Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for a utility for monitoring, tracking and scheduling the performance of periodic activities in a manufacturing environment is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the monitor utility of present invention is a VAX-based menu-driven program that is used to schedule and track periodic activities. erformed on tools and machines, or 'entities.' In one aspect of the invention, a user may create a family of entities to be monitored and may schedule various monitor items to be performed in connection with each entity, which items may be 'triggered' by the occurrence of a designated event a designated number of times or by the elapse of a designated period of time. In another aspect of the invention, the utility may be used easily to generate and display and/or print reports in various formats showing the status of monitor items for a particular family and/or entity. In another aspect of the invention, the utility is capable of sending one or more VAX mail messages to designated users when certain monitor items are due. In addition, the utility may be configured to send a VAX mail warning message to designated users a predetermined amount of time before a monitor item becomes due so that the recipient(s) can take steps to perform the monitor item by the due date. In yet another aspect of the invention, if a monitor item is not performed by the due date, the utility is capable of logging down the entity with which the overdue monitor item is associated.

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First Claim