Although nearly 200 people viewed the survey, just 31 responded to the questions. Of the 31, 20 indicated that they use some sort of automated data system for obtaining information for making manufacturing decisions. Further, only one person not using the software presently indicated plans to purchase it in the future. The rest have no plans to purchase.

Fourteen of the respondents reported using Microsoft SQL Server databases, while 10 use data historians and nine use databases built into their human-machine interface/supervisory control and data acquisition (HMI/SCADA) applications. Four use a manufacturing database from their enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor. Four people build customized dashboards for viewing data and four make use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Performance improvements (cited by 19), quality control and statistical process control (14) and equipment and asset maintenance (11) were the most cited areas where automated data systems are used.

Gary Mintchell

If you have an idea for a survey topic, or have a comment about our Web site, please send Editor Gary Mintchell an e-mail at gmintchell@automationworld.com.