3M Sorter System FX. Administrator s Guide

Transcription

1 3M Sorter System FX Administrator s Guide

2 3M All rights reserved. 3M Sorter System FX Administrator s Guide, , Rev A 3M is a trademark of 3M. Microsoft and Windows are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. The original instructions in this document were written in U.S. English. All other languages are a translation of the original instructions.

3 Contents Overview... 1 About this guide... 1 System overview M FX System Controller Model Staff procedures... 3 Viewing system status and reports... 3 Starting the system... 4 Restarting or shutting down controller software... 4 Restarting the controller computer... 4 Shutting down and removing power from the system... 4 Stopping the system... 5 Restarting the system after an E-Stop... 5 Responding to Bin Full or Bin Missing alerts... 5 Clearing jammed items... 6 Operating the lift-gate... 6 Adjusting audio volume... 7 Administrative procedures... 8 Logging in as administrator... 8 Monitoring system activity... 9 Diagnostic testing Fill bins in numerical order (override sort rules) Modifying sort routes Adding, renaming or deleting sort routes Selecting and testing voice prompts Installing Windows security updates Using the controller USB port Troubleshooting System not responding Communication problems Warranty M Service Information to gather M Service phone numbers M Library Systems Web Site M All rights reserved. i

4 Contents ii 3M All rights reserved.

5 Overview About this guide The 3M Sorter System FX is managed by system configuration and management software installed on the FX System Controller, which is the subject of this guide. This guide is intended for use by library system administrators responsible for configuring, monitoring and controlling the sorter system. This guide also contains staff instructions for day-to-day operation and maintenance of the sorter system. System overview The 3M Sorter System FX is a complete, fully automated library item sortation system. It is designed to help libraries increase automated check-in and circulation, enhancing overall productivity and customer service. The Sorter System FX is designed for use with compatible check-in and return systems such as the 3M Intelligent Return, and is configured to sort returned materials based on information provided by the library s circulation system. A single Sorter System FX can accommodate up to four check-in and return systems (wall-mounted patron or back room staff check-in and return units) and can include multiple sorter units. In the example below, several specialized conveyors and directional units guide returned items into the sorter units from four FX-compatible check-in and return systems. Seven FX Sorter Model 2850 units then perform unassisted sortation of returned items into fifteen rolling bins for redistribution. The sortation system shown below is configured, monitored and controlled using one FX System Controller Model M All rights reserved. 1

6 Overview 3M FX System Controller Model 2855 Controller components include system software, a touch screen monitor, a keyboard with touchpad, system and computer power switches, centralized cable connections between return and sorter systems, and an optional webcam. The controller is used to: Control and monitor system operation and generate reports Generate event-triggered visual and audio prompts for staff Start and stop the sortation system Respond to alarm conditions and perform functional tests Staff screen (no login required) The Staff screen is the first system screen to appear when the controller is powered on. No password is required to view or use this screen, so any staff member can use it to start or stop the system, check operational status, view unit-specific information, and view reports. This screen is also the login point for administrative access. To perform on-screen controller procedures, you may either touch the controller screen or use the keyboard touchpad to select or activate system functions. Administration screens (login required) FX System Controller Administration screens are intended for use by system administrators only and require a password login from the Staff screen described above. Configuration and operation screens can be quickly accessed on tabbed pages under the following categories: Status/Setup, Reports, and Administration. To perform on-screen controller procedures, you may either touch the controller screen or use the keyboard touchpad to select or activate system functions. 2 3M All rights reserved.

7 Staff procedures Note: To perform on-screen controller procedures, you may either touch the controller screen or use the keyboard touchpad to select or activate system functions. Viewing system status and reports Use the Staff screen (no login required) to view system status and reports as follows: 1. If the screen saver is on, touch either the screen or the touchpad to turn off the screensaver. 2. Touch the Status/Setup or Reports tab to access the interactive system diagram or to view reports. 3. If necessary, touch the Center Diagram button or use the scrollbars to align the system diagram on the grid. You also may touch squares along the outer edges of the grid to reposition the diagram. A red dot on one or more system sorters in the diagram indicates that a sorter is equipped with an E-Stop button. To view the status of any system unit shown on the screen, touch the unit to display unit-specific information on the right side of the screen. When the system is operating normally, the bar at the bottom of the screen will be green. When an error occurs, the bar will be red and a message inside the bar will describe the error. When an E-Stop button is pressed, a large red X will appear on the sorter on the diagram where the E-Stop button is installed. EStop pushed will appear in a red bar at the bottom of the screen, and a large red Clear E-Stop button will appear at the top of the screen. The red Clear E-Stop button is used to clear the E-Stop condition after the physical button on the sorter has been reset. 3M All rights reserved. 3

