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ERP Integration Guide

Connect your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to MachineMetrics to synchronize work orders, operations, and production data between your business systems and the shop floor.

Overview​

MachineMetrics integrates with ERP systems to enable:

  • Work Order Synchronization: Import jobs, operations, and routings from your ERP
  • Production Data Export: Send completed parts, cycle times, and labor data back to your ERP
  • Real-Time Visibility: Track job progress against ERP-planned quantities
  • Automated Updates: Eliminate manual data entry with automatic syncing

Supported Integration Methods​

MethodBest ForComplexity
Auto ImporterScheduled CSV-based importsLow
REST APIReal-time bidirectional syncMedium
ERP ConnectorsPre-built integrations (contact Sales)Low

Getting Started​

Prerequisites​

Before setting up an ERP integration:

  1. MachineMetrics Account: Manager or Executive level permissions required
  2. API Key: Generated from Settings → API Keys with appropriate scopes
  3. ERP Export Capability: Your ERP must be able to export data as CSV or connect via API
  4. Network Access: The system running the integration must reach api.machinemetrics.com (or api.machinemetrics-us-gov.com for GovCloud)

API Endpoints​

EnvironmentAPI URL
Standardhttps://api.machinemetrics.com
GovCloudhttps://api.machinemetrics-us-gov.com

Method 1: Auto Importer (CSV-Based)​

The Auto Importer is the simplest way to sync operations data from your ERP. It monitors a folder for CSV files and automatically uploads them to MachineMetrics.

How It Works​

┌─────────────┐     ┌──────────────────┐     ┌────────────────────┐
│  Your ERP   │────▶│  Monitored       │────▶│  MachineMetrics    │
│  System     │     │  Folder (CSV)    │     │  Cloud             │
└─────────────┘     └──────────────────┘     └────────────────────┘
                           ▲
                           │
                    Auto Importer
                    (watches folder)

Setup Instructions​

Step 1: Prepare Your Folder Structure​

  1. Create a new folder for your operations data (e.g., C:\MachineMetrics\Imports)
  2. Inside that folder, create a subfolder named operations

Step 2: Generate an API Key​

  1. Navigate to Settings → API Keys in MachineMetrics
  2. Click Create API Key
  3. Select the following scopes:
    • ERP (required)
    • Reporting (required)
  4. Click Save Changes
  5. Copy and securely store your API key — it will only be shown once

Step 3: Install the Auto Importer​

  1. Download the Auto Importer executable
  2. Run mm-auto-importer.exe
  3. Enter the path to your monitored folder (e.g., C:\MachineMetrics\Imports)
  4. Paste your API key when prompted
  5. Choose an installation directory
  6. Recommended: Check "Launch on startup" to ensure continuous operation
  7. Click Install, then Finish

Step 4: Configure Your ERP Export​

Set up your ERP to export operations data as CSV files to your monitored folder. Files must follow the MachineMetrics Operations CSV format.

Required CSV columns:

  • PartNumber
  • OperationNumber
  • WorkcenterName (must match machine name in MachineMetrics)
  • ExpectedParts
  • ExpectedCycleTime (seconds)

Optional columns:

  • WorkOrderNumber
  • DueDate
  • SetupTime
  • Description

Step 5: Verify Operation​

  1. A command prompt window should display "watching path" followed by your folder
  2. Place a test CSV in your monitored folder
  3. The file will be renamed with .done suffix once successfully uploaded
  4. Check MachineMetrics to confirm the operations appear

Important: Do not close the command prompt window — the Auto Importer stops if the window is closed. Use Windows Task Scheduler for persistent operation (see below).

For servers or workstations that restart:

  1. Open Task Scheduler from the Start Menu
  2. Click Create Basic Task
  3. Name it "MachineMetrics Importer"
  4. Select trigger: When the computer starts
  5. Select action: Start a program
  6. Configure:
    • Program/script: Path to file-uploader.exe
    • Arguments: -p C:\Your\Folder\Path -t Your-Api-Key
  7. Click Finish

Troubleshooting Auto Importer​

IssueSolution
Authentication errorsVerify API key has ERP and Reporting scopes
No data appearingCheck CSV format matches MachineMetrics requirements
Files not processedConfirm folder path is correct in importer config
Importer stops runningSet up as Windows Scheduled Task

Method 2: REST API Integration​

For real-time, bidirectional integration, use the MachineMetrics REST API.

