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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
Why can time based performance measurement not be done by using a spreadsheet?

The following shortcomings with regard to the use of spreadsheets were identified over time:
  • Data handling and storage limitations.
  • Inability to handle multi-users.
  • Inflexibility when changes are required.
  • Limitations in the flexibility and variability of management reporting.
  • Data validation limitations and difficult to fix errors for anybody other than the original developer.
  • Very difficult to audit and verify once it starts growing.
  • Not user friendly and difficult to use by anybody other than the original developer.
  • The livelihood of a spreadsheet is mainly dependant on one person.
  • Limited access and security abilities.
The importance of the data captured and the accompanying information to the business justifies the use of new technology with regard to the development and the storage of data. It is important that all managers have access to the information in the required format.

What is the expected return on investment on a system like CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER?

The return on investment is directly related to the value of time on the Shop Floor of a specific client. The value of time is also directly related to the product mix manufactured at a specific moment in time or over a specific period of time. The value of the time saved at current users equates to a payback of less than three months in certain cases. The software can either be purchased or rented.

What Hardware and Software are required for a successful implementation?

The following are stipulated as minimum User requirements, to enable the User to operate Clockworks Productivity Analyser successfully:
  • Standalone PC's:
    - Pentium III, 233 MHz (processor based PC).
    - Microsoft Windows (98 or later).
    - 64MB of RAM.
    - Minimum of 20 MB available hard disk space for system.
  • Multi User facilities:
    - Microsoft NT Server Version with Service Pack 5.
What type of Consiliarii clients has implemented CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER?

Clockworks Productivity Analyser is most effective in Batch, Line and Continuous Flow manufacturing environments. Due to the fact that the products manufactured are of a repetitive nature, good standards can be set relatively easily. The asset values and the value of an hour is normally much more significant in these environments than in a jobbing or project related environment.

How many users can use CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER concurrently?

Once an organization has decided to implement Clockworks Productivity Analyser, no limitations are placed by Consiliarii on the number of users that are allowed to use the system inside a specific organization at a specific location. The only restriction with regard to licensing is location based, i.e. the physical address of a specific user. In the case of an organization having more than one plant at different addresses, licensing tariffs are negotiated based on the specific situation.

Who is responsible for maintaining CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER?

A user System Administrator will be responsible for maintaining Clockworks Productivity Analyser at the user site. The User System Administrator will be trained by Consiliarii in performing the necessary functions. Close co-operation between the Clockworks Productivity Analyser system administrator and the user Database Administrator is essential for a successful implementation.

What support and maintenance can be expected from Consiliarii?

Standard Software License and Software Maintenance and Support agreements are available. The detail with regard to upgrades, modifications and customization are specified in these agreements.

What levels of security does CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER have?

Three different types of security and access levels consist in Clockworks Productivity Analyser, namely:
  • Read-Only access that means no data manipulation, but viewing of certain data if required and access to all management reports and graphs.
  • Write access on two levels, as follows:
    - For a Machine specific data capturer that means data entry access for a specific machine only to allow for real time operator input.
    - For a Business wide data capturer or supervisor that means data entry access for all machines to allow for central data input or editing.
  • System Administrator access that entails the following:
    - Manipulation of all levels of data.
    - Business critical set-ups like client settings, machine type settings, access levels, etc.
What is the implementation time frame for CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER?

A typical Clockworks Productivity Analyser implementation does not take more than 30 working days for five different machines or operations. The following responsibilities are typically agreed between Consiliarii and the User:

Consiliarii:
  • Retrieve, understand and incorporate into Clockworks Productivity Analyser the information with regard to product and machine standards and information as supplied by the User.
  • Design and change current Shop Floor data capturing practices and documentation to fit Clockworks Productivity Analyser and the User environment.
  • Design and change current stoppage structures to fit Clockworks Productivity Analyser and the User environment, if applicable.
  • Perform the following training when planned by both parties.
    - The Project Champion in the Time Based Performance Measurement Concepts.
    - The Data Capturer in capturing Shop Floor data and generating management reports and graphs.
    - Shop Floor Management in the Time Based Performance Measurement Concepts.
    - The System Administrator in maintaining important system functions and interfacing with Consiliarii.
User:
  • Assign a Project Champion who shall be responsible for the successful implementation of Clockworks Productivity Analyser.
  • Supply Consiliarii with the following information with regard to product and machine standards:
    - The different product variables that influence the speed at which it can be produced on the various machines.
    - Standard Speed (Production) for different product ranges or specific products on the various machines.
    - The different product variables that, if changed, determine whether a machine set-up must be performed.
    - Standard Time (Set-ups) to change over from one product to another on the specific machines.
    - Current Shop Floor data capturing practices and documentation.
    - Current stoppage structures and codes.
  • Take responsibility for the integrity of all data used in Clockworks Productivity Analyser at all times.
  • Assign a System Administrator who shall be responsible for the maintenance of the system with regard to all system management functions.
What are the critical performance areas for a successful implementation?
  • User Top Management Commitment.
  • Proper training of the relevant user management and personnel.
  • Error-free and user friendly software.
  • Proper project management during the implementation.
What systems can CLOCKWORKS PRODUCTIVITY ANALYSER interface with?

Interfaces can be developed by Consiliarii to access data in any OLEDB data source, e.g. product details in an ERP system. The Clockworks Productivity Analyser database is open and structured in such a way that users can easily obtain information to link up to ERP data, e.g. costing and planning. Writing to ERP databases shall involve participation from both Consiliarii and the User. The extent of such a development shall depend on the user system and requirements.
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