Week One - Industry Tech Terms Flashcards
What lets software and machines talk to each other without manual coding?
API – A set of rules that lets different systems communicate.
Use this when talking about how platforms or devices connect.
What system tracks and manages real-time production on the factory floor?
MES (Manufacturing Execution System) – Connects machines to business systems.
Use it to ask how teams track performance as it happens.
What platform runs the core business operations like logistics and finance?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – Manages backend functions across departments.
Use this to ask what system handles big-picture operations.
What controls the machines and automation on the factory floor?
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) – The physical controller running automated tasks.
Use it when asking about system reliability and control.
How do teams monitor equipment and operations remotely in real time?
SCADA – Software used to track and control industrial systems from a distance.
Use this when talking about visibility and alerts.
What measures how long it takes for a machine to complete one cycle?
Cycle Time – The time needed to finish a full process.
Use this to dig into performance and throughput issues.
What’s the term for when machines unexpectedly stop working?
Downtime – Unplanned stoppages that hurt productivity and cost money.
Use this to show urgency and lost output.
What tracks how fast a team can fix a system after it breaks?
MTTR (Mean Time to Repair) – Measures average time to get back online.
Use this to explore how responsive or supported a system really is.
What’s the strategy for solving problems before they happen?
Predictive Maintenance – Uses data to catch failures before they occur.
Bring this up when discussing system intelligence or AI-driven support.
What’s it called when a person has to step in during an automated process?
Manual Intervention – When humans are needed to fix or override automation.
Use this to surface friction points and hidden labor costs.