8 Staff procedures Starting the system 1. Make sure that all Sorter System FX conveyor system power cord(s) are connected to their designated power source(s). 2. Use the black power on/off switch on the right side of the controller cabinet to turn ON the controller and start controller software. 3. Verify that each return system (four max. per FX System Controller) has been turned ON and is operational. 4. Touch the green Start button on the controller screen to begin accepting items from the return system(s). Restarting or shutting down controller software Controller software automatically loads on the Windows desktop when the controller computer starts up or reboots. If you need to shut down controller software on the Windows desktop: 1. Make sure that no items are being processed by the system. 2. Touch the red Stop button on the controller screen to stop receiving items from the return system(s). 3. To shut down controller software, touch the X in the upper right corner of the controller software window. The window will disappear. If you need to restart controller software: 1. Make sure that the controller and all sortation system hardware units are powered ON. 2. Double-click the SolidSuite3M icon on the controller Windows desktop. Controller software will start. 3. Touch the green controller Start button to start receiving items from the return system(s). Each sorter unit in the system will cycle once and attempt to clear any items on the conveyors at start-up. Restarting the controller computer If you need to restart the controller computer: 1. Make sure that no items are being processed by the system. 2. If necessary, shut down the controller software (touch the X in the upper right corner of the controller software window). 3. Touch the Windows Start button, then select Shutdown > Restart. Windows will restart, followed by the controller software. Shutting down and removing power from the system 1. Before you start to shut down the system, make sure that no items are being processed. 2. Shut down all return systems connected to the sorter system. 3. Shut down the controller software (touch the X in the upper right corner of the controller software window) and then shut down the Windows operating system on the FX System Controller. 4. Turn OFF the FX System Controller power on/off switch (black, on the right side of the controller cabinet), then disconnect all other sortation system components from their power sources. 4 3M All rights reserved.

9 Staff procedures Stopping the system Two methods can be used to stop system activity: NON-EMERGENCY STOP Touch the red Stop button on the FX System Controller screen to stop receiving items from return systems connected to the Sorter System FX. To resume normal operation, touch the green Start button on the controller screen. Each sorter unit in the system will cycle once and activate. EMERGENCY STOP In case of an emergency (jammed items, electrical problems, etc.), press the red E-Stop (emergency stop) button mounted on the top cover of one of the FX Sorter units. The button will lock in the down position and all conveyors will immediately stop. See the following topic to restart the system after an E-Stop. Restarting the system after an E-Stop 1. If an E-Stop button has been pressed, ensure that no items are on the conveyors and any jams have been removed before restarting the system. 2. Turn the E-Stop button clockwise until it unlocks and resets (moves back into the up position). 3. Touch the large red Clear E-Stop button at the top of the controller screen. The Start and Stop buttons will appear. 4. To return the system to service, touch the green Start button on the controller screen. Each sorter unit in the system will cycle once and activate. Responding to Bin Full or Bin Missing alerts When a Bin Full or Bin Missing alert occurs: 1. Identify the location of the full or missing bin on the controller screen. A large red X will mark the full or missing bin on the screen. 2. Unlock bin wheels, then remove and replace a full bin or check and adjust the position of a bin identified as missing. The bin must be positioned so the sensors on the sorter will recognize the bin s presence. When a bin is positioned correctly, lock the wheels. Note: In an overloaded system scenario, the sorter system will continue to receive items until items cannot be sorted due to a Bin Full condition: 1) Items will be sent to overflow and exceptions bins until these bins are full. 2) Eventually, the sortation system will overload with staged items. 3) The system will shut down. 4) The sortation system will notify the return systems of the change in status. 5) When one or more full bins are replaced with empty bins and the system returns to normal operation, the sorter system will automatically notify the return systems of the change in status. 3M All rights reserved. 5

