FAQ – questions about machine monitoring
Here are the questions about machine monitoring that customers ask us most often.
Scout is an MES for automatic machine monitoring. Because production information is taken straight from the machines, you can manage and optimise production better. Users access the data in a web browser on a computer or smartphone. Scout can run as SaaS (in the cloud) or be installed on your own server (on-premises).
We read data from CNC controls, PLCs and robots, and we support common protocols such as MTConnect and OPC UA. We keep adding new types of machines and controls, and we can add support for other protocols. Conventional machines are connected through PLCs (with suitable modules) or with the BIOS-IO-01 module: 8 digital inputs, with data sent over the LAN, e.g. the run signal from the machine’s signal tower. You will find the details on the Supported controls and protocols page.
Whichever version you choose (cloud or on-premises), the easiest way to start is the free 14-day trial in the cloud. Just create an account and send us the list of machines (control type and IP addresses). We install and configure SCT, which collects data from the machines, remotely on a Windows computer in your network.
It means you do not have to deal with maintaining servers, making backups or updating the software on the Scout server. With a subscription you get access to the information received from your machines. You simply sign in on the Scout website and use the system – in a similar way to services such as Gmail or Google Docs.
Yes, Scout can also be installed on your server. The server requirements are described on the Technical requirements page. To begin with, however, we always suggest testing the system in the cloud, so you have no costs.
SCT, the Scout Configuration Tool, is a set of console applications that run in the background as Windows services on a computer or server in your network. They collect data from machines (CNC, PLC and others) and send it to the Scout server. We install and configure SCT remotely – to add a new machine, you just give us its IP address in the local network and its control type. You will find more about SCT in SCT help.
Yes. Data is sent to the server over HTTPS, which encrypts communication with the server using SSL/TLS.
No, the machines do not need direct internet access. Only the computer (PC or server) on which SCT is installed needs internet access. What is more, SCT opens the connection to the server, so you do not need to open any inbound ports in the firewall on the SCT computer.
No. Neither Scout nor SCT sends the machines any commands to move axes or switch the spindle on or off. Scout’s role is to read data from the machines, not to move them.
Great – we like a challenge. As the authors of Scout and SCT, we have the know-how needed to integrate further CNC and PLC systems. Get in touch and we will be happy to talk about it.
Please contact us. Together we will look at the technical options and give your customers a modern, convenient way to monitor their machines.
We prepare ERP integration (e.g. importing jobs) individually for each customer’s system, because every ERP is different. As the authors of Scout we know it inside out, so we can also connect it with other external systems. We discuss the scope of the integration in a free consultation.