Timeline Analysis

Use Cases

Timeline Analysis plots parameters over time alongside downtime and defect events. This tool is most helpful early in the exploratory process when you are investigating patterns and behavior. This is a good tool to lead to Descriptive Statistics or Time-Series Correlation.

Specifications

Timeline Analysis is a multivariate analysis that you can perform on continuous fields on the Cycle and Part models. Using the Cycle model, Timeline Analysis can investigate parameters from the same machine type with high granularity. Using the Part model lets you plot fields across different machines, but with lower granularity (the Part model is limited by the serial number or other identifier used to construct the data model).

Analysis

Timeline Analysis plots up to five continuous parameters over a selected time range. You can choose to apply an overlay that indicates defects, downtime, or both. Defects are shown as ticks at the top of the plot, while downtime events are shown overlaid on the plot. If you select multiple machines, each is plotted in a different color.

How to Use a Timeline Analysis

The Timeline Analysis tool lets you explore the relationship among multiple parameters.

To use a Timeline Analysis:

1. On the Analysis tab, under Data Exploration, click Timeline Analysis.
2. On the main Timeline Analysis screen, select your options on the left. For more details about each option, see Timeline Analysis Options.
3. Click Update.

Timeline Analysis Options

The Timeline Analysis options include:

1. Model: You can select:
   • Cycles: Examine the correlation between two parameters in the same asset or asset type.
   • Parts: Examine the correlation between two parameters across different machines producing the same part type.
2. Assets: You can select assets to monitor. For example, to perform a Cycles analysis, you need to select an asset to analyze. For example, 3 specific machines. If you are using the Parts model, you need to select a part type.
3. Relative Range: You can define a date range of data points to analyze for the assets you have selected. For example, select the last 7 days. This option establishes the boundaries for the near real-time data that will be part of your analysis. Select from relative or absolute timeframes.
4. Y Axis: You can select up to 5 parameters to analyze.
5. Overlays: You can select whether to add Downtimes, Defects, or both, as overlays on your Timeline Analysis.
6. Carry-forwards: You can undo the forward-fill effect on any fields. Select from Keep All, First, or Last. 
7. Update: Click this button to generate your chart.

Tool Output

The Timeline Analysis tool displays 5 time series charts sharing an X axis (i.e., time) that provide a deeper understanding of the relationship among multiple parameter behavior.

For all of these, you can drag and zoom to focus in on a certain time period.

If you select multiple machines, each is represented by a line. You can toggle the display of each machine’s values by clicking the legend to turn them on and off.