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Quick Start Checklist

Overview​

Welcome to MachineMetrics! This Quick Start Checklist guides you through your first day with the platform—from initial login to seeing your first machine data. Follow these steps in order for the smoothest onboarding experience.

What You'll Accomplish​

By the end of this checklist, you will have:

✓ Logged into MachineMetrics
✓ Deployed and activated your first Edge device
✓ Connected your first machine
✓ Configured basic system settings
✓ Added team members as users
✓ (Optional) Set up a shop floor tablet
✓ Verified data is flowing correctly
✓ Created your first report or alert

The MachineMetrics Onboarding Journey​

Here's how the complete onboarding process works from initial contact to production deployment:

Step 1: Factory Assessment​

📋 You send us your machine list using our Factory Assessment template

  • Provides machine make, model, control type, and quantity
  • Helps us understand your shop floor configuration
  • Allows us to recommend optimal connectivity approach

Step 2: Connectivity Planning​

📊 We send you a Connectivity Tracker with:

  • Communication protocol for each machine (FOCAS, MTConnect, OPC-UA, etc.)
  • Required options and licenses (e.g., OPC-UA licenses for Siemens)
  • Hardware recommendations (Edge devices, I/O modules)
  • Estimated timeline and deployment plan

Step 3: Pre-Deployment Preparation​

🔧 You prepare your environment:

  • Network machines and assign static IP addresses
  • Purchase any required hardware (Edges, I/O devices)
  • Configure machine ports and communication settings
  • Source and install required options (OPC-UA licenses, MTConnect agents)
  • Work with IT to configure firewall rules (see Network Requirements Guide)

Step 4: Account Activation​

✍️ Sign the Master Services Agreement (MSA) to:

  • Activate your MachineMetrics account
  • Receive login credentials
  • Gain access to the platform
  • Schedule kickoff call with your Solution Delivery Manager (SDM)

Step 5: Edge Deployment​

📦 Add physical or virtual Edge devices:

  • Activate Edge devices in your account
  • Connect Edges to your network
  • Verify cloud connectivity
  • Begin machine registration

Step 6: Machine Connection​

🔌 Start adding machines and verify data:

  • Connect your first machine (typically 30-90 minutes)
  • Verify data collection within minutes
  • Iterate on additional machines over several days
  • Fine-tune part counting and data mapping

Step 7: Training & Optimization​

🎓 Your SDM trains you on:

  • All product features and capabilities
  • How to use MachineMetrics to solve your specific use cases
  • Best practices for maximizing ROI
  • Advanced features (job tracking, ERP integration, automation)
  • Ongoing support and success planning

Timeline: Most customers go from initial contact to first machine collecting data within 2-4 weeks, with full deployment scaling over 1-3 months depending on shop floor size.

Before You Begin​

You'll need:

  • MachineMetrics account credentials (provided during onboarding)
  • Edge device (physical or virtual)
  • Network access and firewall approvals (see firewall requirements)
  • Machine(s) to connect
  • Contact information for team members to invite

Recommended access level: Executive or IT Admin

Prerequisites completed:

  • Firewall rules configured (see Edge Device Setup Guide)
  • Network connectivity verified
  • Machine connectivity information gathered (IP address, protocol type)

Tip: You don't need to complete everything in one session. The checklist is designed to be completed in stages.

Phase 1: Access & Login​

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 1.1 Access MachineMetrics​

  1. Navigate to your login URL:
  2. Bookmark the URL for quick access

☐ 1.2 First-Time Login​

  1. Check your email for the MachineMetrics invitation
  2. Click the invitation link in the email
  3. Set your password following the requirements below
  4. Set up multi-factor authentication (if required)
  5. Complete your profile information

Password requirements:

  • Minimum 8 characters
  • Must include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character

☐ 1.3 Verify Your Access Level​

  1. Click your name in the top-right corner
  2. Check that you have Executive or IT Admin access
  3. If not, contact your MachineMetrics administrator

☐ 1.4 Explore the Interface​

Take 5 minutes to familiarize yourself with:

  • Left navigation menu (Dashboard, Machines, Production, Reports, Settings)
  • Top navigation (search, notifications, help)
  • Company switcher (if you have multi-company access)

Phase 2: Edge Device Setup​

The Edge device is your gateway between machines and the cloud. You'll need at least one Edge device to collect data.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 2.1 Choose Edge Type​

Decide between:

  • Physical Edge Device - Dedicated hardware (Intel NUC-based)
  • Virtual Edge - Software running on VMware or Hyper-V

Recommendation: Physical Edge for production environments, Virtual Edge for testing

☐ 2.2 Unbox and Connect Hardware (Physical Edge only)​

  1. Unbox your Edge device
  2. Connect keyboard, monitor, and mouse
  3. Connect ethernet cable (recommended) or prepare for WiFi
  4. Connect power and turn on the device

☐ 2.3 Download Virtual Edge Image (Virtual Edge only)​

  1. Download the appropriate image for your environment:

    Standard Cloud:

    GovCloud:

  2. Import into your virtualization platform

  3. Allocate resources: 4 cores, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage

☐ 2.4 Complete On-Screen Setup​

  1. Click "Let's get started!" at the welcome screen
  2. Connect to the internet (WiFi or Ethernet)
  3. Wait for firewall verification tests
  4. You'll see a QR code when ready

☐ 2.5 Activate the Edge Device​

  1. Using your phone, scan the QR code displayed on the Edge
  2. Log into MachineMetrics (if not already logged in)
  3. The activation form will be pre-filled
  4. Click "Add Edge Device"
  5. Follow any additional on-screen instructions

☐ 2.6 Verify Edge is Online​

  1. In MachineMetrics, go to Settings → Edge Devices
  2. Your new Edge should appear with status "Connected"
  3. Note the Edge name for reference

Troubleshooting:

  • Edge won't activate? Check firewall rules
  • QR code won't scan? Manually enter the code shown below the QR
  • Firewall tests fail? Contact your IT team

Phase 3: Connect Your First Machine​

Time varies based on machine type and protocol. Start with your easiest/best-documented machine.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 3.1 Identify Your Machine's Protocol​

Tip: If you received a connectivity tracker or Factory Assessment from MachineMetrics, refer to that document for specific protocol and connection details for your machines.

Determine which protocol your machine uses:

  • FANUC CNC? → FOCAS
  • Mazak/Okuma CNC? → MTConnect
  • Siemens/Brother? → OPC-UA
  • Older CNC? → Digital I/O or Serial
  • Not sure? → Contact MachineMetrics support

☐ 3.2 Gather Machine Connection Information​

Collect before starting:

  • Machine IP address
  • Machine make and model
  • Control type and version
  • Network subnet (if different from Edge)
  • Any special passwords or access requirements

☐ 3.3 Configure Machine Network Connection (if needed)​

On the machine control:

  1. Enable network connectivity
  2. Set static IP or verify DHCP assignment
  3. Configure any protocol-specific settings
  4. Test connectivity with ping from Edge

☐ 3.4 Add Machine in MachineMetrics​

  1. Go to Assets → Machines
  2. Click Add Machine
  3. Enter machine details:
    • Machine name
    • Make and model
    • Connection address (IP address)
    • Select your Edge device
  4. Click Next

☐ 3.5 Configure Machine Adapter​

  1. Select the appropriate adapter type (FOCAS, MTConnect, etc.)
  2. Enter connection details:
    • Connection address: <IP address>:<port> (e.g., 192.168.1.100:502 for Modbus)
    • Port appends to IP address (default varies by protocol)
    • Any authentication credentials
  3. Click Test Connection
  4. If successful, click Save

☐ 3.6 Configure Data Points​

  1. Select which data points to collect:
    • Machine status (running/idle/down)
    • Cycle count / part count
    • Program name
    • Alarms/alerts
    • Spindle load/utilization
  2. Configure part counting method (if applicable)
  3. Save configuration

☐ 3.7 Verify Machine Connection​

  1. Go to Machines page in left navigation
  2. Find your newly added machine
  3. Check that status shows "Connected"
  4. Watch for a few minutes to see status changes

