MACHINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND MONITORING METHODS

A process management system for at least one of monitoring and controlling operation of a machine comprises at least one sensor assembly capable of being disposed on the machine for at least one of sensing, monitoring, and transmitting machine process variables of the machine, the at least one sensor assembly is capable of transmitting signals concerning the machine process variables; at least one machine operator control unit that is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the at least one sensor assembly, the at least one machine operator control unit being capable of generating information concerning machine process variables; at least one process management system control unit that is capable of being connected to the at least one machine operator control unit; at least one communications link that interconnects the at least one sensor assembly on the machine, the at least one machine operator control unit, and the at least one process management system control unit, each communications link capable of enabling the at least one process management system control unit to obtain the information concerning machine process variables. At least one of the process management system control unit and the machine operator control unit is capable of analyzing and evaluating machine process variables to control the operation of the machine. The invention also sets forth a method of monitoring.