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Operator Dashboard (OpDash) Guide

Overview​

What is the Operator Dashboard?​

Operator Dashboard (OpDash) is MachineMetrics' tablet interface for operators on the shop floor.

Key Capabilities:

  • View real-time performance: OEE, utilization, cycle times, parts goal
  • Add contextual data: Categorize downtime, log quality issues
  • Manage operations: Start/stop production runs, switch activities
  • Track parts: View parts produced, reject parts with reasons
  • Trigger workflows: Request help, materials, or maintenance
  • Access documentation: View work instructions, drawings, videos

Access:

  • URL: operator.machinemetrics.com
  • Or: Navigate from Machines Page → Click Operator Dashboard icon (top right)
  • Device: Tablets at each machine (customer-sourced)

Who Uses Operator Dashboard:

  • Machine Operators: Primary users, interact daily
  • Setup Personnel: Start operations, input setup data
  • Quality Inspectors: Review and reject parts

Version: Operator Dashboard 2.0 (current version). Note: OpDash 2.0 does not currently support Setup Stages; companies tracking Setup Stages should use the legacy version.

Tablet Setup​

Hardware Requirements​

Recommended Tablets:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab A (most common)
  • Any tablet with:
    • 10" screen or larger
    • Android or iOS
    • Modern web browser (Chrome recommended)
    • Wi-Fi connectivity

Customer-Sourced:

Tablet Placement​

Location Considerations:

  • Easily accessible without interrupting workflow
  • Protected from chips, coolant, and debris
  • Visible from operator's normal working position
  • Secure (prevent theft or damage)

Mounting Options:

  • Magnetic mounts
  • Articulating arms
  • Wall mounts near machine
  • Mobile carts (for roving operators)

Provisioning Tablets​

Progressive Web App (PWA): MachineMetrics Operator Dashboard is a Progressive Web App, providing app-like experience in the browser.

Setup Steps:

  1. Connect tablet to shop floor Wi-Fi
  2. Open Chrome browser (or preferred browser)
  3. Navigate to operator.machinemetrics.com
  4. Log in with MachineMetrics credentials (or kiosk account)
  5. Add to Home Screen (create app icon):
    • Chrome: Menu (⋮) → "Add to Home Screen"
    • Safari: Share → "Add to Home Screen"
  6. App icon appears on tablet home screen
  7. Operators launch from app icon (full-screen experience)

Kiosk Accounts:

  • Create dedicated account for each tablet (e.g., "Mill3-Tablet")
  • Role: Operator or Viewer
  • No personal email/password needed for operators
  • See User Management Guide

Keeping Tablets Active​

Prevent Sleep:

  • Android: Settings → Display → Sleep → "Never"
  • iOS: Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock → "Never"
  • Or use keep-awake app

Keep Charged:

  • USB charging cable to outlet
  • Or use battery packs with trickle charge

Keep Connected:

  • Strong Wi-Fi signal at machine
  • If Wi-Fi drops: Edge Device continues collecting data (operator input delayed until reconnection)

Interface Anatomy​

Operator Dashboard Layout​

Four Main Sections:

1. Machine Operating Status Bar (top)

  • Color-coded status indicator
  • Current machine status (Active, Inactive, Disconnected, Setup)
  • Time counter showing duration in current status
  • Example: "Active - 2h 35m" (machine has been active for 2 hours 35 minutes)

2. Tabs Section (below status bar)

  • Multiple tabs with different metrics and data
  • Swipe or tap to switch between tabs
  • Customizable via settings (add, remove, reorder)
  • Default tabs: Part Count, Utilization, All Downtime, Active Alarms, Parts Goal, Current Cycle Time, OEE

3. Performance Wheel (center of each tab)

  • Visual indicator of performance vs. thresholds
  • Ring represents "Scope of Time" (since shift start, job change, or activity change)
  • Color-coded based on goals:
    • Green: Meeting or exceeding target
    • Yellow: Below target
    • Red: Significantly below target
  • Metric displayed in center (e.g., "78%" for OEE)

Performance Wheel

4. Navigation Button Bar (bottom)

  • Action buttons for operator tasks
  • Varies based on company configuration:
    • Start/Stop Operation buttons
    • Reject Parts button
    • Categorize button (with red badge if uncategorized events)
    • Work Order button
    • Manual workflow trigger buttons
  • Always visible regardless of tab

