Talk:Maker Space Manager System
LabSwipe /MSM System Development History & Future Road Map
Development History
Current Release
Future Enhancements
Road Map for future enhancements.
Integration with ELMS/Canvas Learning Management System
Tool Lock-Out
For certain tools that are deemed to be dangerous, such as a CNC router, CNC milling machine, band saw, etc. The MSM system should support a lock-out capability that requires each maker to swipe their ID (or other authentication mechanism such as NFC, RFID, etc) before using that tool. The MSM system would look up the maker s ID in a central database, and if able to verify that the maker is trained and certified to use the tool would grant access. The granting of access would enable the tool either by applying power, enabling a logical signal read by that tool's controller, or deactivating the tool's e-stop circuit.
Tool Check-Out
Since demand for access to tools varies, it would be helpful for MSM to manage access to popular tools by requiring the maker to check-out a tool for a fixed period of time. When a different maker wiashes to use the tool, they would see that the tool was currently in use by another maker and would also see the time the tool is expected to be checked back in.
If a tool is still being used by that maker after the check-in time has passed, the new maker would have the right to be the next to use the tool.
The new maker would be given priority as the next user of the tool (see reservation below)
Ideally, the system would send an SMS message or some other sort of notification that the maker's use time has expired.
Should the system shut down tools after use time expires (assuming the tool is lock-out enabled)
Should the system allow a maker to extend their use of the tool if no one else is waitng to use the tool?
Tool Reservation
Several tools (such as laser cutters or 3D printers are popular and makers often wish to sign-up in advance for a window of time to use the tool. In the case of 3D printers, a print job could run for many hours, or even multiple days. It would be useful for MSM to allow makers to reserve time on a tool and allow other makers to see that the tool is reserved and unavailable until a given time.