The power of visual information presentation

Nowadays, the collection of data with MES systems (Manufacturing Execution System) is the key to increased transparency in production. However, this transparency not only brings benefits, but also challenges. The amount of data can seem overwhelming and may only mean something to certain departments without context. There are tools that make it easier to decipher. We all know the expression “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Our brain processes visuals up to 60,000 times faster than text. And that's exactly what this blog post is about, namely the visual presentation of information. 

What is visual information presentation?  

Visual presentation of information is the use of colors and scaling, for example. In this way, complex data can be put into an understandable context and thus be accessible and easy to grasp for all employees. Visual information is generally much quicker for us humans to grasp and absorb and can therefore also be an advantage in this context.  

Benefits of MES-Systems 

Visual presentation of information is also used at tetys. Our system offers various metrics and KPIs, such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) figures, which can be displayed visually. There are various applications for visualization such as: 

• Hall diagram

• Cockpit 

• Insight Board 

These applications are specifically designed for reporting, but visual representations can also be found in many other places in our system.  For example, the interface automatically turns red when a reject limit is exceeded. This allows employees to recognize immediately that there is a problem and can react as quickly as possible without having to delve into the order data first.   

Proven visual aids 

At tetys, we rely on visualization methods that are established and easy to understand. These include, for example: 

• Traffic light systems: Green for normal operation, yellow for warnings, red for critical conditions 

• Speedometer displays: For quick assessments of key performance indicators 

Despite these prepared presentations, it is still possible to view the detailed data in tabular form at any time. This combination of visual simplification and detailed data analysis creates an optimal balance between transparency and comprehensibility.

Integration of visual information presentations 

The visual display of information is not only an advantage for management, but also helps directly at plant level. A machine operator can immediately see whether there is a fault using color indicators without having to read complex data. This not only saves time, but also reduces errors. Dashboards and interactive displays also allow specific information to be customized for each user. A plant manager, for example, needs a different view than a maintenance technician. Flexible systems that enable different views significantly increase the effectiveness of information processing.

Challenges and solutions 

Despite the many advantages, the visual presentation of information also brings challenges. An overloaded or confusing visualization can be just as confusing as a pure presentation of numbers. It is therefore important that data is presented in a targeted and structured way. Clear color coding, uniform symbols and a logical structure of the dashboards can help to create clarity here.  

Another problem can be adapting to different users. Management employees are more interested in KPIs, while technicians need detailed diagrams or trend analyses, for example. An MES system that can adapt flexibly to the needs and different display options can help here.  

Integration into existing work processes should also be as simple as possible. No additional training should be required to understand the visual information displays. The system should simply be easy to understand and user-friendly.  

The importance of usability

Why is usability so important? It can be a decisive factor in the visual presentation of information. A clear, well-structured dashboard not only makes it easier to access the necessary information, but also ensures greater user satisfaction and acceptance. Efficiency and productivity can be significantly increased by good visual representations. However, it is important to find the right balance between complexity and comprehensibility in order to successfully ensure user-friendliness.  

Outlook for the future

The further development of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) is also opening up new possibilities for the visual presentation of information. For example, AR glasses could be used in the future to display real-time production data directly in the employees' field of vision. AI-supported systems could also help to recognize recurring patterns in large amounts of data and automatically generate suitable visualizations. The use of innovative technologies such as these could not only further increase transparency in the future, but also improve predictive maintenance and minimize production downtime.  

Conclusion

Visual information display is an essential component of a modern MES system and is also used at tetys. It helps to make large amounts of data comprehensible and enables faster reaction times in day-to-day production. Our system enables intuitive use thanks to proven display formats such as traffic lights and speedometers, so that all employees benefit from the knowledge gained and not just individual departments. Our system combines transparency with user-friendliness.  

With increasing digitalization, visual representations will continue to gain in importance. Companies that can present their data in a simple and time-saving way will not only increase their efficiency, but also improve employee satisfaction as they can work with the relevant information more easily and quickly.