[Recommended Image]: Full screenshot of Operator Dashboard showing all four sections labeled

Status Bar Colors​

Color-Coded Machine Status:

  • Green: Active (in-cycle, producing)
  • Yellow: Inactive (idle, between cycles)
  • Red: Alarm or error state
  • Blue: Setup mode
  • Purple: Production mode (if activity tracking enabled)
  • Gray: Disconnected (no data from machine)

Time Counter:

  • Shows how long machine has been in current status
  • Resets when status changes
  • Helps operators and supervisors quickly understand machine state

Operator Login​

Why Use Operator Login?​

Benefits:

  • Track individual operator performance
  • Identify training needs
  • Recognize top performers
  • Accountability and ownership

Optional Feature:

  • Not required for Operator Dashboard to function
  • Must be enabled: Settings → Company Settings → Operator Insight
  • See Operators in Production & Analytics Guide

Logging In​

Step-by-Step:

  1. Tap menu icon (☰) in bottom left corner
  2. Select "Select User" or "Login"
  3. Choose your name from list
  4. Select login time:
    • "Start of Shift": Backdates login to shift start time (if you forgot to log in)
    • "Now": Sets login time to current time

Login Flow

If Another User Was Logged In:

  • If another operator was logged in since shift start, you'll see:
    • "Last Sign Out": Log in from when previous operator logged out
    • "Now": Log in from current time

Switching Users​

Switching Without Logging Out:

  1. Tap menu icon (☰)
  2. Select "Switch User"
  3. Choose different operator name
  4. Select login time
  5. Previous operator automatically logged out, new operator logged in

Switching Users

Use Case: Shift change, operator swap mid-shift, or operator covering break.

Logging Out​

Step-by-Step:

  1. Tap menu icon (☰) in bottom left corner
  2. Select "Sign Out"
  3. Confirm logout
  4. Operator session ends

Sign Out Interface

Automatic Logout:

  • Operators are automatically logged out at end of shift (based on shift schedule)
  • No manual logout required if leaving at scheduled shift end

Language Selection​

Changing Display Language:

  1. Tap menu icon (☰)
  2. Select "Language"
  3. Choose language from list
  4. Interface immediately updates to selected language

Supported Languages:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • (Additional languages may be available depending on version)

Starting and Stopping Operations​

Manual Operations Mode​

When Machine Operations are Manual: Operators manually start and stop Production Runs from the tablet.

Starting a Production Run​

Step 1: Select "Start Run"

  • Tap "Start Run" button in Navigation Bar
  • Operation selection screen appears

Step 2: Select the Operation

  • Choose operation from list of available operations
  • Operations shown based on:
    • Machine-specific operations
    • Machine group operations
    • "All Machines" operations
  • Search box available if many operations

Step 3: Enter Work Order (if applicable)

  • If Work Order fields enabled:
    • Enter work order number/name
    • Or select "No Work Order" to proceed without
  • If Work Order fields not enabled, this step is skipped

Step 4: Review Operation Overview

  • Operation details displayed:
    • Operation name
    • Part number
    • Expected cycle time
    • Quantity required (if set)
  • Review and confirm

Step 5: Select Activity

  • Choose activity type:
    • Setup: Pre-production setup (fixtures, tools, first article)
    • Production: Active part production
  • Production Run begins

During a Production Run​

Switching Activities:

  • Tap current activity in Navigation Bar
  • Select new activity:
    • Setup: Switch from Production to Setup
    • Production: Switch from Setup to Production
    • Pause: Temporarily pause production
  • Activity changes immediately, tracked separately in reports

Pausing Production:

  • Tap "Pause" button (if available)
  • Production Run paused (timer stops)
  • Resume by tapping "Resume" button

Stopping Production:

  • Tap "Stop" icon in Navigation Bar
  • Confirm stop
  • Production Run ends
  • Return to Step 1 (Select Operation)

Automatic Operations Mode​

When APM (Automatic Production Monitoring) Enabled: Machine automatically creates and starts Production Runs based on program data.

