Manual Stations allow you to track production activity for non-connected workstations such as assembly, deburring, or inspection areas. These stations often make up 20–50% of an operator workforce and typically lack automated data collection.
With MachineMetrics Manual Stations, operators can manually record part counts and job progress in real time—bringing the same level of visibility and accountability to manual operations as automated machines.
Why it matters:
Gain visibility into all production activities—not just connected machines.
Improve job tracking accuracy and labor reporting.
Enable operators to easily log completed parts and see production progress live.
Feature Availability
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Module | Core MachineMetrics Platform |
| Integration | None required |
| Real-Time Requirements | Edge Device with Manual Stations Service deployed |
| Access Level | Operators, Supervisors, Administrators |
How It Works
The Manual Stations service runs on your Edge Device. When a job is started, the system records execution data and allows operators to press a count button to record completed parts.
New stations can be added using a Manual Station Connector and adapter script. Once configured, selecting Manual Part Counter as the part count metric enables the operator interface for counting.
How to Use It
Step 1: Install Manual Stations Service
Go to Assets → Edge Devices.
Click the Edge Device where you want to deploy Manual Stations.
Open Edge Services → Add Service.
Select Manual Stations as the service type.
Set Tag = latest (recommended to receive automatic updates).
Enter your API Key and select the Reporting scope only.
⚠️ Important: The service will not function correctly without a valid API Key.Click Save.
Step 2: Create the Machine
Go to Machines → Add.
Enter a descriptive name (e.g., Manual Station 4).
Select the Edge Device where the service was installed.
Leave the IP address and adapter script blank, then Save.
Step 3: Configure Machine Connectivity
Open the new machine record.
Set Data Collection Method = Production Activity.
Save and wait a few seconds—the station should start reporting automatically.
Step 4: Enable Manual Part Counter
In the machine settings, find Part Count Metric.
Select Manual Part Counter.
This enables:
A manual count button (+) in ShopPulse.
Blocking of other part count sources so only manual input is tracked.
Step 5: Verify Setup in ShopPulse
Open ShopPulse for your manual station.
-
Confirm the following:
Status shows Idle or Waiting for Work.
When a production run starts, the + button appears.
Pressing + adds parts to the buffer.
Multiplier settings (if configured) apply automatically.
Tips & Best Practices
Enable Waiting for Work Display in Settings → Company for clearer idle state messaging.
For labor tracking integration, enable Labor Ticket Tracking under Settings → Company (requires ERP connection).
Always use Tag = latest when deploying services to stay up to date.
Manual part counting is only available during active production or operator runs.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Q: The machine isn’t connecting.
Confirm the Edge Service is installed with a valid API Key.
Verify the data collection method is JSON HTTP.
Ensure the connection address includes the correct machine ID.
Check that the adapter script is formatted properly.
Q: The manual count button isn’t showing.
Make sure there’s an active production run (or logged-in operator in operator-run mode).
Q: Why do I see one extra part in the buffer?
A minor known display issue—fix in progress. It does not affect reported totals.
Q: Can I change how machine states are triggered?
Yes. By default, states follow production run status. Add
&type=operatorRunto the connection URL for operator-driven state changes.
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