- V1 Adapter Script Overview or V2 Adapter Script Overview or reach out to support@machinemetrics.com for additional support. 

Have Questions?

Reach out to support@machinemetrics.com.