PDA - Product data acquisition for your company
The Product data acquisition, PDA for short,is an essential component of modern companies. By collecting data and information about production, companies gain valuable insights into the Efficiency of their production and can improve it in a targeted manner.
The Advantages of PDA Since meaningful data can be collected by companies, companies can draw conclusions about the efficiency of their production, identify and eliminate errors and optimize processes. The Costs of production can be optimized by the BDE reduced can be used. In addition, the BDE enables a More precise planning production and a Smooth processing the same.
Contents of this page
- 1 What is product data acquisition?
- 2 More transparency with PDA software
- 3 Product data acquisition with the MK|MES software from MK|Ware
- 4 FAQ - frequently asked questions about production data acquisition (PDA)
- 4.1 What data is typically recorded in a PDA system?
- 4.2 What is the difference between BDE, MDE and MES?
- 4.3 Why is BDE particularly important in the age of Industry 4.0?
- 4.4 What are the advantages of introducing a PDA system?
- 4.5 What are the typical functions of a PDA system?
- 4.6 For which industries is BDE particularly suitable?
What is product data acquisition?
Production data acquisition (PDA) is a System for recording data and information about production in companies. By recording this data, companies gain valuable insights into the efficiency of their production and can improve it in a targeted manner. The PDC includes both the hardware as well as the softwarewhich is required to record the data. The hardware consists of sensors and measuring devices that are integrated into the production systems.
The PDA Software is used to record, process and analyze the data obtained.
Which data belong to Operating data?
Operating data are all data generated in connection with production in a company.
These include:
- Machine data
- Process data
- Quality data
- Storage data
- Logistics data
- Financial data
The collection of this data enables Precise analysis of the production processes and allows companies to optimize processes and reduce errors.
More transparency with PDA software
Provide operating data Information about the production processes and thus enable a more precise analysis of the same. By collecting this data, companies can Identify errors and eliminate and optimize processes. PDC is therefore an indispensable tool for modern companies to increase productivity and reduce costs. For companies that do not yet use PDC, it is therefore advisable to get to grips with the topic and take advantage of the benefits of PDC.
Operational data acquisition enables efficient and comprehensive collection, evaluation and analysis of data, including the Process data acquisitionto make well-founded decisions and optimizations in the production process.
What tasks does a PDA system have?
A production data acquisition system, or PDA system for short, is a computerized system for collecting data and information about production. The collected data is used to monitor, control and optimize production processes. The following functions are usually provided in a PDC system:
- Data acquisition: The PDA system records the relevant operating data and makes it available in a clearly structured form.
- Data analysis: The collected data is analyzed and evaluated in order to identify errors and increase productivity.
- Process optimization: The results of the data analysis are used to optimize production processes and reduce errors.

These are the advantages of BDE for companies
The advantages of production data acquisition for companies are manifold. Thanks to the collection of operating data, companies can draw conclusions about the efficiency of their production, identify and reduce sources of error and optimize processes. Production costs can also be reduced through PDC. In addition, the use of production data acquisition enables more precise production planning and smooth processing.
The advantages of PDC for companies:
- Improving process efficiency
- Reduction of errors and faults
- Optimization of production costs
- Improved production planning
- Smooth handling of production
Product data acquisition with the MK|MES software from MK|Ware
To ensure that your production data acquisition functions smoothly and efficiently, our MK|MES Software the optimal solution. Cycle times are continuously recorded during the process, enabling rapid action to be taken in the event of error or fault messages. Thanks to the clear analysis function you always have an overview.
Do you have any further questions about our products? Then please use our Contact form. We will be happy to advise you in detail and look forward to your inquiry.

FAQ - frequently asked questions about production data acquisition (PDA)
There are two main categories:
- Organizational dataOrder status, personnel and material data, set-up and attendance times.
- Technical dataMachine statuses, running times, downtimes, quality values, process parameters, energy consumption, tool data.
MDC (machine data acquisition) refers exclusively to technical machine data such as running times, downtimes, etc.. PDC includes both types of data and has an organizational focus. MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a more comprehensive system that integrates BDE/MDE, controls production processes and provides real-time feedback.
Modern PDA systems enable integration into smart factory environments and digitalized production processes. They provide real-time transparency, minimize errors and support optimal production control.
- Real-time transparency of production processes, status and capacity utilization.
- Increased efficiency through fast error detection, automatic time recording and optimized resource planning.
- Improved planning reliability thanks to precise actual data for target/actual comparisons and post-calculation.
- Reduced costs by relieving employees, fewer errors and optimized processes.
- Recording at the workplace with terminals, scanners, mobile devices - some can be used offline.
- Plausibility checks to avoid data entry errors.
- Intuitive user guidance, flexible adaptation to work processes (e.g. group work, multi-machine operation, „ghost shift“)
- Integration into ERP or PPS systems via interfaces, API or ASCII export or import.
BDE can be used across all sectors, e.g. in the automotive supply, metal processing, packaging, medical technology and food production industries - for both SMEs and larger companies.
