Management and analysis system for web machines and the like

Abstract

A press management and analysis system, embodies a press console (PMA), one for each press, which is located adjacent the press, and communicating with a remote entry computer (REC). The PMA monitors sensor devices on the press, to follow press operation from the beginning of a job assignment through makeready operations and printing operations to completion. A REC console remote from the press room, as in the production manager's office, communicates with each PMA, and recording (filing), hard copy printing, and like functions are handled at the REC console. The system provides displays requiring completion by the pressman/operator (or manager) thus soliciting information as well as informing all concerned of job progress, of standard times expected for a job, and of transfer from one mode or phase of the job, as from makeready time to run time in which good product is printed. The system feeds back and records event messages, and encourages operator input and identification of stoppage reasons, etc. The system also retains coefficients used along with input job data, to calculate standard times for a job of given magnitude. The results of such calculations appear in appropriate displays as standards against which actual times are compared, and to emphasize when projected or actual time exceeds calculated standard time. All filed information is available for management analysis of press operation as reports compiling desired data and all information may also be communicated to a host computer for storage and/or further analysis.