SUMMARY
Use this guide to understand what a Line is in the Factbird system and how it connects sensor data to a manufacturing line. A Line creates context by grouping sensors together so production output, scrap, bottlenecks, and other measurements can be understood as part of the same process.
WHAT THIS IS
A Line is a configuration in Factbird that represents a manufacturing line by grouping together the sensors connected to that line. It links production data from different sensors so the system can describe how the line is performing as a whole.
Within a Line, sensors can have different roles. One sensor is used as the bottleneck sensor, which represents the main production pace of the line. Other sensors can be added to provide additional context, such as scrap tracking, analog measurements, or energy consumption.
WHY IT MATTERS
A Line matters because raw sensor data is more useful when it is connected to the production process it belongs to. By organizing sensors into a Line, Factbird can relate production output to supporting data from the same manufacturing area.
This makes it easier to understand line performance, compare output with scrap or environmental conditions, and create a clearer view of what is happening in production.
WHEN YOU WOULD USE THIS
Use this when:
You want to represent a manufacturing line in Factbird
You need to connect multiple sensors to the same production context
You want to track the main output of a line through a bottleneck sensor
You want to relate scrap, analog measurements, energy data, or other sensor readings to line performance
HOW IT WORKS
A Line works by grouping selected sensors under one manufacturing line definition in Factbird. The line is given a name so it can be identified consistently across the system.
The core of the configuration is the bottleneck sensor. This sensor represents the line’s main production flow and acts as the primary reference point for the line. A sensor can only serve as the bottleneck sensor for one Line, which prevents the same production reference from being assigned to multiple lines.
Additional sensors can then be connected to the Line to provide more context. These sensors may be used for scrap detection, analog measurements, energy monitoring, or other supporting data points. Together, these inputs help describe both output and operating conditions for the same manufacturing line.
KEY TERMS / COMPONENTS
Line:
A collection of sensors that together describe a manufacturing line in Factbird.
Bottleneck sensor:
The main sensor used to represent the production pace or output reference for a Line.
Scrap sensor:
A sensor used to track scrap in relation to the production line.
Analog sensor:
A sensor that measures changing values, such as conditions in the production environment, rather than simple count-based events.
Additional sensor:
Any extra sensor connected to the Line to provide supporting data, such as energy use or other operational measurements.
Naming convention:
A consistent way of naming lines so they are easier to identify and manage across sites or systems.
COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS
A Line is not a single sensor. It is a grouped view of multiple sensors that describe one manufacturing line.
The bottleneck sensor is not just any sensor on the line. It has a specific role as the main production reference.
A bottleneck sensor cannot be shared across multiple lines. Each bottleneck sensor can only belong to one Line in that role.
Additional sensors are not limited to scrap tracking. They can also be used for analog data, energy consumption, or other contextual measurements.