A method is provided for centrally monitoring machines running at remote customer sites and providing customers with adequate support. The method includes collecting machine operating data, including data for each process stage, at the customer sites, and analyzing, at a central location, the collected machine operating data for each machine. Subsequently, a solution based upon the analysis is proposed to the customer for each of the machines, and the solution is then implemented. The method also includes continuously collecting data to check effectiveness of the installed machines and to verify the solution works.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/936,498, filed on Sep. 9, 2004, the subject matter of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety.