Troubleshooting:

  • Connection test fails? Verify IP address and network connectivity
  • No data appearing? Check part counting configuration
  • Machine shows "disconnected"? Review adapter settings

Phase 4: Configure Basic Settings​

Set up essential configuration before adding more machines or users.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 4.1 Configure Company Settings​

  1. Go to Settings → Company
  2. Verify/update:
    • Company name
    • Time zone (very important!)
    • Default measurement units
    • Fiscal year start (if applicable)

☐ 4.2 Set Up Machine Schedules​

  1. Go to Settings → Schedules
  2. Create your production schedule:
    • Define shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
    • Set shift start/end times
    • Mark non-production days (weekends, holidays)
  3. Assign schedule to your machine(s)

Example: 2-shift operation

  • 1st shift: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • 2nd shift: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Closed: Weekends

☐ 4.3 Create Machine Groups (Optional)​

If you have or plan to have multiple machines:

  1. Go to Settings → Machine Groups
  2. Create logical groups:
    • By department (Milling, Turning, Grinding)
    • By product line
    • By shift or area
  3. Assign your machine(s) to groups

☐ 4.4 Configure Basic Downtime Categories​

  1. Go to Settings → Downtime Categories
  2. Create essential categories:
    • Setup/Changeover
    • No Operator
    • Maintenance
    • No Material
    • No Program/Instructions
  3. Start simple—you can add more later

☐ 4.5 Set Up Reject Reasons (if tracking quality)​

  1. Go to Settings → Reject Reasons
  2. Create common reject categories:
    • Bad Material
    • Tool Failure
    • Operator Error
    • Machine Issue
    • Out of Tolerance

Phase 5: Add Users & Operators​

Invite your team to access MachineMetrics.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 5.1 Identify Initial Users​

Create a list of who needs access:

  • Production managers (Manager or Executive)
  • Shift supervisors (Supervisor)
  • Quality engineers (Manager)
  • IT contacts (IT Admin)
  • Plant leadership (Executive)

☐ 5.2 Invite System Users​

  1. Go to Settings → Users
  2. Click Invite Others
  3. For each user:
    • Enter email address
    • Select appropriate role
    • Click Send
  4. Notify users to check email (including spam folder)

☐ 5.3 Set Up Operators (if using ShopPulse on tablets/PCs)​

If you're deploying tablets for operator input (ShopPulse interface):

  1. Go to Settings → Operators
  2. Create operator profiles:
    • Enter operator names
    • Assign badge numbers (if applicable)
    • Set default machines/groups
  3. Configure operator login requirements

Note: Operators are separate from system users. Don't invite operators via the Users page.

Phase 6: Tablet Setup (Optional, 30 minutes)​

Set up a tablet for operator input at the machine. The operator interface is called ShopPulse (the tablet/PC interface used by operators on the shop floor). Skip this if you're not using tablets yet.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 6.1 Prepare Tablet Hardware​

  1. Factory reset tablet (recommended for used tablets)
  2. Update Android OS and Chrome browser
  3. Connect to Wi-Fi
  4. Fully charge or connect to power

☐ 6.2 Choose Provisioning Method​

  • ShopPulse (operator interface) Android App - For Android kiosk deployments
  • PWA (Progressive Web App) - Works on all platforms including iOS, recommended

☐ 6.3 Install and Activate​

For ShopPulse (operator interface) Android App:

  1. Download APK from MachineMetrics
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources
  3. Install and open app
  4. Sign in with your credentials

For PWA:

  1. On tablet, navigate to: https://operator.machinemetrics.com/pwa
  2. Click Install Now
  3. Select Authorize Device
  4. Note the 4-character code
  5. On another device, go to: https://app.machinemetrics.com/app/tablet
  6. Enter the code to authorize

☐ 6.4 Mount and Test Tablet​

  1. Mount tablet near the machine
  2. Ensure good Wi-Fi signal
  3. Test touch responsiveness
  4. Verify operator can access ShopPulse (operator interface on tablet/PC)
  5. Keep tablet plugged into dedicated power (not machine USB!)

Phase 7: Verify Data Flow​

Confirm everything is working correctly.

