ProSight Dashboards for Industrial Applications
- tass peters
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Industrial operations generate vast amounts of data every day. The challenge lies in turning this data into clear, actionable information that supports quick decisions and improves productivity. ProSight Dashboards offer a powerful way to visualize and monitor industrial processes in real time. This post explores best practices for industrial users to get the most out of ProSight Dashboards and boost operational efficiency.
Understand Your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Before setting up any dashboard, identify the KPIs that matter most to your operation. These could include:
Equipment uptime and downtime
Production rates
Energy consumption
Quality control metrics
Safety incidents
Focusing on relevant KPIs helps avoid clutter and ensures the dashboard delivers meaningful insights. For example, a manufacturing plant might prioritize machine efficiency and defect rates, while a power plant could focus on energy output and emissions.
Design Dashboards for Clarity and Speed
Dashboards should present data clearly and allow users to grasp the situation at a glance. Keep these design tips in mind:
Use simple charts like line graphs, bar charts, and gauges.
Group related data logically.
Avoid overcrowding the screen with too many widgets.
Use color coding to highlight normal vs. abnormal conditions.
Include trend lines to show changes over time.
A well-designed dashboard reduces the time operators spend interpreting data and helps them respond faster to issues.
Customize Views for Different Roles
Industrial environments involve multiple roles, each with unique information needs. ProSight Dashboards allow customization to tailor views for:
Operators who need real-time alerts and machine status
Supervisors monitoring overall production performance
Maintenance teams tracking equipment health and service schedules
Providing role-specific dashboards ensures everyone sees the data most relevant to their tasks, improving communication and coordination.
Integrate Data from Multiple Sources
Industrial facilities often use various systems such as SCADA, PLCs, and ERP software. ProSight Dashboards can integrate data from these sources to provide a unified view. This integration helps:
Detect correlations between production and supply chain data
Identify root causes of downtime faster
Monitor compliance with safety and environmental standards
For example, linking maintenance logs with machine performance data can reveal patterns that predict failures before they happen.
Set Up Real-Time Alerts and Notifications
ProSight Dashboards support real-time alerts that notify users when a parameter crosses a threshold. Best practices include:
Define clear thresholds based on historical data and safety limits.
Use different alert levels (warning, critical) to prioritize responses.
Route alerts to the right personnel via email, SMS, or mobile apps.
Avoid alert fatigue by tuning thresholds to minimize false alarms.
Timely alerts help prevent equipment damage, reduce downtime, and maintain safety standards.
Regularly Review and Update Dashboards
Industrial processes evolve, and so should your dashboards. Schedule periodic reviews to:
Add new KPIs as operations change
Remove outdated or irrelevant data
Improve visualization based on user feedback
Ensure data accuracy and connectivity
Continuous improvement keeps dashboards aligned with operational goals and user needs.
Train Users to Maximize Dashboard Benefits
Even the best dashboards are ineffective if users don’t understand how to use them. Provide training sessions that cover:
Navigating dashboards and interpreting data
Responding to alerts and notifications
Customizing views for individual preferences
Reporting issues or suggesting improvements
Empowered users can leverage dashboards to make better decisions and improve overall efficiency.
Use Dashboards to Support Predictive Maintenance
ProSight Dashboards can display predictive analytics that forecast equipment failures. By monitoring trends such as vibration, temperature, and pressure, maintenance teams can:
Schedule repairs before breakdowns occur
Reduce unplanned downtime
Extend equipment lifespan
For example, a dashboard might highlight a pump showing rising vibration levels, prompting inspection before failure.
Ensure Data Security and Access Control
Industrial data is sensitive and must be protected. Use ProSight’s access control features to:
Restrict dashboard access based on roles
Encrypt data transmissions
Monitor user activity for unusual behavior
Strong security practices protect operational data and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
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