Operator Capabilities:

  • Cannot manually start/stop Production Runs (automatic)
  • Can switch activities (Setup ↔ Production)
  • Can categorize downtime, reject parts, manage work orders

Switching Activities (Automatic Mode):

  • Tap current activity in Navigation Bar
  • Select new activity (Setup or Production)
  • Production Run continues, activity tracked separately

Benefits of Automatic Mode:

Categorizing Downtime​

Why Categorize Downtime?​

Benefits:

  • Understand root causes of downtime
  • Identify improvement opportunities
  • Enable automated workflows (notify maintenance, material handlers)
  • Track downtime reduction initiatives

Goal: Categorize downtime as it occurs (not retroactively).

Downtime Categories​

Common Categories:

  • Setup/Changeover
  • Waiting for Material
  • Waiting for Operator
  • Tooling Issues
  • Maintenance
  • Quality Issues
  • Operator Break
  • Other

Custom Categories:

  • Configured by IT Admin or Manager
  • Can have parent categories and subcategories
  • Example: Tooling → Tool Change, Tool Break, Lack of Tooling

Methods for Categorizing Downtime​

Method 1: Current Downtime Event (Immediate)​

Most Common Method:

  • Pop-up appears in bottom right of tablet interface
  • Prompts operator to categorize immediately
  • "Categorize this downtime event?"

Current Downtime Pop-up

Steps:

  1. Pop-up appears when downtime occurs
  2. Tap "Categorize" button
  3. Select downtime reason from list
  4. Add note (optional)
  5. Tap "Save"

Benefits:

  • Captures reason while fresh in operator's mind
  • Most accurate categorization
  • Reduces uncategorized downtime

Method 2: On-Demand Categorization​

Categorize Button in Navigation Bar:

  • "Categorize" button with red badge showing count of uncategorized events
  • Available from any tab
  • Tap to enter categorization flow

Steps:

  1. Tap "Categorize" button (bottom navigation)
  2. List of uncategorized downtime events appears
  3. Select event to categorize
  4. Choose downtime reason
  5. Add note (optional)
  6. Tap "Save"

Use Case:

  • Operator dismissed pop-up during event (was busy)
  • Reviewing downtime at end of shift

Method 3: All Downtime Tab​

Comprehensive Downtime View:

  • Navigate to "All Downtime" tab
  • Shows all downtime events for shift (categorized and uncategorized)
  • Filter by:
    • Status: Categorized, Uncategorized, All
    • Type: Downtime category
    • Time: Time range

All Downtime Tab

Categorizing from All Downtime Tab:

  1. Open "All Downtime" tab
  2. Find uncategorized event (marked with indicator)
  3. Tap event
  4. Select downtime reason
  5. Add note (optional)
  6. Tap "Save"

Categorizing Downtime Flow

Use Case:

  • Reviewing all downtime for shift
  • Identifying patterns (multiple events of same type)

Method 4: Retroactive Categorization (Managers/Executives)​

For Uncategorized Events:

  • Managers and Executives can categorize downtime after the fact
  • Available in:
    • Operator Dashboard tablet interface
    • Timelines Dashboard (web interface)
  • See Timelines Dashboard

Categorization Flow​

Typical Flow:

  1. Downtime event occurs (machine goes inactive)
  2. Pop-up appears on tablet
  3. Operator selects category from list
  4. (Optional) Operator can search or filter categories
  5. (Optional) Operator adds note for additional context
  6. Operator taps "Save"
  7. Downtime categorized, pop-up dismissed

Adding Notes:

  • Text field for additional details
  • Examples:
    • "Waiting for bar stock delivery"
    • "Tool #3 broke at 2:30 PM"
    • "Setup taking longer due to complex fixture"
  • Notes appear in reports and downtime analysis

Parts Produced and Rejected​

Parts Produced​

Automatic Tracking:

  • Machine signals automatically track parts produced
  • No operator input required (unless manual entry enabled)
  • Displayed in real-time on Operator Dashboard

Part Count Tab:

  • Shows parts made vs. expected parts made
  • Uses Expected Part Count calculation (based on time and expected cycle time)
  • Performance Wheel shows visual comparison:
    • Green: Meeting or exceeding expected
    • Yellow: Behind expected
    • Red: Significantly behind expected

Parts Goal Tab:

  • Compares actual parts made to expected parts (from operation definition)
  • Uses Expected Part Rate (from Job Performance Standards)
  • Shows burn-up chart (cumulative parts over time)
  • Target line shows expected production
  • Actual line shows real production
  • Gap indicates ahead/behind schedule

