Approaches to Automated Data Collection

There are several approaches to managing the collection of data for SFC numbers or resources without user interaction:

Using the Log Parametric Data Web Service and DC Groups

By defining a DC group and data parameters, the Log Parametric Data web service can be used to store parametric data for the DC group and parameters (see DC Group).

This approach has the advantage that SAP ME will apply the DC group processing logic just as if the data had been entered using the Data Collection Entry plug-in (see Data Collection Entry).

If a DC group parameter is configured for SPC, the data for it will be passed to the Statit e-Server and processed for the chart associated to the parameter. The data will be stored in either the WIP database or the ODS database, depending on the setting of the Store Data Collection Results in ODS system rule (see Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Miscellaneous Rules).

Recommendation

To prevent performance issues for SAP ME users during periods when large amounts of parametric data could be added to the database, and to prevent the WIP database from growing too fast, set the Store Data Collection Results in ODS system rule to true.

End of the recommendation.

For more information about the Log Parametric Data web service, see SAP ME Javadoc on SAP Service Marketplace at Start of the navigation path http://service.sap.com/instguides Next navigation step SAP Business Suite Applications SAP Manufacturing SAP Manufacturing Execution End of the navigation path .

Note Note

In order to record data only against a resource, this approach must be used (see Example: Automated Data Collection for a Resource).

End of the note.

Using the Log Parametric Data Web Service and Test Plans

You can use SAP ME test plans with the Log Parametric Data web service to store parametric data in the SAP ME database for the test plan measurements (see Test Plan Maintenance).

This approach has the advantage that the programmable logic controller (PLC), test equipment, or other system can obtain test plan information for the material and operation from SAP ME.

The web service for obtaining the test plan information is generated automatically from the public API for the Test Plan feature. The Log Parametric Data web service can be used to communicate the test results to SAP ME.

The data will be stored in either the WIP database or the ODS database, depending on the Store Test Plan Results in ODS system rule setting.

When the <me:TestStatus> element is set in the Log Parametric Data request, the Parametric SFC Check activity can be used to determine if the SFC number passed its last test (see Parametric SFC Check)

Using the Log Parametric Data Web Service, DC Groups, and Test Plans

A combination of the two approaches above.

The test plan can be used to provide measurement definitions with limits to the test equipment and a DC group and parameters can be used to process the data in SAP ME and to pass it to the SPC system for analysis and charting.

For this combined approach, the test plan measurement names must match the DC group parameter names.

The Log Parametric Data web service should include the DC group name and the test results, as well as the data values.

The data will be stored in either the WIP database or the ODS database, depending on the Store Test Plan Results in ODS system rule setting.

Using the Log Parametric Data Web Service Only

The Log Parametric Data web service can be used standalone (without a DC group or a test plan).

In this situation, the parametric data values are stored in the database with a sequence number for each value but there is no association with a data parameter or a test plan measurement.

Using SAP Plant Connectivity with the Above Approaches

SAP Plant Connectivity (PCo) provides capabilities for integrating with shop floor equipment and shop floor systems. It can be used to process a data file and generate a Log Parametric Data request with the data from the file.

For more information, see SAP Library for SAP Plant Connectivity on SAP Help Portal at http://help.sap.com.