FactoryTouch Connection & Issue Resolution
This article provides a practical reference for connecting, configuring, and troubleshooting a FactoryTouch unit. Use it during installation, first-time network setup, and common issue resolution in plant environments.
Use this guide when: a unit is being installed for the first time, the device loses connection to FactoryBrain, or an operator reports power, display, NFC, or barcode scanner issues.
Connection prerequisites
Before powering on or configuring the unit, confirm the required physical connections and supporting equipment are available.
|
Requirement |
Details |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
|
Network cable |
Ethernet RJ45 S/FTP Cat6 cable connected to a local network switch |
Provides the wired network path required for communication with FactoryBrain |
|
Network port |
Available physical RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port on an industrial network switch |
Ensures the unit can join the plant network with appropriate bandwidth and reliability |
|
Power supply |
Input 100–230 V, 50–60 Hz, 1.4 A; output 12.0 VDC, 5.42 A using the provided USB-C power brick |
Supplies the correct voltage and current for stable operation |
|
Input device |
USB keyboard required for initial network configuration |
Needed to open the network configuration flow during startup |
For best results, use the provided power brick and a known-good Ethernet cable connected to an active industrial switch port.
Network setup and reconfiguration
FactoryTouch supports a keyboard-based network configuration path during startup. This is especially useful during first-time setup or after a network change.
Initial setup access
-
Reboot the unit from the GUI, or hold the power button for 5 seconds to turn the unit off.
-
Power the unit back on.
-
When Loading modules up... appears during startup, press
[CTRL] + [ALT] + [SHIFT] + [P]simultaneously. -
Use the network configuration menu to review or update the IP address, netmask, and gateway settings so they match local plant network requirements.
When connection to FactoryBrain is lost
If the unit loses connection to FactoryBrain, use the same reconfiguration path to review network settings and restore connectivity.
-
Reboot the system, or hold the power button for 5 seconds to shut it down and then power it back on.
-
During startup, press
[CTRL] + [ALT] + [SHIFT] + [P]when Loading modules up... appears. -
Verify the configured IP address, netmask, and gateway.
-
Confirm the Ethernet RJ45 S/FTP Cat6 cable is securely attached to an active switch port.
A USB keyboard is required for the initial network configuration flow. If no keyboard is connected, the startup shortcut cannot be entered.
Troubleshooting matrix
Use the following issue-to-action table for common FactoryTouch symptoms.
|
Problem |
What to check |
Recommended action |
Escalate when |
|---|---|---|---|
|
FactoryTouch unit does not power on |
AC/DC adapter connection, local AC source, rear power button condition |
Confirm the power adapter is properly plugged into the unit and outlet, verify the outlet is supplying power, and inspect the rear power button for visible damage or sticking |
The unit still does not power on after confirming power source and hardware condition |
|
Display screen remains black |
Power Status LED, physical cable or component damage |
Check the bottom Power Status LED. If it is red or orange, the unit may be in Sleep or Hibernate mode; press the power button once to wake it. Inspect visible cables and components for cracks or damage |
The display remains black after wake attempt and no obvious power issue is found |
|
No Bootable Device Found |
Operating system image on internal drive |
Confirm the operating system image was properly loaded onto the internal drive and restart the system |
The OS still fails to load after restart; contact Plantformance technical support |
|
NFC reader fails to scan or unlock application |
Badge type, |
Verify supported Plantformance NFC badges are being used, confirm the user's |
NFC still does not lock or unlock an active session after configuration has been verified |
|
Barcode scanner is not scanning items |
2D barcode scanner configuration in Ignition |
Confirm the scanner is enabled and properly configured in the Ignition application settings |
The scanner remains non-functional after configuration review |
NFC behavior note: NFC is intended only for locking and unlocking an already active Ignition session. It is not used for initial login.
Safety and environmental limits
Operate and clean the unit within the following limits to reduce equipment risk and avoid preventable failures.
|
Category |
Specification |
Guidance |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating temperature |
0°C to 35°C |
Keep the device within this temperature range during normal operation |
|
Humidity |
20% to 80% non-condensing |
Avoid environments where condensation may form on internal or external surfaces |
|
Screen cleaning |
Do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the screen |
Apply cleaner to a cloth first, then wipe the screen gently |
|
Cleaning chemicals |
Avoid alcohol and abrasive solvents |
Use non-abrasive cleaning methods to protect the display surface |
Best practice: Validate power, network cable connection, and switch port activity before moving to software or configuration troubleshooting. These checks resolve many installation and connectivity issues quickly.