☐ 7.1 Check Machine Status​

  1. Go to Machines page
  2. Verify your machine shows:
    • Connected status (green)
    • Current state (Running/Idle/Down)
    • Recent activity in timeline

☐ 7.2 Verify Data Collection​

Watch your machine for 5-10 minutes and verify:

  • Status changes when machine runs/stops
  • Part counts increment (if configured)
  • Program name displays correctly
  • Alarms appear when triggered

☐ 7.3 Test ShopPulse (operator interface on tablet/PC)​

On the tablet:

  • Machine appears in dashboard
  • Real-time metrics display
  • Can categorize downtime
  • Can log parts (good/reject)
  • Can start/stop jobs

☐ 7.4 Check Dashboard Metrics​

  1. Go to Dashboard (home page)
  2. Verify your machine appears in:
    • Utilization summary
    • Machine status grid
    • Recent activity

☐ 7.5 Review Edge Device Health​

  1. Go to Settings → Edge Devices
  2. Check your Edge:
    • Status: Connected
    • Last seen: Within last few minutes
    • Software version: Current

Troubleshooting:

  • No data appearing? Check machine adapter configuration
  • Data delayed? Verify network connectivity
  • Parts not counting? Review part counting setup

Phase 8: Set Up First Reports & Alerts​

Start getting value from your data immediately.

Detailed Instructions:

☐ 8.1 Explore Pre-Built Reports​

  1. Go to Reports in left navigation
  2. Run these essential reports:
    • Machine Utilization - Overall productivity
    • Downtime Analysis - What's stopping production
    • Part Production - Output tracking
  3. Adjust date range to see your recent data

☐ 8.2 Create Your First Custom Report​

  1. Click Create Report or use Report Builder
  2. Create a simple daily production report:
    • Select machines to include
    • Choose date range (last 7 days)
    • Add key metrics: utilization, parts produced, downtime
    • Save and name the report
  3. Schedule to run daily (optional)

☐ 8.3 Set Up a Basic Alert​

Create a simple but useful alert:

  1. Go to Automations (from left menu)
  2. Create a new workflow:
    • Trigger: Machine down for > 15 minutes
    • Action: Send email to production manager
    • Recipients: Add your email
  3. Save and activate the workflow

☐ 8.4 Configure Your Dashboard View​

  1. Go to Dashboard page
  2. Customize the view:
    • Add widgets for key metrics
    • Arrange layout for your workflow
    • Set default date ranges
  3. Save as your default view

Next Steps: Expand Your Deployment​

Congratulations! You've completed the Quick Start setup. Here's what to do next:

Week 1-2: Stabilize and Learn​

  • Monitor your first machine daily
    • Review utilization trends
    • Categorize downtime with operators
    • Verify data accuracy
  • Train your team
    • Walk through the platform with new users
    • Show operators how to use tablets
    • Share key reports with managers
  • Refine your configuration
    • Add more downtime categories as needed
    • Adjust machine schedules
    • Fine-tune part counting

Week 3-4: Expand Connectivity​

  • Add more machines
    • Use lessons learned from first machine
    • Prioritize high-value or problematic machines
    • Document your connection process
  • Deploy additional tablets
    • Provision tablets for each machine
    • Train operators on consistent usage
    • Monitor adoption and data quality
  • Enhance reporting
    • Create department-specific reports
    • Set up scheduled email delivery
    • Build custom dashboards for different roles

Month 2-3: Advanced Features​

  • Set up ERP integration (if applicable)
    • Import work orders automatically
    • Sync part and routing data
    • Enable job tracking
  • Implement advanced workflows
    • Automated maintenance requests
    • Quality escalations
    • Production notifications
  • Analyze and optimize
    • Review OEE trends
    • Identify bottlenecks
    • Quantify ROI

Ongoing: Continuous Improvement

  • Monthly review of utilization and downtime trends
  • Quarterly user access audit
  • Regular check-ins with Solution Delivery Manager (during onboarding)
  • Stay updated on new features and releases

Resources for Next Steps:

Troubleshooting​

"I can't log in"​

Solutions:

