Main features

PDA software

The GFOS PDA system enables comprehensive online recording and management of all the relevant manufacturing data that complies with the data protection regulations; this includes automatic data transfers, as well as semi-automatic options, such as use of scanners and/or manual collection of data. Our production data acquisition (PDA) provides the option of automatic and transaction-oriented data entry processing with pre-processing and aggregation for summarization as well as parameter-driven message sequences and plausibility checks.

Data entry errors are prevented by means of plausibility checks and intuitive worker guidance, thus ensuring reliable processing of:

Manufacturing orders
Overhead orders
Maintenance orders

If required, default parameters from orders and/or any information related to workforce, material and equipment from production is also integrated into the PDA.

The data is prepared in such a way that it can be used in real time by the various departments. The integrated order management system links the recorded data in the PDA system to the order in variable aggregation levels. This thus makes it possible to switch to other data aggregations with just a touch of a button during evaluation and analysis. The display of order and item-related information on the shopfloor or directly at the workstation - including reliable calculation of remaining quantities and lead times - also ensures an up-to-date overview of the expected order completion.

Your benefits

The benefits of plant data collection with software from GFOS

Secure data collection in real time

Seamless documentation of your operational manufacturing processes and resource allocation

Seamless data collection in real time

The PDA system makes it possible to collect all the relevant operating data centrally via an interface on mobile or stationary end devices without the need for manual transmission. Offline capability ensures seamless documentation of production processes and resource allocations.

Paperless
Real time
Guided and validated
Possible online as well as offline
Information security by means of one-time data collection
Process reliability through guided data collection

Valid data for informed decision

Quantity, time and quality data is bundled into the PDA system, thus providing important insights and increasing transparency:

Identifying process disruptions and deviations in manufacturing
Target-actual comparisons of machine and workforce times on the shopfloor and visualization of deviations
Realtime visualization of data at different organizational levels - at the production workstation as well as at the management level

Especially in complex production organizations, the users benefit from the presence of or increase in transparency: thanks to its interoperability, the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) reliably ensures the supply of all data transferred from external systems. The MES thus provides central interoperability in the context of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Optimized production processes

The use of the PDA system creates a comprehensive and valid basis for decision-making for ongoing improvement processes in manufacturing. This helps in reducing disruptions and downtimes as well as in sustainably improving recalculations and running calculations as well as order progress control in the ERP system.

Quantifiable optimization of resource utilization by reducing downtimes and disruptions and by means of intelligent maintenance processes
Controlling optimization through greater transparency and automated calculation of key figures
Improvement of cost calculations

Innovative manufacturing software

Get an excellent user experience, that is a carefully crafted combination of the best practices and more than 35 years of experience. Thanks to the multilingualism of all the interfaces and operating functions, our PDA can be used from any corner of the world.

Preconceived interfaces
Intuitive and secure reporting processes
Open data model - a clear advantage when it comes to connecting to BI systems (Business Intelligence)
Can be used internationally

All features

Functions of the PDA system at a glance

The GFOS PDA system provides users with an innovative software solution, which records all the relevant data from all production areas in real time, makes it available with transparency and makes informed decision-making possible.

Order and reporting systems

Comprehensive data collection using feedback systems on mobile and stationary PDA terminals (smartphone, tablet or IPC)

Evaluation system

Evaluation of key manufacturing figures in the dashboard

Correction functions using track changes

Secure and authorization-controlled correction of messages

Authorization concept

Consistent authorization concept, including for the protection of personal and sensitive data

Standardized ERP interfaces

Reliable and technologically flexible communication of the MES with your company's systems; GFOS is SAP-certified.

In use

Holistic order and reporting systems

Our PDA software has order and reporting systems which include optional interaction for machine connection (MDL), which can be used by single and multi-machine operators as well as from group workstations. This gives all employees the opportunity to access numerous information and feedback dialogs via the PDA terminal. This includes:

logging in and out of work stations and work steps
requesting the next order
printing receipts
collective messages with short specification times
recording and qualifying errors
information display for documents, images and drawings
and much more...

Configurable evaluation system and dashboard

All actions related to a manufacturing order are logged in our Manufacturing Execution System, into which the PDA system is integrated: log-ins, log-outs, interruptions, quantities, reasons for rejects and rework as well as process data.

A large number of user-controlled or automated analyses in the PDA system ensure informed decisions in day-to-day manufacturing. The following evaluations are individually available:

online monitoring
shift logbook/manufacturing log
digital error collection card for documentation and analysis of malfunctions
work progress
work station and order statistics
target-actual comparisons
quantity statistics

With the help of practical widgets in the PDA feedback system, individually definable evaluations can be visualized on the shop floor terminal in the form of various diagrams or as a target/actual comparison. This means that relevant information can be made available to the operating personnel directly at the workplace without barriers.

In addition, users can independently add advanced evaluations in the MES dashboard and calculate and document a wide range of manufacturing KPIs with the help of our key figure evaluation.

Success Stories

“You can see exactly which goods enter the packing order and when. Furthermore, the process flow is supported by a successful graphical display, thus making everything clearer and easier to read”

Erwin Strittmatter (Bernbacher)
“The transparency in our manufacturing process is now much higher” “The master always has his finger on the pulse”

Sven Schäfer (Richard Wolf)

Successes with the GFOS PDA system

Schwan-STABILO Cosmetics GmbH

Josef Bernbacher & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG

Richard Wolf GmbH

SGL Carbon GmbH

Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH

ARI Armaturen Albert Richter GmbH & Co. KG

Why GFOS software is worthwhile

Users: over 10 million

On average, over 10 million users utilize GFOS software every day. This is how we digitize working environments worldwide and ensure future success - from SMEs to international corporations.

Interfaces: 70+

The system is perfectly integrated into your existing IT system landscape with over 30 interfaces to payroll accounting systems and over 40 interfaces to ERP systems.

Countries: 30

Our software is serving to cut labor costs substantially in over 30 countries.

Languages: 18

GFOS solutions are available in 18 languages. This means you benefit from the international deployment options.

Experience: 35+ years

With over 35 years of success and a broad partner network, we offer cross-industry solutions for companies of all sizes.

PDA system – Information hub for your online factory