Question 1

What is moneo?

Accepted Answer

moneo is an IIoT platform. With its help, you can use the sensor data generated in the production plants to improve machine uptime in production, maintain process quality and optimize energy consumption.

The moneo IIoT Core provides the basic software for all functions such as parameter setting and condition monitoring. It can be expanded by additional functions such as our Industrial AI Assistant or SAP integration into your ERP system.

Question 2

What are the benefits and objectives of moneo?

Accepted Answer

With moneo, you can optimize energy consumption, maintain process quality and improve the availability of your machines. This allows you to detect damage to your plant early and prevent downtime.

No matter whether you want to start with a proof of concept and a single machine or monitor an entire production line, moneo grows with your requirements and at your pace. For example, you can expand the number of infopoints you use at any time.

Question 3

What moneo products are there and what is their function?

Accepted Answer

The “basis” in the form of the moneo IIoT Core includes the following products:

moneo OS as the operating system
moneo configure for parameter setting
moneo RTM for condition monitoring
moneo edgeConnect as a communication interface from the shop floor to the top floor

In addition, the following expansion options are available for the on-premises version:

moneo Industrial AI Assistant
SAP integration
AWS and Azure connector

The following expansion options are currently available in the cloud:

AWS and Azure connector

The expansion options available in the on-premises version will also be offered in the cloud version in the future.

The product overview and functions are described in detail on the moneo products page. If you have any questions, please contact the ifm service center.

Question 4

How can I get started with moneo?

Accepted Answer

You can easily get started with moneo. For a detailed description, please visit our page Select moneo platform.

The IIoT software can be purchased via our online shop. You will then receive a licence key (LAC) from us by email. With this you can activate your moneo software.

If you want to run a proof of concept to see whether moneo is the right solution for you, we recommend our starter kit for the on-premises version. Alternatively, we offer moneo as a cloud solution, meaning you will not have to maintain and host the software yourself.

Detailed instructions on licensing can be found in the FAQ section “Licensing”.

Question 5

Is moneo evolving? Will there be new functions in the future?

Accepted Answer

moneo is a constantly evolving IIoT platform. If you have opted for the on-premises version, you can expect a new update every three months, which is provided by ifm and can be downloaded by you.

With the cloud solution, this process happens fully automatically: New features are made available regularly and automatically - you do not have to worry about a thing.

You can even actively influence the development. As a customer, you can submit moneo feature requests.

To do so, please contact ifm Service.

Question 6

What kind of production machines and plants does moneo support?

Accepted Answer

moneo was developed specifically for applications in industrial production processes and plants. A variety of applications can be implemented with moneo. Here you can find the application reports on the use cases already implemented with moneo.

Data from IO-Link sensors and ifm vibration units can be processed directly according to the plug & work principle. It is also possible to connect machines and controllers using different interfaces via edgeConnect Agent.

After intelligent data processing in moneo, data-based insights can be forwarded to third-party systems. It is possible to export data generically via MQTT or OPC UA to a target system in order to utilise process values and alarms in a meaningful way. However, with our connectors, you can also pursue higher-level Industry 4.0 strategies by consistently exporting data to AWS or Azure. In this way, you have full flexibility and can decide on strategies or decisions based on the data insights provided by moneo.

Question 7

What are the hardware and software installation requirements?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the technical requirements for the current hardware and software requirements.

Question 8

Which databases does moneo use?

Accepted Answer

The PostgresSQL database is used for configuration and system management.
The InfluxDB time series database is used for real-time and historical data.

Question 9

Can the system send me a text message when an alarm occurs?

Accepted Answer

moneo can be configured with SMTP email channel settings (SSL and TLS are supported). As soon as the channel is set up, warnings and alarms are sent to all users by email.

Question 10

Can I use moneo RTM without licensing moneo OS?

Accepted Answer

No. To use RTM, you need the operating system moneo OS. It is the basis for moneo products such as RTM. You can purchase the function through the moneo IIoT Core basic licence package.

Question 11

What are the functions of moneo OS?

Accepted Answer

The moneo OS (operating system) forms the software basis for the moneo platform. The functions of the operating system include license management, user management, device management and data management. With the license management it is possible to activate moneo licences.

In the flexible user management, users can be created and managed in different groups. The software can thus be made available to specific users with different tasks and authorizations in the company.

