A system and method for providing operational control and/or remote
monitoring of a manufacturing device as in a foam dispenser device such
as a foam-in-bag dispensing device. In architecture, the remote
monitoring system includes a server device containing a remote monitoring
system. The remote monitoring system further includes a transceiver to
receive an indication of a help condition, connect to the manufacturing
device; and receive data from the manufacturing device. The present
invention can also be viewed as a method for providing remote monitoring
of a manufacturing device. The method operates by (1) receiving an
indication of a help condition; (2) connecting to the manufacturing
device; and (3) receiving data from the manufacturing device. The
operational control system is designed to control operation of one or
more sub-systems of the manufacturing device as in a foam dispenser's
chemical supply (proper temperature and pressure) and solvent supply as
well as performance of a reciprocating valve device. With a foam-in-bag
system, the control system provides for additional control over, for
example, film feed and tensioning, bag edge and end seals as well as
dispenser output into the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the operational
control system and remote monitoring control interface with each other.