Using Visual Shop Floor, you can create a customized visual layout of a manufacturing plant. Through combining data from Insight, you can create a realistic, functional representation, complete with animation that highlights the processes running your manufacturing facility.
Before you start designing
Before getting started, it's recommended to upload a CAD, PNG, JPEG, or SVG file that represents your current plan playout. This file will serve as a backdrop of your layout. This means it needs to closely mirror the exact physical structure of your facility.
The most recommended file format is an SVG.
Creating a layout
From the Visual Shop Layouts form, select the Add button to start creating a new layout. Fill in the Layout Description and select the Plant. Don't forget to Save.
Let's start designing
You can now begin designing. Navigate to the Layout tab to start. Below is the design interface. This space is where you'll be working to create the design layout.
Reference table:
| A | The Objects Panel stores all objects related to the design. You can drag-and-drop them onto the design surface. Created Objects are automatically Saved. |
| B | The Layers Panel is the visual outline for which the layout is built upon. It's also a place where you can organize parts of the design. Here you can view, edit, delete, and lock portions of the design. |
| C | The Settings Panel provides additional layout settings like sizing, full screen, undo, and redo. Select the Gear icon to display additional settings. |
Uploading your plant layout image
Now's it's time to upload the visual representation of your plant to the design surface. An SVG file is recommended, but you can use .JPEG, .PNG, or CAD.
To add the image:
- Select the
icon from the Object Panel.
- Drag the icon onto the design surface. This will serve as a Base Object.
- Give the Base Object a description.
- Right click on the icon.
- Select Change Icon.
- Select the file.
- Select OK.
The image is now displayed. You can increase its size by dragging the corners of the image.
Using the design interface
Now you're ready to add Objects to the layout.
From the Objects Panel, you can drag-and-drop Objects onto the design interface. Each object can be expanded or collapsed for resizing.
Labeling objects
Objects need to be labeled. From the dropdown field, select the corresponding form and give it a description. You can continue to add as many Objects as needed.
When done, select Save.
Selecting a mode
To make the layout functional, you'll need to include a Mode. A Mode determines how the information appears on the objects, from the visual shop floor form. Each mode works with object template links, which decide which data is shown for each object.
Modes also define required user inputs. Users provide the values needed, which are then passed to each template. This ensures the correct data can be displayed,
From the Modes tab, select the checkboxes that pertain to the form you're incorporating.
Viewing your layout
Once the layout has been saved, it will appear in the Visual Shop Floor form. This is where the layouts are stored. To view the layout, select it from the grid. It will appear under the Visualization tab.