API Authentication​

All API requests require a Bearer token in the Authorization header:

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY

Common API Endpoints​

EndpointMethodPurpose
/reports/productionPOSTRetrieve production metrics
/operationsGET/POSTManage operations
/jobsGET/POSTManage work orders
/machinesGETList machines

Example: Retrieve Production Data​

curl -X POST "https://api.machinemetrics.com/reports/production" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "start": "2024-01-01T00:00:00Z",
    "end": "2024-01-31T23:59:59Z",
    "data": [
      {"metric": "totalParts"},
      {"metric": "goodParts"},
      {"metric": "rejectedParts"},
      {"metric": "timeInCycle"}
    ],
    "groupBy": [
      {"group": "machine"},
      {"group": "day"}
    ],
    "flatten": true
  }'

API Key Scopes​

When creating an API key, select scopes based on your integration needs:

ScopePermissions
erpRead and write access for ERP integration
reportingRead access to reportable data
managerFull control of manager-level functionality
manager.readRead-only access to system settings, jobs, users
operator.jobsJob control and access to job lists

Developer Resources​

For complete API documentation, visit: developers.machinemetrics.com

Method 3: Pre-Built ERP Connectors​

MachineMetrics offers pre-built connectors for popular ERP systems. These connectors provide turnkey integration with minimal configuration.

Available Connectors​

Contact your Solution Delivery Manager (SDM) or Sales for information on connectors for:

  • SAP
  • Oracle
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Epicor
  • JobBOSS
  • And more

Requesting a Connector​

  1. Navigate to Settings → Integrations in MachineMetrics
  2. Find your ERP system in the list
  3. Click Request Integration
  4. A MachineMetrics team member will contact you with next steps

ERP Data Studio​

ERP Data Studio is the configuration interface in MachineMetrics for viewing, validating, and mapping ERP data. It provides full visibility into how work orders, routings, parts, operations, and labor tickets flow between your ERP and MachineMetrics.

What is ERP Data Studio?​

ERP Data Studio enables you to:

  • View and validate incoming ERP data
  • Configure routing rules and part associations
  • Map work centers to MachineMetrics machine groups
  • Inspect labor tickets captured on the shop floor
  • Troubleshoot routing or scheduling alignment issues

It's particularly useful during:

  • ERP onboarding and initial setup
  • Connector maintenance
  • Diagnosing issues with Schedule Intelligence
  • Troubleshooting operator job selection problems

Access Requirements​

RequirementDetails
ModuleERP Integration (any supported connector)
Default AccessMachineMetrics internal team or partner integrator
Customer AccessRead-only access may be enabled on request

Note: Contact your Solution Delivery Manager (SDM) to request access to ERP Data Studio.

ERP Data Studio Views​

ERP Data Studio displays ERP-connected production data across five key views:

1. Work Orders View​

Displays job information imported from your ERP:

FieldDescription
Job IDWork order or job number from ERP
Part NumberAssociated part/item number
Scheduled QuantityExpected quantity to produce
Due DateJob due date from ERP
StatusCurrent job status (Released, In Progress, Complete)
RoutingAssigned routing/operation sequence

Use this view to verify:

  • Jobs are flowing from ERP correctly
  • Part numbers and routings are assigned
  • Expected quantities and due dates are accurate

2. Operations View​

Details individual routing steps:

FieldDescription
Operation NumberStep sequence number
Operation NameDescription of the operation
Expected Setup TimePlanned setup duration
Expected Run TimePlanned cycle/run time
Assigned MachineERP-defined work center
Machine GroupMapped MachineMetrics machine group

Use this view to verify:

  • Every operation step has a valid machine group
  • Sequences and operation numbers are present
  • Routings match the expected process flow

3. Parts View​

Lists all parts synchronized from your ERP:

FieldDescription
Part NumberUnique part identifier
Part NamePart description/name
RevisionPart revision level
DescriptionAdditional details
Active RoutingsNumber of associated routings

4. Machines View (Work Center Mapping)​

This is where you map ERP work centers to MachineMetrics machine groups.

