Data Acquisition (DAQ) System Integration for Data Accuracy

Conrad Kacsik provides data acquisition (DAQ) system integration services that can help you easily incorporate the latest data-logging tools and systems into your existing production equipment and processes. This can help companies:

• Meet regulatory and/or customer requirements
• Simplify data collection to improve audit processes
• More easily analyze system performance and process data
• Customize software to easily view and retrieve data

With a dedicated engineering team that’s experienced and focused on solving your specific problems, Conrad Kacsik has worked with organizations from manufacturers to NASA to major U.S. airlines and more. Contact us today to learn how we can help your organization get the DAQ system you need.

What Are Data Acquisition Systems?

Data acquisition systems are specialized systems used to measure, store and analyze physical data such as temperature, pressure, voltage or flow rates. These systems capture data from sensors and instruments, convert it into a digital format, and then transmit it to computers and supervisory control systems for monitoring and analysis.

In industrial settings, data acquisition systems play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of processes. They are essential for gathering real-time data, which can be used to optimize operations, maintain product quality and ensure safety compliance. By integrating data from various sensors and instruments, these systems provide a comprehensive view of the entire process, enabling operators to make informed decisions.

Common Data Acquisition System Applications

DAQ systems are used across industries for a wide variety of use cases, allowing you to store and analyze nearly any type of measurable physical data in real-time.

For example, DAQ systems are often used in thermal processing and industrial furnace applications. DAQ systems for these monitor and store temperature, pressure and flow data in real time, giving operators control over furnace operations and logging data for compliance with industry standards such as Nadcap and AMS2750. This stored data can also help companies analyze performance and identify inefficiencies.

Other industries, applications and measurements for data acquisition systems include:

• Manufacturing Processes: assembly efficiency, quality assurance, etc.
• Water Treatment & Sewage: pH balance, chemical dosing, effluent discharge, etc.
• Aerospace: speed, altitude, environmental data, etc.
• Automotive: engine performance, fuel efficiency, emissions, etc.
• Medical & Pharmaceuticals: temperature uniformity, chemical composition, etc.
• Electricity Generation & Distribution: voltage levels, current flow, outages, etc.
• Oil & Gas: drilling parameters such as depth, pressure and temperature, flow rates, etc.
• Environmental Monitoring: air quality, water quality, pollutants, humidity, etc.

What Are Data Acquisition System Advantages?

Installing and correctly implementing a data acquisition system can provide many advantages for industrial organizations:

• Real-Time Data Monitoring: As part of a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system, DAQ systems allow you to monitor data in real time, enabling operators to respond immediately to deviations or anomalies and minimize the risk of failures or defects.
• Data Logging & Traceability: Since all data is logged, your organization will create a comprehensive record of all monitored parameters over time. This allows you to review and analyze past operations.
• Improved Decision-Making: With more data, companies can make better, more informed decisions that can improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Ensure Industry Compliance: DAQ systems help regulated industries meet strict compliance standards and provide proof of compliance for audits and further certification.

Data Acquisition System Sensors, Devices & Software

Conrad Kacsik installs, optimizes and integrates DAQ system sensors, devices and software for a wide variety of companies. We primarily use devices from reputable manufacturers including Watlow, Yokogawa, Future Design Controls and Honeywell. 

DAQ Sensors

• Temperature Sensors
• Pressure Sensors
• Flow Sensors
• Level Sensors
• Voltage & Current Sensors
• Displacement & Position Sensors
• Vibration Sensors

DAQ Devices

Various kinds of DAQ devices are used to transmit analog signals from sensors into digital data that can be processed and uploaded into your computer systems. These DAQ modules come in various forms, including USB DAQ devices, PCI/PCIe cards and standalone DAQ modules, each suited for different applications and environments.

DAQ Software

The right software makes data acquisition effortless. These systems can log data, provide visualization and analysis tools, control operations, communicate with other systems and more. 

At Conrad Kacsik, we recommend using SpecView. This system provides you with powerful oversight of your operations and can be tailored for nearly any industry. With it, you can:

• Internally log your process variables on a continuous or batching basis
• Automatically export key data in Excel format to a directory of your choice
• Easily annotate charts with callout text
• Add simplified data acquisition to any existing process