The intuitive device management makes it easy to integrate new devices and to map plant structures in order to generate a clear digital image of the plant. Data management allows you to generate information by means of graphic modelling and calculation of process values. It also enables easy integration of calculated values into moneo systems.

Question 12

What are calculated values?

Accepted Answer

Calculated values enable the conversion of sensor values to process-relevant information with the help of graphical data modelling. Data modelling is based on mathematical and logical operators that can be flexibly selected by the user. The following figure illustrates a possible calculated value.

Question 13

How many calculated values can be created and stored?

Accepted Answer

Please check the technical requirements for the current features.

Question 14

As a moneo user, how will I be notified of warnings and alarms?

Accepted Answer

On the one hand, the user is made aware of warnings and alarms within the moneo software by means of pop-ups. On the other hand, it is possible to set up an email channel so that notifications are sent to the desired email address.

Question 15

What user roles are available in moneo?

Accepted Answer

Users can be defined as Admins, Users or Visitors. There are different authorization levels between the roles.

Question 16

Who is notified in case of warnings and alarms?

Accepted Answer

In the event of alarms and warnings, all user roles or optionally only dedicated persons are notified. This depends on the user’s requirement and can be set individually in moneo.

Question 17

Which modules are part of the moneo IIoT Core and what are the basic functions?

Accepted Answer

The basic functions of moneo IIoT Core are:

Question 18

Can I purchase the licenses included in the moneo IIoT Core separately?

Accepted Answer

For a customised offer, please contact our experts.

Question 19

Is there a difference between the cloud and on-premises versions of moneo IIoT Core?

Accepted Answer

Both versions have the same basic functionality. The cloud version uses intelligent data pre-processing to enable efficient storage in the cloud, meaning that only the amount of data relevant to the user will be stored in the cloud. This offers greater flexibility and scalability compared to the on-premises use. The cloud application additionally offers remoteConnect.

Question 20

What are the functionalities of remoteConnect?

Accepted Answer

remoteConnect enables you to access remote assets. For example, you can remotely maintain systems, manage access and permissions or install updates.

Question 21

Which operating options are available for moneo IIoT Core?

Accepted Answer

The following operating options are available:

Question 22

Is the moneo IIoT Core expandable?

Accepted Answer

You can flexibly expand your license package as required. For example, to get even greater value from your data, you can purchase additional infopoint licences (QMI001) or edgeConnect connectors for third-party systems (such as AWS or Azure Cloud).

Question 23

Can the cloud and on-premises versions both be expanded in the same way?

Accepted Answer

No. Currently, the moneo IIoT Core can be expanded by the DataScience and Raw Data Recording functionalities for the on-premises environments (starter kit, appliance and vAppliance). We will gradually roll out these expansion options to the cloud version.

Question 24

What is the difference between moneo configure and moneo configure free?

Accepted Answer

moneo configure is available as a fee-based product for a moneo platform installation with moneo OS. It can be combined with other moneo products such as condition monitoring or AI-based process monitoring. You can purchase the tool in the basic licence package moneo IIoT Core.

moneo configure free is a free stand-alone solution. This version serves as an introduction to simple parameter setting.

Both versions can be extended with the chargeable add-ons for moneo configure. The free stand-alone version does not require a license key.

Question 25

I have a moneo RTM full version. Can I still use configure free?

Accepted Answer

No. moneo configure free is a free stand-alone version and can only be extended with configure-specific add-ons. To use configure in combination with your RTM installation, you need the paid module licence.

Question 26

I downloaded the moneo configure stand-alone trial version some time ago. How can I now upgrade to moneo configure free?

Accepted Answer

If V1.13 is installed and the trial period of the configure SA trial version has expired, the moneo configure free version can be selected via a new dialog within moneo.

Question 27

I downloaded the moneo RTM trial version. How can I now use moneo configure free?

Accepted Answer

moneo configure free is a free stand-alone version of moneo. To use it after the moneo RTM trial version, you must first uninstall moneo completely.

Please make sure that you save the parameter sets of your masters and sensors using the memory function and export them via an .LRP file so that you can import them later.

After uninstalling, please delete the folder at the following path "C:\ProgramData\ifm electronic\moneo".

Now install the latest version of moneo configure free and import your previously saved parameter sets via the .LRP file.