[Recommended Image]: Screenshot of Part Count Tab showing parts made vs. expected

[Recommended Image]: Screenshot of Parts Goal Tab showing burn-up chart

Rejecting Parts​

When to Reject:

  • Part fails quality check
  • Part needs rework
  • Part is scrap

Method 1: During Job Run

Step-by-Step:

  1. Tap "Reject Parts" button in Navigation Bar
  2. Available from any tab at any time
  3. Reject parts flow opens

Reject Parts Flow:

  1. Select Quantity: Enter number of parts to reject
  2. Select Reason: Choose from reject reason hierarchy
    • Parent categories (e.g., "Tooling Issues")
    • Subcategories (e.g., "Dull Tool", "Tool Break")
  3. Add Note (optional): Additional details
  4. Tap "Save"

Example:

Quantity: 3
Reason: Quality Issues → Out of Tolerance → Dimension A Oversize
Note: "Measured 1.005", spec is 1.000" ±0.002""

Method 2: During Setup

Setup Scrap:

  • If company tracks Setup, operators can input scrapped parts during setup process
  • Setup scrap tracked separately from production scrap
  • Affects Quality calculation

Quality Tracking​

Who Can Reject Parts:

  • Operators: Reject at machine during production
  • Quality Management Team: Reject after job completion (post-production inspection)

Rejected Parts Include:

  • Scrap (unusable)
  • Rework (needs additional work)

Impact on OEE:

  • Quality % = (Good Parts / Total Parts) × 100%
  • Rejected parts reduce Quality score
  • Quality is one of three OEE components (Availability, Performance, Quality)
  • 100% Quality = no rejects

Reject Reason Hierarchy:

  • Configured by IT Admin or Manager in Settings
  • Parent categories and subcategories
  • More specific reasons enable better root cause analysis

Example Hierarchy:

Quality Issues
  ├─ Out of Tolerance
  │   ├─ Dimension A Oversize
  │   ├─ Dimension B Undersize
  │   └─ Dimension C Out of Spec
  ├─ Surface Finish
  └─ Cosmetic Defects

Tooling Issues
  ├─ Dull Tool
  ├─ Tool Break
  └─ Wrong Tool

Work Order Management​

What are Work Orders?​

Work Orders link Production Runs to ERP/MES systems.

Purpose:

  • Associate MachineMetrics data with ERP work orders
  • Track production against specific customer orders
  • Enable data sync between systems

Prerequisites:

  • Must be enabled: Settings → Operator Dashboard → General → Enable Work Order Fields

Adding Work Orders​

During Operation Start:

  • When starting a production run (see Starting Operations)
  • Step 3: "Enter Work Order"
  • Enter work order number/name
  • Or select "No Work Order" to proceed without

After Operation Started:

  1. Tap "No Work Order" button in Navigation Bar
  2. Enter work order name/number
  3. Tap "Submit"
  4. Work order activated (doesn't interrupt current run)

Editing Work Orders​

Modifying Current Work Order:

  1. Tap current Work Order button in Navigation Bar
  2. Select "Edit Work Order"
  3. Modify name/number
  4. Tap "Submit"
  5. Work order updated

Work Order Edit

Use Case:

  • Typo in original entry
  • Work order number changed by planning department

Starting New Work Order​

Closing Current and Starting New:

  1. Tap current Work Order button in Navigation Bar
  2. Select "Start New Work Order"
  3. Enter new work order name/number
  4. Tap "Submit"

What Happens:

  • Current work order closes
  • Current Production Run ends
  • New Production Run starts automatically
  • Same Operation continues
  • New work order associated with new Production Run

Use Case:

  • Producing same part for different customer orders
  • Sequential work orders for same operation

Tabs and Metrics​

Default Tabs​

Part Count Tab:

  • Most commonly used tab
  • Shows parts made vs. expected parts made
  • Performance Wheel with percentage
  • Large numeric display
  • Updates in real-time

Utilization Tab:

  • Utilization percentage (in-cycle time / total time)
  • Performance Wheel with color coding
  • Time breakdown (active, inactive, disconnected)

All Downtime Tab:

  • List of all downtime events for shift
  • Filter by status, type, time
  • Categorize uncategorized events
  • Review downtime history

