How can the exceptionally simple VT3000 system help deliver such significant productivity gains? What is the secret sauce?
We can break the VT3000 capabilities into 4 major components. Customers may only want component one, while others may want to include some or all of the other dimensions of the system. The VT3000 can operate as a self-sustaining system with its own hardware and mesh network, or it can be delivered as a software-only product relying on the existing IT infrastructure in the plant.
1. Ability for an operator to call for support.
The operator clicks a screen or button at the workstation and instantly a message gets delivered via text, email, pager, walkie-talkie or other to the relevant person or persons. This could be to summon a supervisor, maintenance, parts department or other. Both response and resolve times are automatically measured, hence corrective action becomes quick and efficient.
2. Real-time dashboard visuals.
Andon dashboards display status of each workstation and machine: Which machines are waiting on support and for how long etc. Additional production KPIs such as cycle time, progress towards daily or weekly goals, scrap rate etc. can be displayed with green, yellow, red color coding. When a KPI breaches a certain threshold, the responsible person can automatically receive an alert. When people can see it they make better decisions quicker.
3. Reports provide insight for proactive improvement of future performance.
While 1 and 2 enable faster and better response to critical issues, they tend to be reactive. The VT3000 reporting and analytical features offer the potential to help generate insight so improvements can be made proactively to prevent future issues. For example, a Pareto chart of all reasons for downtime during a week may reveal a couple of big offenders contributing to most of the downtime. Now resources can be channeled to areas leading to the biggest payoff.
4. Connectivity to other factory systems.
Connectivity to other factory systems. The VT3000 can pull data from ERP systems and share data and analytics with ERP, MES etc. to support a holistic approach to the whole factory or enterprise. This connectivity becomes more and more important as the smart manufacturing trend takes hold.
The VT3000 is flexible and scalable in that you can start with the more basic capabilities on only a few workstations, and later to expand both the capabilities and connectivity to all the workstations and automatic machines.
VersaCall also provides lots of customization work to optimize the effectiveness of the system in each factory with unique needs, goals, legacy machines and environment. Such work can be performed up front or periodically as the factory’s needs and goals develop over time.
What results can you expect?
Our customers’ results speak for themselves:
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$590K
Annual Cost Savings Per Year
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10-12%
Reduction in Downtime
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5%-12%
Increase in Output