If a malfunction in the production process occurs, factory workers need to be able to raise an alarm quickly without leaving their workstation. A mobile alarm system, installed at workstations, allows workers to send alarms to an Andon system, which displays error messages and can provide direct feedback to the workstation.
Andon systems are already a common method of optimizing processes in industrial production. However, push-button alarm systems tend to be cabled, so when workstations need to be mobile, retrofitting costs can be considerable. With wireless controls, production workers can trigger alarms and escalation processes without having to leave their workstations. Particularly in the context of mobile assembly stations, quickly determining which workstation sent a message provides a considerable added value. Errors can be localized and eliminated very quickly.
The process can be further improved by sending direct feedback to the workstation that triggered the communication. Intelligent Andon systems with integrated displays automatically show responses to malfunction communications. The assembly worker in question can then confirm receipt of this feedback.