10 Staff procedures Clearing jammed items When library items are jammed on a sorter, an alert appears on the controller screen: 1. Identify the location of the jam on the controller screen. A large red X will mark the jammed sorter on the screen. 2. If necessary, touch the Stop button on the screen or press an E-Stop button to stop the system. 3. Remove the jammed items from the sorter. 4. If an E-Stop button has been pressed, first reset the button on the sorter and then touch the Clear E-Stop button at the top of the screen. 5. Touch the green Start button to resume operation. Operating the lift-gate When you need to open and walk through a lift-gate in the sorter system, follow these steps: Lift-gate in walk-through position (up) Note: It is not necessary to stop the system while you open and then lower the lift-gate. The system will continue to operate, and the adjacent upstream conveyor will stop and then restart items after you open and lower the lift-gate. 1. Use the handle on either side of the lift-gate to slowly tilt the conveyor up as shown. 2. When you have passed through the gate, pull and hold the lift-gate safety pin as you carefully lower the conveyor back into its operating position. 3. When the conveyor is in its horizontal operating position, release the lift-gate safety pin to lock the conveyor in place. Lift-gate in operating position (down) 6 3M All rights reserved.

11 Staff procedures Adjusting audio volume Use this procedure to raise or lower FX System Controller audio speaker volume. 1. Left-click the Windows Volume icon in the taskbar near the right side of the controller screen. A vertical slider control appears. 2. Click and hold the slider to adjust controller audio volume. When you release the slider, the system will make a brief sound so you can check the volume level. 3. If necessary, click the icon below the slider to mute or un-mute audio output. 3M All rights reserved. 7

12 Administrative procedures Note: To perform on-screen controller procedures, you may either touch the controller screen or use the keyboard touchpad to select or activate system functions. Logging in as administrator 1. Touch the Login button in the upper left corner of the controller screen. 2. Type the Admin password into the Password field on the dialog box. 3. Touch the Login button on the dialog box to log into the controller. The Staff screen will refresh and the Admin screen will appear, displaying an additional Admin tab. Note: To log out, touch the Logout button in the upper left corner of the controller screen. The screen will refresh and the Staff screen will appear, no longer displaying the Admin tab. 8 3M All rights reserved.

13 Administrative procedures Monitoring system activity 1. Login as administrator, then touch the Admin tab. 2. Touch the large vertical Return tab on the right side of the screen. As shown, the screen displays tabbed pages of the real-time activity occurring on both connected return systems and the sorter system. 3. Touch the numbered horizontal Return tab for any connected return system to monitor that system s activity. Note: The numbered Return tab page for each connected return system (max. 4 return systems per sorter system) displays the system name, port number, priority, item returned activity and bin activity. To clear the displayed real-time activity, touch the Clear All button. To display return system heartbeats as shown, touch the Show Heartbeats checkbox. Touch the checkbox again to remove the check mark and turn off the heartbeats. Note: Heartbeat signals are transmitted at set intervals from the controller to each return system connected to the controller. During normal operation, each heartbeat signal receives an acknowledgment signal from a return system, indicating normal communication between the two. The heartbeat display for each return system (four max.) is intended to provide instant communications integrity feedback during system operation. 3M All rights reserved. 9

14 Administrative procedures Diagnostic testing The following example describes diagnostic testing of a sorter unit, but the same general procedure can be used to test any type of system unit. Unit information and test buttons are located in the same area of the screen for all units. 1. Login as administrator. 2. On the Status/Setup tab page, touch the unit on the diagram that you wish to test. As shown in this example (sorter testing), a black outline identifies the unit being tested and detailed unit information appears in the right panel. 3. To test a unit function, touch the test mode button for the function you wish to test. The button will turn green and the function will activate and run continuously. Note: To test sensors, block them physically with your hand, a notebook, or other suitable item and then view status changes in the IO Status information display area on the screen. 4. When you are finished testing a conveyor function, touch the test mode button a second time to turn the test function off. Fill bins in numerical order (override sort rules) Use this function to temporarily turn off all configured sort routes used by the system. This function ensures that all items will be collected and the system will not shut down due to Bin Full conditions during times when the library is closed. The system will accept items but will fill bins in numerical order rather than according to configured sort routes, allowing maximum capacity bin filling when necessary. 1. Login as administrator, then touch the Admin tab. 2. Touch the Sort Rules tab on the right side of the screen. The screen displays the currently active sort route configuration. 3. Touch the Fill bins in number order checkbox to turn off sortation. As shown, a check mark appears in the checkbox and the screen greys out the system s sort route configuration. 4. To resume operation using configured sort routes, touch the Fill bins in number order checkbox to remove the check mark. 10 3M All rights reserved.