Question 28

Can I configure all IO-Link devices?

Accepted Answer

Via an ifm IO-Link master, all IO-Link devices can be configured with the tool according to the IO-Link specification. Support for masters from other manufacturers is in preparation. With configure free, onboarding of third-party masters is already possible.

Question 29

On which systems can moneo configure be installed?

Accepted Answer

Please check the technical requirements for the current features.

Question 30

What license models are there?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the license is linked to the MAC ID of the computer on which the installation was made. This is a single-user license.

Question 31

Can I upgrade from moneo configure free to moneo RTM or other moneo modules?

Accepted Answer

moneo configure free is a stand-alone version and can only be extended by add-ons for moneo configure.

In order to be able to use the features of moneo configure together with other moneo modules you need the paid version offered as part of the moneo IIoT Core licence package.

The upgrade requires a new installation of moneo.

Question 32

Can I upgrade from LR Sensor or LR Device to moneo configure?

Accepted Answer

Direct upgrading is not possible. However, the .lrp files created for IO-Link devices can be imported into moneo configure.

Question 33

Can I choose the installation path for the moneo configure installation myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to Windows restrictions and administrator rights, installation is only possible in C:\Program Files.

Question 34

Can I use RTM without OS?

Accepted Answer

No. To use RTM, you need the operating system moneo OS. It is the basis for moneo products such as RTM. You can purchase the function through the moneo IIoT Core basic licence package.

Question 35

What are the functions of moneo RTM?

Accepted Answer

moneo RTM is characterised by the following functions:

Monitoring table
Tabular display of process values and status in customized topology
Dashboard (graphical visualization of applications) with process values and status
Analysis of historical evaluation of process values and status
Adjustable limits and alarms
AVA RAW data wizard
AVA ISO wizard

Question 36

Can I extend the functions of RTM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an extension is possible through the “Advanced Vibration Analytics” (AVA). The AVA toolbox contains two components: the AVA wizard for defining vibration monitoring of simple machines according to ISO 10816-3 and the AVA raw data recording for manual or rule-based recording of VVB/VSE raw data.

Question 37

Over what period of time can process values be recorded?

Accepted Answer

The period of data recording depends on the number of process values, the sampling rate and the size of the database.

The moneo IIoT Core cloud subscription includes the storage of all process values that are booked into the moneo cloud over the period of one year. Data that is older than one year is automatically deleted and no longer available.

Example for on-premises use:
With a number of 500 data points, a sampling rate of 1 value/second and a database size of 64 GB, approx. 8 months of data can be recorded. If necessary, the database size can be adjusted depending on the hardware used. In the case of longer data storage, the database must be adjusted in size.

Question 38

What types of production machines and plants does moneo RTM support?

Accepted Answer

moneo was developed specifically for condition monitoring of applications in industrial production processes and plants. Machines such as motors, pumps, fans, compressors, compressed air systems and hydraulic units can be monitored. Furthermore, it is possible for larger CIP systems, control cabinets, filters, consumptions and levels to be measured and monitored.

A variety of applications can be monitored and maintained with moneo. Here you can find the application reports on the use cases already implemented with moneo.

Question 39

Can I import my own images to customize my dashboard view?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can add photos and images to customize your dashboard via the web browser. Click on the photo icon and select the desired image.

After adding the photo, you can adjust the image size and position as needed.

Question 40

What is the AVA ISO wizard?

Accepted Answer

The AVA ISO wizard enables customers with little or no experience in machine vibration monitoring to monitor simple but widely used applications such as pumps, fans and engines (drive units) using a standardized vibration parameter according to ISO 10816-3. You can purchase the tool as part of the moneo IIoT Core basic license package.

Question 41

What is the AVA RAW data wizard?

Accepted Answer

Advanced Vibration Analytics raw data recording enables raw data recording for both the VVB and vibration sensors on VSE diagnostic electronics. Raw data recordings can, e.g., serve as a fingerprint or baseline measurement, allow statements about trends or enable detailed damage analysis (see application examples).

There are three ways to trigger raw data recordings.

Manual recording (e.g. for a baseline measurement or to document unusual machine conditions)
Rule-based recording, based on a ticket-triggering limit violation
Rule-based recording, based on a fixed time interval

Question 42

Why is AI-based monitoring needed?

