Solution
From on-premise systems and Excel to a cloud platform
One step at a time, starting from what works today, not a large-scale system replacement.
The problem
Quality work functions, but it rests on an on-premise system, a number of spreadsheets and a few people who know how everything fits together. It becomes vulnerable when the business grows, when more plants are to be included or when key people leave.
Relevant for: IT, Management, Quality
The context in production
Many manufacturers have worked with the same quality system for ten years or more. It is often installed on a server in the factory, adapted to the business and full of valuable history.
At the same time there is a growing need to share data between departments and plants, to reach it outside the office and to avoid maintaining servers and clients locally.
Why it matters
A system replacement done in a single step is risky: ways of working, history and customer requirements must work from day one.
Waiting too long also has a cost: technical dependencies, local operation and data that does not reach the people who need it.
In principle
One decision per part, not one big switch
The starting point is how the system is used today. Each part can be kept, complemented or moved in steps, and that is decided in a review.
How do you decide what happens with the system you have today?
Illustration01 · Today
- Functions and reports in use
- History that is needed going forward
- Connections to measuring equipment and ERP systems
- People who know the system
02 · Review
What is used, how often and by whom? What must remain?
03 · Decision per part
Keep what works
What works and does not need to change stays for now.
Complement
A new system is used alongside the old one for what is missing today.
Move in steps
One part at a time, with a period where both run in parallel. Which history to bring along is decided in the review.
The decision is made per part of the use, not for everything at once. What decides is how the system is actually used, which history is needed and what is connected.
What changes when measurement data becomes digital?
IllustrationOn paper the same value is retyped for every new use, with the risk of errors and delay. Digitally the value is measured once and used where it is needed.
Step by step
- On paper: the value is written on a form and retyped for checks, follow-up and reports.
- Digitally: the value is recorded once.
- The same value is used directly in the check, the trend and the report.
From today to better
Common challenges, and what a better way of working looks like
What it often looks like
- Unclear which functions in today's system are actually used.
- Historical data that has to be kept.
- Customer-specific customisations and reports.
- Limited time in the quality department for an introduction.
A better way of working
- Start by mapping how today's system is used.
- Choose a limited first area, for example one line or one inspection type.
- Let the old and the new run in parallel where needed.
- Build on it once the way of working is in place.
Rektron's approach
How we help
Rektron develops both Rektron SQC, which many customers have used for many years, and Eyesight, the cloud platform where new development happens. We review which functions you use today and, based on that, suggest a set-up and a pace that suit you.
If you use Rektron SQC today, there is a page for you.
Capabilities used
Quality control
EyesightIncoming, first/last-off, in-process and final inspection with inspection instructions right in the interface.
Read more →SPC, run rules and alarms
EyesightTrend charts and Xbar-R with control limits set per characteristic, an alarm when a value goes outside the limit, and run rules (Nelson or Western Electric) with the rule number at the point. The run rules apply to manually entered values. Changes of operator, machine or batch can be marked in the trend.
Read more →Automatic import from CMM and vision systems
DAQResults from coordinate measuring machines and vision systems are imported without manual handling.
Read more →Access control
EyesightExtended control of who sees and does what, per role and unit.
The flow
How it works
- 01
Map
A review of how today's systems, files and routines are used.
- 02
Limit
Choose a first area with clear benefit.
- 03
Introduce
Connect sources, set up parts and train users.
- 04
Broaden
More lines, inspection types and plants at your pace.
What changes
- A system change with controlled risk.
- Less local operation and fewer dependencies on individuals.
- Data that reaches more people, also outside the factory network.
Read more
- Customers and references →
Companies that work with Rektron systems.
- The knowledge base →
The methods behind the solution, explained.
Technical information
- Eyesight runs as a cloud service on Microsoft Azure.
- Web-based, used in the browser.
- Data from measuring machines and equipment is collected via Rektron DAQ.
Situations
Where this becomes relevant
The situations are described without the product: what happens, what should apply and who needs to know what.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there funding for digitalisation projects?
Small and medium-sized companies can in some cases apply for funding for digitalisation, for example through regional digitalisation vouchers. Read more on our page about digitalisation vouchers.
Related
Solutions that fit together
Next step
Want to see how from on-premise systems to the cloud can work for you?
Tell us about your process and your measurements. We will suggest a first step that suits your business.