Q: What is DAS?
A: The Data Advantage System (DAS) is an Internet of Things (IoT) data acquisition platform featuring powerful analytics, remote production performance monitoring, and an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) for machine customization. It is an automated data collection service capable of performing data filtering, analysis, modeling, forecasting, and prediction.

How Does DAS Work?

Q: How does DAS work?
A: DAS consists of three key components: the machine PLC, DAS HMI hardware, and DAS Cloud software. The PLC controls the machine's functions and generates data, the DAS HMI hardware collects this data and sends it to the internet, and the DAS Cloud processes and displays the data in useful ways.

Q: What role does the PLC play in DAS?
A: The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) performs all process control sequences related to machine functions, including tape monitoring, alarms, and conveyor interlocks. It generates data on production usage, fault states, optimization, and efficiency.

Q: What does the DAS HMI hardware do?
A: The DAS HMI hardware collects data from the machine's PLC and transmits it to the internet. It also serves as an interface for machine configuration and status monitoring. The hardware can be connected via Wi-Fi or hardwired ethernet, depending on the model.

Q: What is the DAS Cloud?
A: The DAS Cloud is internet-based software that processes data from individual machines and displays it through various widgets, charts, and graphs. It provides advanced data analytics, fault tracking, and performance metrics.

Benefits for Distributors

Q: How can distributors benefit from DAS?
A: DAS enables distributors to manage their customers' consumables more effectively, improving inventory levels and identifying new opportunities with customers not currently purchasing consumables. This can lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Q: Is DAS included with BPA membership?

A: Yes, DAS-Cloud is provided at no charge for customers who are purchasing our consumables and comes as an added benefit. 

Target Audience and Access

Q: Who is the target audience for DAS?
A: The primary target audience for DAS is end-users. End-users can request access to DAS and its data to monitor and improve their operations.

Q: How will distributors get access to DAS?
A: End-users can add distributors as authorized users, allowing them to access and utilize the data provided by DAS.

Q: Can distributors see all their customers on a single dashboard?
A: Yes, DAS includes a warehouse dashboard feature that enables distributors to see and monitor all their customers from different regions on a single, consolidated dashboard.

Machine Features

Q: What is a "machine feature"?
A: A machine feature includes settings, timers, functions, tape monitoring, jam detection, and conveyor interlocks necessary for correct and smooth operation. These features reside on the machine's PLC and operate independently of DAS HMI hardware. See the DAS HMI Overview article for more information.

Q: Can machine features be accessed without a DAS Cloud subscription?
A: Yes, all features related to machine operations, such as tape monitoring and jam detection, are accessible through DAS HMI hardware without a subscription.

DAS Hardware Features

Q: What is a "DAS hardware" feature?
A: DAS hardware functions as a standard HMI, allowing for machine configuration and current status monitoring. It also collects and transmits data to the Cloud. Features include HMI interface, configurable settings, current status and error messages, and Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

Q: Is DAS HMI hardware full-featured?
A: Yes, all configuration options in the HMI are available straight out of the box.

Q: Can the DAS HMI hardware be used without connecting to Wi-Fi or internet?
A: Yes, the DAS HMI hardware can be used without an internet connection.

DAS Cloud Features

Q: What is a "DAS Cloud" feature?
A: A DAS Cloud subscription provides access to advanced data analytics, fault tracking, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), shift-based performance metrics, charts, graphs, and usage trends. It also includes over-the-air updates and remote troubleshooting.

Q: Is a subscription required to access specific functions or settings in the HMI?
A: No, a DAS Cloud subscription does not unlock any additional machine-level features. Basic machine configuration can be done through the HMI without a subscription.