Active Alarms Tab:

  • Current active alarms
  • Alarm code and message
  • Duration of alarm
  • Alarm history (recent cleared alarms)

Parts Goal Tab:

  • Burn-up chart (actual vs. target)
  • Parts produced vs. parts goal (from operation)
  • Progress toward target
  • Ahead/behind indicator

Current Cycle Time Tab:

  • Current cycle time vs. expected cycle time
  • Cycle time trend (last 10-20 cycles)
  • Average cycle time
  • Variability indicator

OEE Tab:

  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness percentage
  • Performance Wheel with color coding
  • Breakdown:
    • Availability %
    • Performance %
    • Quality %

[Recommended Image]: Screenshots of each default tab side-by-side

Tab Customization​

Managing Tabs:

  • Settings → Operator Dashboard → Manage Tabs
  • Add custom tabs
  • Reorder tabs (drag and drop)
  • Hide default tabs (if not needed)
  • Customize per machine or company-wide

Custom Tab Types:

  • Websites (external)
  • Web apps
  • Google Drive documents
  • Videos (embedded)
  • Forms (Google Forms, surveys)
  • Any iframe-compatible content

Custom Tabs​

What are Custom Tabs?​

Custom Tabs allow you to embed external content into the Operator Dashboard.

Use Cases:

  • Work instructions (Google Docs)
  • Drawings and specifications (PDFs in Google Drive)
  • CNC calculators or reference tools
  • Training videos
  • Quality inspection checklists (Google Forms)
  • Trello boards for task tracking
  • Company intranet pages

Adding Custom Tabs​

Step-by-Step:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Operator Dashboard → Manage Tabs
  2. Click "Add Custom Tab"
  3. Configure tab:
    • Tab Name: Display name (e.g., "Work Instructions")
    • URL: Full URL to content (e.g., https://docs.google.com/document/d/...)
    • Icon (optional): Select icon for tab
    • Machines: Apply to all machines or specific machines
  4. Click "Save"
  5. Custom tab appears on Operator Dashboard

Custom Tab Examples​

Example 1: Work Instructions

  • Tab Name: "Work Instructions"
  • URL: Google Docs link with setup procedures
  • Use Case: Operators reference during setup

Example 2: CNC Calculator

Example 3: Quality Checklist

  • Tab Name: "Quality Check"
  • URL: Google Forms link with inspection checklist
  • Use Case: Operators complete first article inspection form

Example 4: Training Video

  • Tab Name: "Setup Video"
  • URL: YouTube or Vimeo embed link
  • Use Case: New operators watch setup video

Restrictions and Limitations​

Sites that Block iframes:

  • Some websites prevent embedding in iframes (security policy)
  • If site doesn't load, it likely blocks iframes
  • Solution: Use alternative site or direct link (opens in separate tab)

Adblockers:

  • Browser adblockers can interfere with custom tabs
  • If content doesn't load, try disabling adblockers
  • Or whitelist MachineMetrics domain

Authentication:

  • If content requires login (e.g., Google Docs), operator must be logged into that account on the tablet
  • Or use public/shared links that don't require authentication

Automatic Document Viewer (Beta)​

What is Automatic Document Viewer?​

Automatic Document Viewer displays documents or Google Forms corresponding to the active Operation, automatically changing when the operation changes.

Key Feature:

  • No operator input required
  • Document switches automatically when operation starts
  • Each operation can have its own document (work instructions, drawings, etc.)

Prerequisites:

  • Beta feature (must be enabled in Labs page)
  • Google Drive authentication required
  • Documents stored in Google Drive

Setting Up Automatic Document Viewer​

Step 1: Enable in Labs

  1. Navigate to Settings → Labs
  2. Find Automatic Document Viewer
  3. Toggle Enable
  4. Authenticate with Google Drive account

Step 2: Configure Documents

Linking Documents to Operations:

  • Add operation name to Google Drive file description
  • Format options:
    • displayName: Operation Display Name
    • Name: Operation Name

Example:

Google Drive File: "Part 1077280 Setup Instructions.pdf"
Description: "displayName: 1077280-OP10"

When operator starts operation "1077280-OP10", this PDF automatically displays

Step 3: Add Document Viewer Tab

  1. Navigate to Settings → Operator Dashboard → Manage Tabs
  2. Click "Add Custom Tab"
  3. Select "Automatic Document Viewer"
  4. Click "Save"

