Data collection and processing system from Markem-Imaje X45/X60 industrial printers

1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT

1.1 Project Objective

Development and implementation of an automated system for collecting, processing, and storing data on production operations from Markem-Imaje industrial printers for further performance analysis and quality control of the packaging process.

1.2 Scope of Application

The system is designed for use on packaging production lines to monitor equipment operation and collect statistical data.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Production Characteristics

• Type of Production: Packaging machines with automatic printing of labels on packages
• Number of Printers: 3 units
  • 2 pcs. Markem-Imaje X45
  • 1 pc. Markem-Imaje X60
• Location: Printers are integrated into packaging lines and located in the production workshop
• Operating Mode: Multi-shift operation mode (up to 24/7)

2.2 Current Infrastructure

• Network: Industrial Ethernet network
• Communication Protocol: NGPCL (Next Generation Printer Control Language)
• Existing Systems: Need to integrate with SharePoint for data storage

3. DATA SOURCES

3.1 Equipment

Markem-Imaje Printers:

• Model X45: 2 units
• Model X60: 1 unit
• Access Protocol: NGPCL over Ethernet
• IP Addresses: Will be provided during implementation

3.2 Available Data

Access to the following information is possible via the NGPCL protocol:

• Print start/end time
• Product identification
• Number of printed labels
• Printer status
• Errors and warnings

4. FORMAT OF COLLECTED DATA

4.1 Data Table Structure

The system must collect data in table format with the following mandatory fields:

Field
Data Type
Description
Mandatory
Date/Time
DateTime
Time of print operation (ISO 8601)
Mandatory
Packaging Machine
String
Printer/packaging line identifier
Mandatory
Product
String
Product name or code
Mandatory
Quantity
Integer
Number of printed units
Mandatory

4.2 Additional Fields (Optional)

• Operation status (success/error)
• Error type (if any)
• Printer serial number
• Printer firmware version

5. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Main Functional Requirements

5.1.1 Data Collection

• Operating Mode: Real-time data collection or configurable interval (min. 1 second, max. 60 seconds)
• Protocol: Use of NGPCL protocol for communication with printers
• Simultaneous Connection: Ability to work simultaneously with all 3 printers
• Automatic Recovery: Automatic reconnection after disconnection

5.1.2 Data Processing

• Validation: Verification of the correctness of received data
• Filtering: Exclusion of duplicates and incorrect records
• Aggregation: Ability to group data by time intervals

5.1.3 Data Storage

• Main Storage: SharePoint List
• Format: Structured data according to the defined schema
• Automatic Saving: Data recording without user intervention
• Backup: Local buffering in case of SharePoint unavailability

5.2 Non-Functional Requirements

5.2.1 Performance

• Throughput: Processing min. 1000 records per hour from each printer
• Response Time: Data write delay no more than 5 seconds
• Availability: 99% uptime (excluding scheduled downtimes)

5.2.2 Reliability

• Error Handling: Comprehensive connection error handling system
• Logging: Detailed logging of all operations and errors
• Recovery: Automatic recovery after failures

5.2.3 Scalability

• Expansion: Ability to add new printers without stopping the system
• Configuration: Flexible configuration of parameters via a settings file

6. STORAGE AND ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Main Data Storage

SharePoint List:

• Platform: Microsoft SharePoint Online/On-Premises
• Structure: List with fields according to the data schema
• Access Rights: Configuration according to corporate security policy
• Backup: Use of standard SharePoint mechanisms

6.2 Local Buffering

• Type: SQLite or similar lightweight DB
• Purpose: Temporary storage when SharePoint is unavailable
• Synchronization: Automatic synchronization upon reconnection

6.3 Access Requirements

• Authentication: Integration with corporate Active Directory
• Authorization: Role-based access model
• Audit: Logging of all data access operations

7. USER INTERFACE

7.1 Monitoring Dashboard

7.1.1 Interface Requirements

• Type: Web application accessible via a browser
• Responsiveness: Correct display on various devices
• Updates: Automatic real-time data updates

7.1.2 Main Dashboard Elements

Real-time Dashboard:

• Status of each printer (online/offline)
• Current performance (pcs/hour)
• Latest errors and warnings
• Performance graphs for day/week/month

Reports and Analytics:

• Table with filtering by date, printer, product
• Data export in Excel/CSV format
• Performance statistics
• Analysis of downtimes and errors

System Settings:

• Configuration of data collection parameters
• Management of printer connections
• Notification settings

7.2 Notifications

• Email Notifications: For critical errors
• In Browser: Popup messages about status
• Mobile Push: Optional for critical events

Well, for now that's it. We can review after discussion.