  • Verify you're using the correct URL (Standard vs GovCloud)
  • Check email for activation/welcome message
  • Use "Forgot Password" to reset
  • Contact your administrator if account not yet created

"Edge device won't activate"​

Solutions:

  • Check internet connectivity on Edge
  • Verify firewall rules allow required ports and domains
  • Try manual activation code entry instead of QR scan
  • Restart Edge device and try again

"Machine not connecting"​

Solutions:

  • Verify machine IP address is correct
  • Test network connectivity (ping machine from Edge)
  • Check protocol-specific requirements
  • Review machine control settings
  • Contact MachineMetrics support for protocol help

"No data appearing after connection"​

Solutions:

  • Wait 5-10 minutes for initial data sync
  • Check that machine is actually running
  • Verify part counting is configured correctly
  • Review adapter configuration in Assets → Machines
  • Check Edge device logs for errors

"Tablet won't authorize"​

Solutions:

  • Ensure you're entering code on a DIFFERENT device
  • Check that authorization URL is correct
  • Verify tablet has internet connectivity
  • Try refreshing the authorization code
  • Factory reset and reprovision if necessary

"Users not receiving invitation emails"​

Solutions:

  • Check spam/junk folders
  • Verify email addresses are correct
  • Resend invitations
  • Check with IT that machinemetrics.com isn't blocked

Getting Help​

During Setup​

Priority support channels:

  1. Your Solution Delivery Manager (SDM) (during onboarding)

    • Best for: Initial setup guidance, training, ERP connectivity, configuration questions
    • Contact info provided during onboarding

  2. Technical Support (after onboarding or for technical issues)

  3. MachineMetrics Support

    • Email: support@machinemetrics.com
    • Use subject line: "Quick Start Setup Help - [Your Issue]"
    • Include: Company name, specific error, what you've tried

  4. Knowledge Base

What to Include in Support Requests​

  • Your company name
  • Step in checklist where you're stuck
  • Error messages (screenshots help!)
  • What you've already tried
  • Machine make/model (if machine connectivity issue)
  • Edge device name (if Edge issue)

Scheduled Onboarding Sessions​

Most customers receive:

  • Initial onboarding call - Platform overview and setup plan
  • Technical setup session - Edge and machine connectivity
  • Configuration workshop - Settings and reports
  • Follow-up check-in - Verify everything is working

Contact your SDM to schedule or reschedule these sessions.

Checklist Summary​

Use this quick reference to track your progress:

Phase 1: Access ✓ / ✗​

  • Logged into MachineMetrics
  • Password updated
  • Profile completed
  • Access level verified

Phase 2: Edge Device ✓ / ✗​

  • Edge device deployed
  • Activated in MachineMetrics
  • Shows "Connected" status
  • Network verified

Phase 3: Machine Connection ✓ / ✗​

  • Machine protocol identified
  • Connection information gathered
  • Machine added in MachineMetrics
  • Adapter configured and tested
  • Data points selected
  • Part counting configured

Phase 4: Basic Settings ✓ / ✗​

  • Company settings configured
  • Schedules created
  • Machine groups set up
  • Downtime categories added
  • Reject reasons configured

Phase 5: Users ✓ / ✗​

  • User list created
  • Invitations sent
  • Operators set up (if applicable)

Phase 6: Tablet (Optional) ✓ / ✗​

  • Tablet prepared
  • App installed and authorized
  • Mounted at machine
  • Tested and working

Phase 7: Verification ✓ / ✗​

  • Machine status confirmed
  • Data collection verified
  • Dashboard populated
  • Edge health confirmed

Phase 8: Reports & Alerts ✓ / ✗​

  • Pre-built reports reviewed
  • Custom report created
  • First alert configured
  • Dashboard customized

COMPLETE! You're ready to scale 🎉​

Next Document: Ready to dive deeper? See the Machine Connectivity Overview to connect more machines.

Questions? Contact your Solution Delivery Manager (during onboarding) or email support@machinemetrics.com (for technical issues).

Feedback? We'd love to hear how your setup went. Your input helps us improve this guide for future customers.