Using Automatic Document Viewer​

Operator Experience:

  1. Operator starts operation (e.g., "1077280-OP10")
  2. Document Viewer tab automatically loads corresponding document
  3. Operator reviews work instructions, drawings, etc.
  4. When operator starts different operation (e.g., "2055443-OP20"), document automatically switches

Benefits:

  • Ensures operators always have correct documentation
  • Reduces errors from using outdated or wrong documents
  • No operator input required (automatic)

Settings and Configuration​

Operator Dashboard Settings Location​

Access:

  • Navigate to Settings → Operator Dashboard

Settings Categories:

  1. General: Work order fields, language, display options
  2. Manage Tabs: Add, remove, reorder tabs
  3. Goal Thresholds: Performance targets for color coding
  4. Activity Tracking: Setup/Production mode settings

General Settings​

Enable Work Order Fields:

  • Toggle to enable work order input on tablets
  • When enabled, operators can add/edit work orders
  • See Work Order Management

Default Language:

  • Set company-wide default language for Operator Dashboard
  • Operators can override per tablet

Display Options:

  • Show/hide specific elements
  • Customize information density

Goal Thresholds​

Setting Performance Goals: Goals determine Performance Wheel colors (green, yellow, red).

Three Levels:

  1. System Settings: Company-wide defaults
  2. Machine Level: Override for specific machine
  3. Job Level: Override for specific operation

Most Specific Wins: Job > Machine > System

Configurable Goals:

  • Utilization Goal: Target utilization percentage
    • Example: Green ≥ 85%, Yellow 70-85%, Red < 70%
  • OEE Goal: Target OEE percentage
    • Example: Green ≥ 70%, Yellow 50-70%, Red < 50%
  • Parts Performance Goal: Target parts production rate
    • Example: Green ≥ 100% of expected, Yellow 85-100%, Red < 85%

Setting Goals:

  1. Navigate to Settings → Operator Dashboard → Goal Thresholds
  2. Set system-wide defaults
  3. Or navigate to Settings → Machines → Select Machine → Set machine-specific goals
  4. Or set in operation definition (Job Performance Standards)

Operation Settings

Manual vs. Automatic Operations​

Machine Setting:

  • Navigate to Settings → Machines → Select Machine
  • Find Production Settings
  • Select:
    • Manual Operations: Operators manually start/stop runs
    • Automatic Operations: APM automatically creates runs

Impact:

  • Manual: Full operator control, requires operator input
  • Automatic: No operator input needed, APM handles start/stop

See Also: Starting and Stopping Operations

Activity Tracking​

Setup vs. Production Mode:

  • Navigate to Settings → Machines → Select Machine
  • Find Activity Tracking
  • Toggle Enable Activity Tracking

When Enabled:

  • Operators can select Setup or Production mode
  • Setup time tracked separately
  • Setup scrap tracked separately
  • Enables planned setup exclusion from OEE

When Disabled:

  • All time considered "Production"
  • No distinction between setup and production

Job Performance Standards​

Expected Part Rate:

  • Configured in operation definition
  • Includes "button-to-button" production time (setup, teardown, processing)
  • Used for Parts Goal calculation

Best Practice:

  • Use MachineMetrics data to validate ERP standards
  • Update standards over time based on actual data
  • More accurate standards = more meaningful goals

Best Practices​

Operator Training​

Initial Training (30 minutes):

  1. Overview: What is MachineMetrics, why we use it (10 min)
  2. Login: How to log in, switch users, log out (5 min)
  3. Starting Operations: How to start/stop production runs (5 min)
  4. Categorizing Downtime: Why it matters, how to categorize (5 min)
  5. Parts and Quality: Rejecting parts, quality impact (5 min)

Ongoing Reinforcement:

  • Daily reminders about downtime categorization
  • Weekly review of operator data (recognize good practices)
  • Visual aids posted at machines (quick reference cards)

Key Messages:

  • "Your input helps us improve and makes your job easier"
  • "Categorize downtime as it happens (not at end of shift)"
  • "It's okay to request help using workflows (we want you to)"

Encouraging Operator Adoption​

1. Show Value

  • Share how data is used (improvement projects)
  • Show reports with operator data (they contributed to this)
  • Celebrate wins (downtime reduced, cycle times improved)

