In the manufacturing world, downtime is costly. Every minute a machine is not producing a product can mean lost revenue. In an effort to minimize this loss, many manufacturers have turned to Andons.
Manufacturers in many different industries have found that Andon systems work efficiently in reducing manufacturing downtime. Here’s some more information about how Andons can help reduce costly manufacturing downtime.
What is Manufacturing Downtime?
Manufacturing downtime is the amount of time a machine or process is not running. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as equipment failure, material shortages, or operator error.
Downtime can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. In fact, it is often one of the most expensive aspects of manufacturing.
What are Andon Systems?
Andon systems are a type of visual management system. They consist of a series of lights or signals that allow operators to communicate problems to management.
The name Andon is derived from the Japanese term “andon,” which means “lamp” or “light.” The name “Andon” comes from the original Andon systems, which included light-up boards that glowed a specific color indicating any issue affecting production. The Andons cord was a physical action that workers could take to indicate that there was an issue in production, and they could also use it to stop production entirely if necessary.
Modern Andon systems employ the use of tower lights, screens, and additional methods of communications. An example of the meaning of visual signals on the floor is green for normal operations, yellow indicating that changes are called for, and red as an indicator that production has stopped.
While Andons can be used in any manufacturing setting, they are most commonly found in assembly plants and on production lines.
There are several benefits of using Andon systems, as they can
- Identify and address problems quickly
- Improve communication between operators and management
- Reduce and track manufacturing downtime
- Analyze downtime events to continuously improve
How Can Andon Systems Reduce Manufacturing Downtime?
Andon systems are an effective way to minimize the cost of manufacturing downtime. They provide a way for operators to signal issues to management quickly and effectively. By identifying and addressing problems as they occur, companies can minimize the amount of downtime their machines experience.
In addition, Andon systems can help improve communication between operators and management. This can help ensure that problems are addressed promptly and that everyone is aware of the status of the production line. When the problems are addressed promptly, the manufacturing downtime can be greatly reduced.
Want to Reduce Manufacturing Downtime?
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the amount of manufacturing downtime your company experiences, consider installing an Andon system. Andon systems provide the perfect way for operators to signal problems to management quickly and effectively. This can help identify and address problems quickly, minimizing the amount of downtime your machines experience.
For more information about Andon systems and how they can help reduce downtime, contact VersaCall today.