Data Collection: Inventory and Maintenance 231

analog servo

A servo that outputs a continuously variable signal. Analog signals differ from digital signals in that small fluctuations in the analog signal are meaningful.

autonomous ship

A watercraft vessel operated by artificial intelligence instead of a human crew. The first autonomous ship was deployed in Finland.

Centre for Process Innovation

CPI. A nonprofit British organization that develops and facilitates technological innovation. The Center for Process Innovation helps organizations use technologies to enhance their processes.

change data capture

CDC. Software that identifies and tracks information movement within a database. Change data capture systems automatically update data inventory records every time a dataset changes, which can reduce human error.

CNC

Computer numerical control. A combination of software and hardware that directs the operation of a machine. Computer numerical controls use mathematical data to direct machine movements.

cross-departmental analysis

Evaluation from a group of people from different departments and with differing areas of expertise. Cross-departmental analysis encourages those who work together to define and implement changes to a manufacturing process.

cycle time

The actual time it takes to perform a task and forward it to the next step. One of the major goals of lean is to match cycle time to the customer's requirements.

data

A collection of numbers, facts, and information about a process or product. Data can be created, communicated, and recorded by sensors in smart objects.

data assets

Anything of value, such as a part, device, or machine, that's useful in manufacturing. Assets exist in the real world but can be represented virtually using data.

data governance

Rules, guidelines, or oversight for electronic information. Data governance policies help an organization maintain legal, security, and quality standards for data collection.

data integration

Combines information from different relationships and transforms them into a new single information set. Data integration is used with data mapping and data migration.

data inventory

A detailed record of datasets maintained by an organization. Data inventories typically include descriptive information of all data assets for a particular topic or field.

data lake

A computer application or system that manages massive amounts of raw data from a variety of sources. Data lakes can be located on premises or are cloud-based.

data maintenance

The process of ensuring that information assets remain usable for their designed purpose. Data maintenance helps datasets maintain their value as asset.

data map

A digital tool that links information elements with each other. Data maps are a data maintenance instrument that identifies and matches any fields from a source dataset that correspond with a target dataset.

data migration

The process of transferring digital information from one storage system to another. Data migration can be complicated when different databases or applications are used.

data steward

A person responsible for maintaining legal, security, and quality standards for the information resources of an organization. Data stewards are responsible for implementing data collection policies.

data warehouse

A computer application or system that manages massive amounts of data from a variety of sources. Data warehouses can be located on premises or are cloud-based.

datasets

Similar types of information collected into a single asset, or unit. Datasets are used by manufacturers to organize the information they collect.

digital servo

A servomechanism that uses a small data processor. Digital servos output a series of binary pulses or signals.

digital twin

A virtual representation of a physical asset or part. A digital twin evolves with the asset throughout its product lifecycle.

enterprise resource planning

ERP. A specific application of a management information system. Enterprise resource planning systems take the data from internal and external information systems and integrate it throughout the organization.

flexible hybrid electronics

FHE. A form of smart technology that can stretch. Flexible hybrid electronics are used by additive manufacturers to embed smart sensors into structures.

framework

A symbol or representation of structure. Frameworks are a blueprint of how a database is constructed.

Lean Six Sigma

A quality manufacturing methodology that uses data to identify problems and point to improvements. Lean Six Sigma's goal is to reduce the number of defects or data errors in a given project.

machine tool

A power-driven machine that holds a variety of tools. Machine tools can hold a variety of cutting and manufacturing tools.

Manufacturing Technology Connect

MTConnect. A communication standard that works as a universal translator between computer software and thousands of different machine and device languages. Manufacturing Technology Connect is open source and can be easily modified or adapted to a specific task.

microprocessor

A computer processor on a small circuit. A microprocessor completes most of the functions of the CPU.

Microsoft Dynamics

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Microsoft Dynamics software can improve the efficiency between essential parts of a manufacturing operation such as purchasing, inventory, finance, and human resources among others.

Netsuite

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Netsuite software can improve the efficiency between essential parts of a manufacturing operation such as purchasing, inventory, finance, and human resources among others.

NextFlex

A consortium of companies, academic institutions, non-profits and other organizations with a shared goal of advancing U.S. Manufacturing of flexible hybrid electronics (FHE). NextFlex keeps high quality material property datasets that advance FHEs.

Open Platform Communications United Architecture

OPC-UA. A collection of communication protocols and standards used with industrial equipment. Open Platform Communications United Architecture work as a universal translator, allowing computer software to communicate easily with thousands of different manufacturing sensors, CNC machines, and other compatible devices

open source

Software or code that is free to modify and change by anyone. Open source data is generally publicly available.

operational segments

The department or process for each stage of a manufacturing enterprise. Operational segments help control the scope, cost, and schedule of producing a product.

programming language

A set of symbols and rules used to represent information. Programming language instructs a processor on the manner in which it should carry out a process.

province

An administrative geographic region within a larger country. Provinces are often smaller political units within a larger federal system.

SAP

A type of software that acts as a framework, translator, and interface between different individual operational software package languages. SAP stands for system analysis and program development.

smart manufacturing

Technologically integrated manufacturing that creates and uses data in real time to address the needs of the factory, supplier, and customer. Smart manufacturing is an advancement of traditional manufacturing automation.

smart sensor

A device equipped with software that can detect physical inputs, process them as data, and output digital signals. Smart sensors are more advanced than normal digital sensors since they can process data internally rather than simply sending digital signals to an external system to be processed.

software

The programs and instructions that control computer hardware functions and operations. Software is necessary for data inventories to operate and update.

supply chain

A network of companies that exchange resources such as materials and information to deliver products to customers. Supply chains consist of a company, its suppliers, its distributors, and its customers.

tooling

Assorted tools used in various manufacturing processes. Tooling is used in many machine operations such as milling, turning, and additive manufacturing among other processes.

turbofan

A type of engine that supplies air for combustion or ventilation. Turbofan engines are widely used in aircraft.

workflows

The physical layout of a process. Workflows can reduce travel distances, eliminate redundancies, and improve quality.