2. Make It Easy

  • Place tablets where easily accessible
  • Keep interfaces simple (hide unused tabs)
  • Provide quick reference cards

3. Build Habits

  • Daily reminders at shift start
  • Recognition for operators who consistently categorize downtime
  • Gamification (leaderboards, competitions)

4. Address Concerns

  • "Is this tracking me?" → No, it's tracking the machine and process
  • "Will I get in trouble for downtime?" → No, we want to understand and fix root causes
  • "This is extra work" → Categorizing downtime takes 5 seconds, saves hours of lost production

Data Quality Best Practices​

For Accurate Reports:

1. Categorize Downtime as It Occurs

  • Most accurate reason when fresh
  • Use immediate pop-up (Method 1)
  • Review uncategorized at end of shift

2. Sign In at Shift Start

  • Enables operator performance tracking
  • Use "Start of Shift" option if you forget (backdate)

3. Switch Activities Appropriately

  • Setup mode for setup (fixtures, tools, first article)
  • Production mode for production
  • Don't stay in Setup if producing parts

4. Reject Parts with Specific Reasons

  • Use subcategories (not just "Quality Issues")
  • Add notes for additional context
  • Helps identify root causes

5. Review Data Weekly

  • Spot-check for accuracy
  • Correct mistakes promptly
  • Adjust processes if needed

Tablet Maintenance​

Daily:

  • Wipe screen clean (chips, coolant, grease)
  • Check battery level
  • Verify Wi-Fi connection

Weekly:

  • Restart tablet (clear memory)
  • Check for software updates
  • Verify apps are up to date

Monthly:

  • Deep clean tablet and mount
  • Check mounting hardware (tighten screws)
  • Test backup tablets (if available)

Workflow Integration​

Operator-Triggered Workflows:

  • Configure manual workflow triggers
  • Examples:
    • "Call Maintenance" button
    • "Need Material" button
    • "Quality Issue" button
  • Reduces unplanned downtime (operators don't leave machines)
  • See Automations & Workflows Guide

Downtime Category Workflows:

  • Automate notifications based on downtime categories
  • Example: "Out of Material" → Notify material handler
  • Operators categorize, workflows handle the rest

Getting Help​

Common Questions​

"Tablet won't load Operator Dashboard"

  • Check Wi-Fi connection (connected to correct network?)
  • Check browser (use Chrome)
  • Clear browser cache and reload
  • Verify URL: operator.machinemetrics.com

"Operator Dashboard not showing correct machine"

  • Check machine selection in top right
  • Verify logged into correct kiosk account (if using machine-specific accounts)
  • Contact IT Admin to verify machine configuration

"Performance Wheel always red"

  • Check goal thresholds (are they realistic?)
  • Review actual performance (is machine underperforming?)
  • Adjust thresholds if needed: Settings → Operator Dashboard → Goal Thresholds

"Categorize button shows large number"

  • Many uncategorized downtime events
  • Open "Categorize" or "All Downtime" tab
  • Categorize events (can batch categorize if same reason)
  • Number clears as events categorized

"Custom tab not loading"

  • Site may block iframes (try alternative site)
  • Check URL (correct and accessible?)
  • Disable adblockers
  • Authenticate with required account (e.g., Google)

"Work Order fields not showing"

  • Feature not enabled
  • Navigate to Settings → Operator Dashboard → General
  • Toggle "Enable Work Order Fields"
  • Contact IT Admin if setting not available

Before Contacting Support​

Gather Information:

  • Tablet model and OS version
  • Browser type and version
  • Screenshot of issue
  • Steps to reproduce
  • When issue started

Try These Steps:

  1. Refresh page (swipe down or reload)
  2. Clear browser cache and reload
  3. Restart tablet
  4. Try different browser
  5. Check Wi-Fi connection (strong signal?)

Contact Support​

MachineMetrics Support:

  • Email: support@machinemetrics.com
  • Include:
    • Machine name
    • Tablet location/identifier
    • Screenshot of issue
    • Expected behavior vs. actual behavior
    • Steps to reproduce

For Training:

  • Request operator training session
  • Ask about best practices for operator adoption
  • Schedule refresher training for existing operators

Next Steps:

Questions? Contact support@machinemetrics.com