Andon 3D Released: Assembly Line Communications, Manufacturing Tracking and Reporting Evolved

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Dec 06, 2016, 06:30 ET

BURLINGTON, Ontario, Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PINpoint Information Systems, Inc. Burlington, Ontario, has announced the release of Andon 3D, a cutting-edge manufacturing software which is the industries most evolved for assembly line communications, product tracking, and manufacturing reporting. Much more than traditional andon systems that feature stack lights and push buttons, Andon 3D is able to provide manufactures valuable insight into their manufacturing operations, essential information they need to know on how an assembly line is really running in order to maximize error-proofing and improve quality.

Figure 1. Andon 3D station operator SmartScreen user interface example. PINpoint Andon 3D | Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

Andon 3D is a tool set that identifies the myriad of every day scenarios that play out on the assembly line; it then provides manufacturers instant visibility of that information. It helps manufacturers visualize every action, good or bad, that has a direct impact on efficiency. Manufacturers can now easily meet their daily demands of quality, efficiency and flexibility with an out-of-the-box software solution. Andon 3D is a modern approach to every day manufacturing challenges and it is essential for improving Goal, Planned, Actual and OEE targets.

At the foundation of Andon 3D technology is PINpoint's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) called MES PRO: a long-term proven web based configurable plant floor management solution. Andon 3D includes many of the features found in the MES system, which makes it the ideal entry to develop your future manufacturing execution system strategy. It includes features like SmartBuild, which Engineering managers can access by opening a website to visualize and configure assembly line operations in real-time from any computer, tablet or Smartphone.

On the assembly line, station operators interact with their own SmartScreen touch displays at each work station. They provide the line worker info she/he needs to complete assembly process steps, and the timing. It also presents the line worker with Andon help buttons for when issues arise, as when time is running out, in order to call for help to avoid a line stoppage. Please see Figure 1 for additional SmartScreen features.

From OEE to Waterfall Reports, operating efficiency is the focus of any good manufacturing operation. The problem is that most manufacturing management systems lack the sophistication to generate data with the resolution to provide meaningful metrics from the shop floor. Andon 3D puts performance metrics forefront for all to see; they are displayed on every operator's SmartScreen user interface so there is no question as to how work is progressing compared to cycle time.

"…just open a web browser to start optimizing; drag-and-drop to create an assembly line, to add products, schedule production, and track your products. The data captured from production is available for analysis in real time, and is invaluable for improvements in manufacturing to occur," said Rob MacMillan, President of PINpoint.

Leveraging the same DNA as PINpoint's MES PRO to accurately track the flow of products on the line, Andon 3D provides visibility of work orders and all products in process, and tells you whether they are in a station or not. By generating laser focused data, it drives proactive decision making. Manufacturers benefit instantly from Andon 3D's key components that allow users to:

Set a Manufacturing Schedule:
The Scheduler website provides a visual configuration tool to define when you are working, when you are on break, or to change your production rate.

Set a Production Goal:
Set your goal for your manufacturing schedule or daily circumstances in real time. Own the flexibility to configure your Andon system to reflect how you really want to run.

Know Goal, Planned, Actual:
Instantly see your metrics for a station or the line. Change your Goal or TAKT time and watch all your station clients update dynamically.

Generate Events from Man or Machine:
Andon systems are all about communication. Modern communication should not solely rely on an operator deciding to push a button. The business logic driven by Andon 3D can decide when to raise an event based on line conditions or an input from peripheral equipment.

Use a Website Browser to Modify Andon:
Use your browser to configure how your Andon system communicates in your plant. Leverage e-mail, text messages, sound, a Big Screen display or even talk to a peripheral machine to distribute your notifications. PINpoint can escalate notifications based on time or suppress messages based on who is scheduled to be on duty.

Track Products in Real Time:
Create a Product, a Route for that product and create a Work Order to build it. Andon 3D knows how long each product spends in a station, who worked on it, if it was over cycle, or if help was required. Its tracking capability is the foundation that empowers your Andon system to tell the real story.

Analyze Production Metrics:
Data management is more than just feeding a database. It is transforming data into information and presenting it in an effective way so it can drive proactive decision making. Andon 3D's Reporting engine is built on the latest analytic cube technology and provides ultimate flexibility in how you look at your production data.

ABOUT PINPOINT

PINpoint Information System's software is designed and tested to 'Information Technology Infrastructure Library' (ITIL) standards before any official version release. PINpoint's Andon 3D and MES PRO manufacturing execution system (MES) software have been developed since 1997 and continue to be evolved and pushed-forward by leading manufacturers. Thoroughly proven their software products are in use every day Worldwide in multiple languages by leading automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, agricultural, power sports vehicle manufacturers and more.

Headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, PINpoint services industry globally from their offices in Canada, the United States, and China. For more information, please contact PINpoint at +1 905-639-8787, [email protected] or visit their website http://pinpointinfo.com