Shop-floor and service event capture: Which activities are commonly recorded by data collection terminals during production and operations?
Correct Answer: All of the above
Introduction / Context:Accurate, timely reporting on the shop floor enables effective scheduling, costing, and quality control. Data collection terminals provide a standardized way to capture the events that matter to production control and HR compliance. The question asks which events they record.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Terminals can read barcodes/RFID and accept keyed input.
- Integration with MES/ERP/HR systems is in place.
- We consider common best practices for discrete and process industries.
Concept / Approach:Three critical event families are handled: material movements (for inventory accuracy and WIP tracking), labor time (attendance and job time), and operation status (start/stop for steps to compute standard vs. actual times). These events support three-way matches, variance analysis, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) reporting.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Confirm materials tracking: move tickets, issues, receipts, transfers.Confirm attendance capture: clock-in/out and job assignment.Confirm operation timing: start/stop, scrap, rework reasons.Select the inclusive option.Verification / Alternative check:Manufacturing reference models and ERP implementations always include these terminal transactions to keep inventory and cost books accurate.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each single activity is correct but incomplete; robust operations collect all three.None of the above: incorrect because these are standard terminal functions.Common Pitfalls:Failing to capture rework or scrap at terminals, which skews yield and cost data.
Final Answer: All of the above