Overview
In Guidewheel, Device Lists and Device Groups help you organize and analyze machine data efficiently — but they serve very different purposes. This article explains how each works, when to use them, and how they impact your data and visibility across the platform.
Device Lists
Device Lists are used to organize and manage machines based on how your operations are structured — such as by plant, department, or production line.
Common Uses
Organization: Group machines by plant, location, or department for easier navigation.
Management: Assign shifts, locations, runtime targets, and tag types by list.
Visualization: Display grouped data on the Scoreboard, Trends, and Uptime page for clearer insights.
Access Control: Ensure users only see relevant machines and data by assigning default and restricted device lists in user settings.
Example
Create a Device List called “Packaging Line” that includes all packaging-related machines. This makes it simple to review their uptime and performance as a group.
Device Groups
Device Groups are used in special cases where a single machine requires more than one sensor to capture accurate data. Most machines can track both runtime and throughput using a single sensor. However, in some cases, you may need to combine two sensors to fully represent the machine’s activity.
When to Use Device Groups
Dual-sensor setups: For example, use a CT sensor for runtime and a photo eye for throughput when both data points are needed to calculate accurate OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
Production Entry Assignment: Device groups can be assigned to Production Entries in place of single devices, which is the foundation for OEE tracking in Guidewheel.
Flexible grouping: Device Groups can also appear in any page with a Device dropdown, and can include devices that exist within a Device List. This can be helpful, but is not the primary purpose of Device Groups.
Example
If a conveyor line has one sensor measuring the motor (runtime) and another counting units (throughput), group them together so Guidewheel understands which sensor provides each data type.
Tips & Best Practices
Use Device Lists for organization and permissions.
Use Device Groups only when a single sensor can’t capture both runtime and throughput.
Keep Device Group names clear (e.g., “Press #3 - Grouped Sensors”) to avoid confusion with standalone devices.
Review Device Lists periodically to ensure users, shifts, and targets are correctly aligned.
Troubleshooting
Symptom | Cause | Fix |
A machine appears twice in dropdowns | Device and Device Group both selected | Use only the Device Group for OEE tracking |
OEE or throughput data not appearing | Device Group not properly linked to sensors | Reassign sensors under Device Groups and confirm runtime/throughput roles |
User can’t see a device | Device not included in user’s Device List | Add the device to the correct list in Device Lists |