Accepted Answer

Similar to a fingerprint, machines, processes and plants have different characteristics depending on how they are used. Existing static monitoring approaches are based on known findings and expert knowledge, rarely representing the real practice accurately. The moneo Industrial AI Assistant uses artificial intelligence to overcome the aforementioned limitations of static threshold monitoring, allowing you to increase the accuracy and validity without requiring expert skills.

Question 43

What is the difference between moneo SmartLimitWatcher and moneo PatternMonitor?

Accepted Answer

The tools differ significantly in terms of their functioning, objectives and requirements. Only their task is the same: to monitor and detect deviating process values.

The moneo SmartLimitWatcher monitors a critical process value (target variable) based on physically dependant process values (support variables). This means that several (sensor) values are required. The trained AI automatically detects anomalies based on automatically defined dynamic warning and alarm thresholds.

Example: dynamic limit value monitoring of the internal temperature (target variable) based on humidity, outside temperature and a time counter (support variables).

The moneo PatternMonitor monitors a stationary (recurring and constant) critical process value without any additional variables. This means that only one (sensor) value is required. Through mathematical calculations the new live data are compared with previous data to detect structural changes (trends, volatility changes, level changes).

Example: monitoring of a single calculated value (pressure difference and flow difference) for leaks within a cooling circuit.

Question 44

What is the difference between moneo RTM and the moneo Industrial AI Assistant?

Accepted Answer

The moneo RTM module is used to monitor process variables based on static thresholds. The moneo Industrial AI Assistant can be used to automatically set dynamic limit thresholds that exactly match the monitored process value.

Question 45

What data is required and how important is the data used?

Accepted Answer

If possible, the period of historical data used should represent all normal states. Ideally, each normal condition is recorded multiple times. If anomalies or unwanted conditions occur during data recording, such unsuitable data periods can be excluded/deactivated. This allows you to create a data set that consists only of “good” operating states.

Example: If the normal operating process of a pump to be monitored is one week, two to three weeks of historical data should be available during which the pump ran optimally.

Question 46

Why do I receive warnings and alarms after activating monitoring even though my process is working perfectly fine?

Accepted Answer

The sensitivity is not optimally adjusted to the irregular environmental influences and the monitored process. The training period was not sufficiently representative to cover all standard states.

Example: Someone accidentally bumps against the machine at irregular intervals, which causes vibration and briefly changes the operating process.

Question 47

What relevance does the individually adjustable sensitivity of the tools have?

Accepted Answer

The sensitivity controls how soon an anomaly is detected and how sensitive the model is to process changes.

Example: high sensitivity = early warning

Question 48

Why should I not set my monitoring profile to maximum sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Production environments are subject to many unpredictable environmental effects. While setting the highest sensitivity will produce the earliest warnings in the highest number and thus offer the highest level of security, it will also increase the frequency of insignificant alerts.

Example: A door is left open longer than usual, causing a change in temperature. Depending on the application, this does not necessarily lead to issues.

Question 49

Do I need to retrain the monitoring profiles?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the tool, a monitoring profile needs to be retrained if the normal ‘good’ condition of the monitored process or environment has changed. See the individual tools for more detailed information.

Example: An oven is installed in the production hall, which has a significant influence on the temperature of the monitored machines nearby. As this affects the process behaviour, a new profile must be trained.

Question 50

What is required to use the moneo Industrial AI Assistant?

Accepted Answer

In addition to historical data, you need the moneo IIoT Core and the requested licence for the tools of the moneo Industrial AI Assistant.

Question 51

Which AI / Machine Learning approach is the moneo Industrial AI Assistant based on?

Accepted Answer

The moneo Industrial AI Assistant uses the unsupervised learning approach.

Question 52

How moneo PatternMonitor works

Accepted Answer

moneo PatternMonitor is an intelligent AI monitoring tool that is easy to handle and can be operated without data science expertise. It makes data conveniently and automatically accessible, monitoring it autonomously on the basis of machine learning.

The software uses machine learning algorithms to respond to the following unexpected patterns in process data:

	Volatility: increase or decrease in the fluctuation intensity of the values
	Trend: progressive variation in the level of the values
	Level change: sudden, stepwise increase / decrease in the values

Question 53

What moneo PatternMonitor can do

Accepted Answer

By continuously searching for patterns in volatility, trend and level change, moneo PatternMonitor facilitates rapid detection of unwanted changes or wear in any industrial sector and within the context of condition monitoring.

