How MachineMetrics Infor VISUAL Connector connects to Infor VISUAL
Edge device with direct SQL Server connection
Per MachineMetrics documentation, an edge device on your network connects to the VISUAL SQL Server database using a dedicated user. It reads open work orders, employees and operations, and writes labor tickets and progress. Because it is direct database access rather than an Infor API, permissions and upgrades need careful handling.
What data moves
| From | To | Data | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infor VISUAL | MachineMetrics | Active work orders, employees and operations | Periodic sync from the edge device |
| MachineMetrics operator tablet | Infor VISUAL | Labor tickets | Operator starts or stops an operation |
| MachineMetrics | Infor VISUAL | Work order progress such as quantities completed | Operator or machine data update |
Setting it up
- 1Review the connector documentationRead the MachineMetrics Infor VISUAL connector page and note the required SQL permissions and version support.
- 2Create a dedicated SQL userMake a VISUAL user for the edge device with only the access the connector needs.
- 3Place the edge deviceInstall it on a network segment that can reach the SQL Server and the plant machines.
- 4Map machines to resourcesLink each machine in MachineMetrics to the correct VISUAL resource or work center.
- 5Test labor writes in a test databaseConfirm labor tickets and progress post correctly before touching production.
- 6Train operatorsShow operators how to select jobs and operations on the tablet.
- 7Monitor after go-liveReconcile labor tickets against shift reports for the first weeks.
What usually breaks
- !Direct database writes bypass some ERP business logic, so test posted results carefully, including costing.
- !A VISUAL upgrade that changes the schema can break the connector, so test the new version first.
- !An overly privileged SQL user is a security risk, and an underprivileged one causes silent failures.
- !Operators select the wrong operation, which then appears as actual labor on the wrong routing step.
- !Network loss between the edge device and SQL Server delays writes and can cause duplicates on retry.
A private AI layer across both systems
Labor ticket validation
A private assistant compares machine run data with VISUAL labor tickets and flags tickets that disagree with machine activity, for a supervisor to review.
Progress reconciliation
Check work order quantities reported by tablets against VISUAL inventory and shipment transactions.
Plain-language downtime questions
Let planners ask why a job ran late and get an answer drawn from machine data and work order history on your own servers.
Try it here, free
Infor VISUAL Shop Labor Ticket Log Worksheet
An editable log of labor entries by work order operation with hours, rate, setup versus run and computed labor cost.
When something else fits better
- Infor VISUAL Shop Floor Mobile is a native option for labor capture if you do not need machine monitoring.
- Manual labor entry by supervisors is workable for low volumes, with less accurate data.
- Another MES or monitoring product with an API-based VISUAL integration may avoid direct database access.
Frequently asked questions
How does the connector talk to VISUAL?
MachineMetrics documents an edge device with a direct SQL Server database connection using a dedicated VISUAL user. It reads work orders, employees and operations and writes labor tickets and progress.
Is it an Infor-certified integration?
Our source is the MachineMetrics documentation page, and it describes direct SQL access. Do not assume Infor certification, and ask both vendors about support for your version.
Does it suit on-prem VISUAL?
Yes in principle, since the edge device sits on your network next to the SQL Server. Plan network access and security with your IT team.
What can AI do alongside it?
A model on your own hardware can reconcile machine data with labor tickets and flag anomalies. Any correction to VISUAL should be proposed for a person to approve.
Pairing documented at docs.machinemetrics.com/docs/integrations/erp-connectors/infor-visual-connector . MachineMetrics Infor VISUAL Connector is a product of MachineMetrics; Netray is independent and not affiliated with either vendor.