Andon is one of the most important tools used in lean manufacturing. Andon Systems can be very effective in improving product quality and minimizing waste. In this article we will look at what the benefits and disadvantages are of using Andon Systems to approach a lean manufacturing process.
Benefits of Andon Systems
Implementing this system to approach a lean manufacturing process can provide a company with many benefits and advantages. Here are just a few of them:
Improvement in Product Quality
The main purpose of any Andon System is to reduce or eliminate errors that arise during the production process on the line of error and perform necessary actions to prevent or minimize the number of defective products.
An Andon System can give you real time visibility of your production line, allowing for fast and immediate decision-making to produce quality products. With the help of this tool, managers can identify issues that were earlier statistically undetectable.
Improvement in Workplace Safety
Unlike other tools and techniques, this system requires little training for employees to know how it works. Everyone on the production line knows once the light is illuminated, they should stop or pause production until the problem is fixed. A common practice is to complement a light visual with an immediate notification like a SMS, email or PA announcement.
Reduction in Downtime
Andon Systems can be used as a control tool to help managers identify the root cause of the problem and take necessary actions before downtime occurs.
Increases Employee Productivity
By allowing employees to perform their tasks at their own pace, Andon Systems gives them a sense of empowerment and responsibility which leads to increased productivity.
Disadvantages of Andon Systems
Although using this system can be very beneficial for a manufacturing company in many ways, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are a few disadvantages:
Initial Investment
Compared to other lean manufacturing techniques, these systems are very expensive to install. Installing an effective system can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) per line.
The good news is that most companies will purchase the equipment only once for each workstation or production line, making it a long-term investment that has high payback over time.
Decision-Making
Unlike other lean manufacturing tools that can be implemented without much thinking or analysis, implementing an Andon System takes time and consideration.
Because it requires more effort to install, companies must take some time to think of what sort of problems they are trying to solve or how they can use the Andon System in order to get the best value for their money.
VersaCall Andon System Solutions
VersaCall can help your company weigh the benefits and disadvantages of implementing this systen to approach a lean manufacturing process. VersaCall has successfully helped many companies implement Andon Systems into their process.
Find out more from VersaCall to learn more about how Andon Systems could be implemented in your business.