The software solution can be used for detailed monitoring of individual critical process values as part of condition monitoring.

Question 54

What are the prerequisites to successfully use the moneo PatternMonitor?

Accepted Answer

The process value distribution of the monitored variable must be stationary, i.e. the fluctuations in the values remain constant over time. In addition, there must be sufficient data available to describe the process.

Example: In a cooling circuit, the flow difference between the inlet and outlet fluctuates between -1 and 1 bar, but is 0 in the time average.

Question 55

What are the limitations of the moneo PatternMonitor?

Accepted Answer

The moneo PatternMonitor cannot monitor controlled or non-stationary processes.

Question 56

What are the advantages of monitoring the data structure with the PatternMonitor compared to static thresholds?

Accepted Answer

The tool can detect impending structural changes early.

Example: false-positive alerts due to drift in measuring equipment or batches.

Question 57

Why does it make sense to exclude a pattern and/or direction?

Accepted Answer

In some processes, faulty behavior is evidenced by a process variable that always behaves in the same way in relation to the pattern type and direction. To save computing power, time and money, the other setting options can be excluded from the calculation.

Example: The deterioration in model quality only becomes noticeable with a decreasing data curve, which is why the increasing pattern direction can be excluded.

Question 58

How do I pick the right presets?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the target requirements and process characteristics, adjustments should be made. When using the basic presets, a suitable ratio of time resolution and evaluation period will automatically be defined. This means that the user only needs to define a rough time period for the pattern detection, which can be days, weeks or months. By switching to the advanced presets, you can manually configure the time resolution of the data, the pattern type and direction and the evaluation period precisely to the second.

Examples:

Long process (> 6 months): evaluation period - weeks or months with a rough time resolution (e.g. 1 minute)
Moderate process (1 - 6 months): evaluation period - hours or days with medium time resolution (e.g. 20 seconds)
Rapid process (< 1 month): evaluation period - seconds or minutes with fine time resolution (e.g. 1 second)

Question 59

Why do I receive false alarms after activating the moneo PatternMonitor?

Accepted Answer

The configured evaluation period and alarm sensitivity may not be ideal for the underlying process. Environmental factors or external influences can be further causes.

Example: If a person bumps into a sensitively adjusted machine that is monitored, this will be identified as a structural (level) change, which will be perceived as an alarm.

Question 60

Why do I not receive any alarms after activating the moneo PatternMonitor?

Accepted Answer

One reason can be that no structural change has occurred. It is also possible that the data and settings (time interval, time resolution, pattern type and direction, evaluation period) have not been chosen well.

Question 61

When should I switch to the advanced presets?

Accepted Answer

If the automatic basic presets do not produce the desired result or if the time resolution and evaluation period need to be optimised, the advanced presets offer you more detailed and precise configuration options.

Example: If the monitored process only has a downward-sloping pattern, it is possible to deactivate the upward pattern in the advanced presets.

Question 62

Does the moneo PatternMonitor need to be newly trained?

Accepted Answer

The moneo PatternMonitor does not need to be newly trained, as it always uses the most recent data as reference data and compares it with the live data.

Question 63

How moneo SmartLimitWatcher works

Accepted Answer

An algorithm trains a mathematical model using historical data that continuously compares measured values with predicted target values, thus providing a continuous target/actual comparison. It also calculates dynamic expectation ranges (confidence bands) for the target variable to automatically detect and signal deviations.

moneo SmartLimitWatcher is a smart AI monitoring tool that is easy to handle and can be operated without data science expertise. It makes data conveniently and automatically accessible, monitoring it autonomously on the basis of machine learning.

Question 64

What moneo SmartLimitWatcher can do

Accepted Answer

The AI software is custom-configurable and offers user-friendly sensitivity adjustment for anomaly detection. Warning and alarm thresholds can be customised to allow you to respond quickly to deviations in your production process. You can choose from “inactive”, “low”, “medium”, “high” and “custom”.

The moneo SmartLimitWatcher software solution can be used both for monitoring comparable machine components and for detailed monitoring of individual components using multiple parameters for condition monitoring.

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