15 Administrative procedures Modifying sort routes Note: Changes you make on this screen are dynamic and become effective immediately. 1. Login as administrator, then touch the Admin tab. 2. Touch the Sort Rules tab on the right side of the screen. As shown, the screen displays the currently active sort route configuration. 3. Observe these guidelines when making configuration changes: The REJECT route name (red) on the first row cannot be changed or deleted. The reject route accepts unknown items (invalid sort routes or items). 3M recommends that this bin should be set as the last bin in the system. Primary bins are the color green. Overflow bins are the color fuchsia and are labeled as #-Over. You may define up to four overflow bins, which will be added in order: 1-Over, 2-Over, 3-Over and 4-Over.The system will fill the primary bin first, then the assigned overflow bins, and finally will reroute to the REJECT bin. The first screen on this page shows 12 routes assigned to bins 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. The second screen shows 5 routes (FICTION, BRANCHES A-D) where overflow bins have been assigned (bins 2 and 7). Touch an individual cell to add or remove a primary or overflow bin designator. Route names must be one word. If necessary, connect multiple words with an underscore or hyphen, e.g., BRANCH_A. (See following topic.) 3M All rights reserved. 11

16 Administrative procedures Adding, renaming or deleting sort routes During system installation, library item sort routes are initially named and added to the Sort Rules screen. Use the following steps to add, rename or delete individual sort routes when library item sortation requirements change. Note: Changes you make on this screen are dynamic and become effective immediately. 1. Login as administrator, then touch the Admin tab. 2. Touch the Sort Rules tab on the right side of the screen. As shown, the screen displays the currently active sort route configuration. 3. Observe these guidelines when making configuration changes: To add a new sort route: a. Touch the Add Route button. As shown in the first figure, the Route Name Edit dialog box appears. b. Type the name of the new sort route. If multiple words are used they must be connected as shown (BRANCH_E). c. Touch the Save button. As shown in the second figure, the new sort route will appear on the bottom row of the grid (name highlighted yellow). d. Touch an individual cell to assign the primary bin number for the new sort route. e. Touch an individual cell to assign an overflow bin number for the new sort route, if desired (see third figure). To rename or delete an existing sort route, touch the Route Name in the first column of the sort route you wish to rename or delete. The Route Name Edit dialog box appears. a. To delete the selected sort route, touch the Delete button. The sort route will be removed from the sort route list. b. To rename the selected sort route, remove the current name from the Route Name field, enter the new name, and then touch the Save button. The new name will appear in the sort route list. 12 3M All rights reserved.

17 Administrative procedures Selecting and testing voice prompts Use this screen to select and test voice prompts used by the FX System Controller. The controller generates audio prompts and alerts for library staff during system operation. 1. Login as administrator, then touch the Admin tab. 2. Touch the Voice tab on the right side of the screen. The controller audio configuration screen apppears. 3. Use the controls on this screen as follows: Touch the Disable Voices checkbox to enable or disable system voice prompts. Touch a name field in the Voice Personality pane to select a voice type that will be used in voice prompts and alerts. Touch a selection in the Voice Prompt list to display the message currently stored for that selection. a. Touch the Speak button to test the currently selected message. b. If desired, modify the selected message and then touch Speak to test the message again. c. When you are satisfied with the message, touch the Save button. Note: To remove changes you have made to system messages, touch the Restore default messages button. This resets ALL messages to the default message set. 3M All rights reserved. 13

18 Administrative procedures Installing Windows security updates Use this procedure to install Windows security updates, which Microsoft makes available online. Be sure to download and install Windows security updates as soon as possible to help protect the system from hazards such as hackers, viruses and spyware. Look for the Windows Update icon and tooltip to appear in the notification area of the Windows taskbar. When New updates are available appears, download the latest Windows updates from Microsoft as follows: 1. In the taskbar notification area, right-click the Windows Update icon. The Windows Update page appears. 2. Click the Install updates button to begin the download and installation procedure. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. 4. When installation is finished, restart the computer if prompted. Using the controller USB port The USB connector near the top of the right side of the controller cabinet is connected directly to the controller computer. This connector is provided as a convenience for USB data transfer, software installation, backups, printing, etc. 14 3M All rights reserved.