ERP FieldMachineMetrics FieldDescription
Work Center IDMachine GroupERP resource identifier mapped to MM group
Work Center NameMachine NameHuman-readable name
Asset NumberMachine IDOptional asset/equipment number

Mapping Work Centers to Machine Groups:

  1. Open ERP Data Studio → Machines tab
  2. Find the ERP work center in the list
  3. Click the Machine Group dropdown
  4. Select the corresponding MachineMetrics machine group
  5. Repeat for all work centers

Example Mapping:

ERP Work CenterERP Asset #MachineMetrics Machine Group
WC-MILL-0110045CNC Mill Cell A
WC-MILL-0210046CNC Mill Cell A
WC-LATHE-0110050Lathe Cell
WC-INSPECT10060Inspection

Important: Work center names in your ERP must be mapped to machine groups in MachineMetrics for job dispatching and scheduling to work correctly.

5. Labor Tickets View​

Displays labor records generated by operator activity:

FieldDescription
Operator NameWho performed the work
Work Order IDAssociated job
OperationOperation step worked on
PartPart being produced
DurationTime spent on activity
Start/End TimeWhen work occurred
MachineMachine used

Use this view to:

  • Validate time tracking for payroll or costing
  • Audit labor attribution for completed jobs
  • Understand shift-level activity across jobs
  • Verify data before syncing back to ERP

Note: Labor tickets can be exported via API or included in downstream ERP syncs for systems that support labor data (e.g., Epicor, Visual).

How to Use ERP Data Studio​

View and Validate Incoming Data​

  1. Open ERP Data Studio from the MachineMetrics admin interface
  2. Navigate to Work Orders view
  3. Verify:
    • Jobs are appearing from ERP
    • Part numbers and routings are correctly assigned
    • Quantities and due dates match ERP
  4. Use filters to find specific jobs, parts, or date ranges

Confirm Routing Logic for Scheduling​

  1. Go to Operations tab
  2. Select a work order to view its routing
  3. For each operation step, verify:
    • Machine Group is assigned (not blank)
    • Operation Number is correct for sequencing
    • Expected times are reasonable
  4. If machine group is missing, check the Machines tab mapping

Review Labor Tickets​

  1. Go to Labor Tickets tab
  2. Filter by:
    • Date range
    • Operator name
    • Work order ID
    • Machine group
  3. Review tickets for accuracy
  4. Export data for payroll or ERP sync as needed

Troubleshooting ERP Data Mapping​

IssuePossible CauseSolution
Work orders not appearingERP sync not runningCheck connector status, verify ERP export
Operations missing machine groupWork center not mappedMap work center in Machines tab
Labor tickets not showingLabor tracking disabledEnable labor tracking on ShopPulse Interface
Wrong machine assignedMapping incorrectUpdate work center → machine group mapping
Duplicate operationsMultiple ERP syncsCheck for duplicate work orders in ERP

ERP Data Studio FAQs​

Q: Can I make changes directly in ERP Data Studio?

A: No. ERP Data Studio is read-only. All changes must be made in your ERP system and will sync to MachineMetrics on the next update cycle.

Q: Why don't I see labor data for certain jobs?

A: Labor tracking must be:

  1. Enabled on the ShopPulse Interface
  2. Supported by your ERP connector
  3. Operators must be logging in and tracking work

Q: Can I filter by operator or machine in Labor Tickets?

A: Yes. You can filter by operator name, part, machine group, work order ID, or date range.

Q: How often does data sync from my ERP?

A: Sync frequency depends on your integration method:

  • Auto Importer: When files are placed in the monitored folder
  • API: Real-time or on your scheduled interval
  • Pre-built Connectors: Typically every 5-15 minutes (configurable)

Q: What if my ERP uses different field names?

A: Work with your MachineMetrics implementation team to configure field mapping during connector setup.

Best Practices for ERP Data Mapping​

PracticeBenefit
Use consistent namingWork center names should match across ERP and MachineMetrics
Map all work centersEnsures all operations can be dispatched
Keep ERP data cleanArchive inactive jobs and parts in ERP
Use revision controlManage routing and part changes systematically
Validate after ERP changesCheck ERP Data Studio after routing updates
Review labor tickets weeklyCatch tracking issues early

Data Flow Best Practices​

Inbound (ERP → MachineMetrics)​

  • Sync Frequency: Daily or per-shift for batch operations; real-time for active job tracking
  • Data Validation: Ensure workcenter names in your ERP match machine names in MachineMetrics exactly
  • Unique Identifiers: Use consistent part numbers and operation numbers across systems

Outbound (MachineMetrics → ERP)​

  • Production Counts: Use the API to pull good parts, rejected parts, and cycle times
  • Labor Data: Retrieve operator run data for labor ticket updates
  • Downtime: Export categorized downtime for root cause analysis in your ERP

Getting Help​