Frequently Asked Questions

No. Good Machines reads equipment non-invasively from the outside. Split-core current transformers (CT clamps) snap around existing power leads, and optical or pulse sensors monitor part output. There are no PLC logic modifications, no warranty risks, and no downtime required for installation.

Typically 1 to 2 hours per machine. Because wiring is non-invasive and does not interrupt machine circuits, installation can be performed between production runs or during standard shift changeovers.

Any machine that consumes electricity and produces parts. We actively monitor modern and legacy equipment alike, including plastic injection molding presses, corrugated packaging lines, stamping presses, die-cutters, CNC mills, and custom automated assembly cells.

The edge monitoring node connects via 2.4 GHz industrial Wi-Fi or encrypted ESP-NOW mesh networking. It is provisioned locally in seconds using Bluetooth Low Energy from our mobile technician app.

The node operates on standard 24V DC directly from your machine’s control cabinet, or from a standard 110V/220V AC wall outlet using an included industrial power adapter.

By sampling motor and hydraulic current draw hundreds of times per second. We establish baseline thresholds for machine off (0A), idle (energized pumps/controls but not producing), and active production under cycle load. Transition timestamps are recorded with sub-second precision.

OEE is automatically calculated from real telemetry: Availability (actual run time divided by planned production time), Performance (actual cycle count divided by target production rate), and Quality (good units produced divided by total cycles).

Zero data is lost. The edge node buffers all timestamped current samples, cycles, and stop events in non-volatile onboard flash memory. Once network connectivity is restored, the buffered records automatically upload to the platform.

You own 100% of your operational and telemetry data. Good Machines does not sell, broker, or aggregate your machine data with third parties.

Good Machines provides a native Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This allows AI assistants like Claude, ChatGPT, or custom agents to securely inspect live machine states, query shift downtime totals, and cross-reference production patterns using natural language.

No. The monitoring hardware is strictly read-only by physical design. It contains no actuators or output relays that could alter machine parameters, PLC registers, or motion controllers.

We configure and ship one edge monitoring device for a designated machine on your floor. You receive complete software access, guided setup, and a full performance review after 30 days. No credit card is required, and there is zero commitment.

Everything required to operate: real-time dashboards, downtime categorization, shift reports, OEE analytics, in-app AI assistant, priority support, and the leased edge hardware node.

No. You can subscribe month-to-month at $150/machine/mo, or choose an annual agreement at $120/machine/mo. You may cancel at any time without early termination fees.

We offer two paths: Self-Install ($200 one-time per machine), where we spec parts, provide wiring schematics, and calibrate remotely; or Turnkey On-Site ($500 one-time per machine), where our technicians handle physical mounting, wiring, and floor validation.