19 Troubleshooting Use the following procedures to perform basic troubleshooting on the 3M Sorter System FX: System not responding Possible cause Solutions No AC power. Make sure that the controller power switch is turned ON and that sorter unit power cords are connected to their designated power sources. System computer problem. Place a service call to 3M. Make sure that the controller computer is turned ON. If the outlet is dead, have a qualified technician check the circuit breaker or fuse box. Communication problems Use the following table to isolate and identify communication problems between the FX System Controller, sortation devices, return systems, and remote locations. Possible cause Solutions Faulty hardware connections. Verify that data cable(s) are properly connected between all components and systems. Hosts or networks not operating properly. Verify that any hosts or networks connected to the sorter controller are operating properly and are capable of accepting a connection from the system. Check whether the system gets disconnected from the host without anyone initiating the log off process. The host computer may be dropping the connection. Reset necessary. Check whether the system was improperly turned off or otherwise disconnected from a host or network without properly logging off the system. This could leave a connection active, which would prevent the system from logging in until the port is reset. Check whether the sorter controller s host port needs to be reset to allow a connection from the return system. Configuration changes Check to see if the paths, IP addresses, or any other accesses to a network or host have changed. Check to see if any communications passwords have changed. 3M All rights reserved. 15

20 Warranty Effective One Year Library Systems Product Performance Guarantee: Subject to the Limitation of Liability below, 3M guarantees your satisfaction with the performance of any 3M Library System Product for 12 months from the date of installation provided that a) you are the original purchaser: b) you have executed a one (1) year 3M Service Agreement for maintenance of the Library System product; and c) the product has not been subjected to abuse, misuse, accident or neglect. Performance means the product meets 3M published product specifications. If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your Library System Product, you may return the Library System product for a prompt refund. 3M will pay all reasonable de-installation and shipping charges to return the product to 3M. Note that all claims under this guarantee must be submitted to 3M within 12 months from the date of installation of the 3M Library Systems Product. Failure to submit a claim within this time frame will invalidate this guarantee. IMPORTANT: Consumables and non-3m branded products are excluded from this Guarantee. Warranty and Limited Remedy for Non-Software Library Systems Products Not Covered by Performance Guarantee: Unless stated otherwise in 3M product literature or packaging, 3M warrants that each 3M Library Systems Product meets the applicable specifications for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of shipment (or, in the case of hardware installed by 3M, from the date of installation). Any warranties related to 3M software are contained in separate 3M software licenses. Consumables and non-3m branded products are excluded from this Warranty and Limited Remedy. 3M MAKES NO OTHER GUARANTEES, WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. You are responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for your application. If the 3M product is defective within the warranty period and provided that a) the product has not been subjected to abuse, misuse, accident or neglect and b) you have notified 3M within thirty (30) days after the defect was discovered, your exclusive remedy and 3M s and seller s sole obligation will be, at 3M s option, to replace or repair the defective 3M product. Limitation of Liability: EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW, 3M AND SELLER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM 3M LIBRARY SYSTEMs, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ASSERTED, INCLUDING WARRANTY, CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY. Guarantee and Warranty Claims: For guarantee and warranty claims, and for service, contact our service representatives at Track and Trace Solutions 3M Center Building 225-4N-14 St. Paul, MN Ver M All rights reserved.

21 3M Service Information to gather Before you call for service, please have following information available: The name, address, and telephone number of your facility A description of the problem or the issue you want addressed The model number and serial number of the equipment (located on the serial label), if the call is in regard to a system problem Model Number Serial Number 3M Service phone numbers For questions regarding your system, call one of the following numbers. In the United States In Canada In other countries English Français Call your local 3M office. 3M Library Systems Web Site The 3M Library Systems Web site can be located at For additional information in the United States about 3M Library Systems, go to 3M All rights reserved. 17

22 3M Library Systems 3M Center, Building 225-4N-14 St. Paul, MN