PDA is Developing a New Manufacturing Intelligence Platform
Process and Data Automation (PDA) is developing a new manufacturing intelligence platform that provides manufacturers with clear, actionable insight into equipment performance, and improved production efficiency. Delivered as a branded, configurable software framework, the platform is designed to align with existing plant operations rather than forcing plants to adapt to rigid software models.
Built on PDA’s decades of real-world experience across manufacturing and packaging operations, the platform connects seamlessly to any brand of controller or type of production line, combines automated and manual data, and delivers meaningful insights through intuitive, role-based visualization and reporting tools.
The platform provides a comprehensive set of visualization and analysis tools designed to support operators, engineers, and management alike:
- Line Overview & Visualization
- Graphical, widget-based, and text-driven views of production lines and equipment
- Accurate image representation of physical line with overlays of live production, status, and performance data directly from controllers
- Real-time visibility into machine states, downtime, and production flow
- Maintenance Dashboards
- Configurable dashboards tailored to different roles and responsibilities
- Real-time KPIs for operational awareness and fast decision-making
- Charts & Trends
- Historical trending of production, downtime, and performance metrics
- Tools to support root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
- Reports
- Standard and customizable reports for production, downtime, and efficiency
- Designed for clarity and action, not just data collection
The platform also supports the integration of manual data, operator notes, and contextual information, ensuring performance data is complete and meaningful – not just automated signals without explanation.
At its core, the platform is built on Ignition Perspective, a widely adopted industrial application platform trusted by manufacturers worldwide. Perspective was selected for its:
- Flexible and robust industrial communications
- Native connectivity to a wide range of PLCs and industrial devices
- Heavy reliance on industry-standard data models that enable rapid integration for many machines
- Vendor-agnostic architecture
- Supports multi-vendor environments without locking customers into specific hardware or control platforms
- Modern, scalable application framework
- Architecture that supports migration to cloud or hybrid deployments
- API ready platform
- Enabling integration with enterprise systems and modern collaboration tools for notifications, reporting, and workflow automation
PDA extends Ignition’s native capabilities with custom and open-source modules to deliver a modern user experience, advanced visualization, and streamlined workflows—without sacrificing the reliability and openness Ignition is known for.
The platform is designed for fast deployment and long-term scalability. PDA works closely with each client to understand their data sources and business objectives, then configures the framework using proven patterns developed across hundreds of applications. This approach delivers low cost of entry, seamless deployment, and rapid time to value.
Currently in active development and testing, the platform supports desktop use today, with mobile flexibility coming soon. The architecture is future-ready, with a roadmap that includes embedded AI/LLM capabilities for operational support and expanded analytics. Pilot deployments are targeted, with production use anticipated by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The PDA platform differentiates itself from existing manufacturing intelligence and OEE solutions through:
- Strong PLC and vendor neutrality
- Faster, framework-based deployment
- Deep customization driven by real manufacturing experience
- A partner-led approach focused on long-term operational improvement
In summary, PDA is delivering a modern manufacturing intelligence platform built on trusted industrial technology, enhanced by deep domain expertise, and designed to evolve alongside today’s manufacturing operations. Manufacturers interested in improving visibility, performance, and efficiency across their production lines are encouraged to contact PDA to discuss how the platform can be configured and deployed to meet their specific operational needs and manufacturing environments.
