| 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. |
| asset |
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. |
| autonomous ship |
A watercraft vessel operated by artificial intelligence instead of a human crew. The first autonomous ship was deployed in Finland. |
| clutter |
Data and information that is unorganized or untidy. Clutter is irrelevant data that can obscure useful data. |
| 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. |
| computer numerical control |
CNC. A combination of software and hardware that directs the operation of a machine. Computer numerical control uses mathematical data to direct machine movements. |
| content management system |
CMS. A software system that manages the creation and implementation of digital content. Content management systems are typically used with web content management. |
| 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 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 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 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. |
| database |
Computer storage that holds data and is searchable. A database both stores and organizes information. |
| dataset |
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. |
| machine tool |
A power-driven machine that holds a variety of tools. Machine tools can hold a variety of cutting and manufacturing tools. |
| microprocessor |
A computer processor on a small circuit. A microprocessor completes most of the functions of the CPU. |
| MTConnect |
A communication standard that works as a universal translator between computer software and thousands of different machine and device languages. MTConnect is open source and can be easily modified or adapted to a specific task. |
| 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 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. |
| production metrics |
Data used to gauge manufacturing performance. Production metrics can be used to detect errors and track an operation's progress. |
| 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. |
| proprietary |
A physical product or data asset whose rights are owned by the company that designed it. Proprietary data can be used only with the permission of the owner. |
| 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 systems, applications, and products in data management. |
| scope |
The range of activities that are the focus of a data inventory. Scope refers to all areas of importance in a data inventory. |
| Six Sigma |
A quality manufacturing methodology that uses data to identify problems and point to improvements. Six Sigma's goal is to reduce the number of defects or data errors in a given project. |
| 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. |
| spreadsheet |
A computer application that stores data in tables. Spreadsheet programs can be adapted to create a data inventory on the computer. |
| 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. |