The generic interface module provides a flexible method of transferring data between the IMPACTxp system and external systems. This means that data can be imported from machine monitoring systems for example into the runtime scheduling module for the analysis of plant usage, or be exported to a financial package for example from the budgeting and costing module.

The user is able to establish simple gateways for both input and output processes, to ensure that data is translated before it is transferred.

To ensure data integrity even further, the process of transferring information is automated. The user is able to determine a user definable frequency from which data is consistently passed through the gateway.

The benefits of using the generic interface module include:

The common analysis of IMPACTxp data across departments, (for example stores information can be passed to accounts)
Ability to automate the monitoring processes utilized in runtime, condition monitoring and portable appliance testing
Reduction in human error caused by manual entry of data

The user firstly determines which files are to be transferred, using the generic interface parameter file. When the interface is run, the system is then able to locate the correct information. Once the data is located, the generic interface module is then able to act as a firewall, protecting the data from being corrupted by translating it during input and/or output processes. In order for the system to translate the data the user must first complete the cross-referencing and data mapping files.

cross referencing

Often, systems that are to be interfaced have different coding structures for the same items. For example, a real time device may use a numbering system based on location and point, whereas IMPACTxp would require the information by plant item number and runtime identification. This is resolved by using a cross-reference file within the generic interface module, where the user simply converts the codes.

This also means that should one system be upgraded, the other system will automatically absorb any new coding from the cross-reference file.

data mapping

Similarly, systems may present data in different formats and opposing fields might not necessarily relate to each other. The user is therefore able to map the information being received to the correct IMPACTxp format, or format the information to be output to match the receiving system.

control files

The user lastly determines what frequency the data is to be transferred. Data can be transferred by the minute, by the hour or by the day, depending on the significance. The system will then automatically run the transfer program at the specified frequency without any intervention from the user.

The IMPACTxp generic interface module is commonly utilized with:

Condition monitoring - utilizing the generic interface module, the user is able to automatically import readings from machine monitoring equipment used to measure condition indicators such as temperatures, scrap rates and vibration levels. These readings are analyzed by the IMPACTxp condition monitoring module, to assess the present and future health of equipment. When uncharacteristic condition trends are displayed, IMPACTxp will automatically schedule a work order to invoke investigation and correction.

Runtime scheduling - the runtime scheduling module adds a further dimension to the scheduling of maintenance resources, based upon a plant usage argument. It recognizes that equipment may not need servicing at regular intervals. It may in fact need servicing sooner or later due to changes in the load or duty. The generic interface module allows the user to interface into machine monitoring equipment to automatically import usage readings such as hours run or volume of product processed. IMPACTxp is then able to trigger a maintenance work order depending on these readings.

Examples of machine monitoring equipment include MFG/PRO, Scada Systems, Dextralog, Satchwell and Trend.

Costing and budgeting / purchase order management - the user can also develop interfaces into financial packages such as Oracle Financials, SUN Accounts, MAPICS, Infinium and Open Accounts. Purchasing information can then be exported from the purchase order management module. The automatic uplifting of information means that there are no surprise invoices. Actual maintenance costs or the cost of facilities against budgets for the financial year can also be exported into financial packages for head office analysis.

Portable appliance testing module - the generic interface module can be utilized to create an automatic link into portable appliance testers. This means that the results of essential safety checks on portable electrical devices can be downloaded into the IMPACTxp portable appliance testing module. When an electrical plant item fails a check, IMPACTxp will automatically generate a work order to rectify the fault.