Arma Andon represents a digital alerting system designed to support real-time production decisions on the shop floor. It combines visual signals, audio notifications, and data logging to highlight deviations instantly.
Manufacturers use Arma Andon to improve line balance, reduce downtime, and empower operators to stop the process when quality or process standards are not met.
| System | Primary Signal Type | Integration Level | Typical Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arma Andon Basic | Light + Sound | Standalone | Immediate |
| Arma Andon Plus | Light + Sound + SMS | MES connected | Under 30 seconds |
| Arma Andon Enterprise | Light + Sound + SMS + Email + Dashboard | ERP/MES/SCADA | Under 15 seconds |
| Arma Andon Cloud | Light + Sound + API Alerts | Cloud multi-site | Under 10 seconds |
Real Time Andon Activation
Operator Triggers and Escalation Paths
Arma Andon activates when an operator presses a button at the workstation. The system records the timestamp, line segment, and operator ID to ensure traceability.
Escalation paths can route alerts to team leader, floor manager, and maintenance technician in a defined sequence. This structured escalation helps avoid alert fatigue while maintaining responsibility clarity.
Root Cause Documentation
Structured Reason Codes and Notes
Each activation should be linked to a root cause category such as equipment jam, material shortage, quality defect, or tooling failure. Standardized reason codes make trend analysis more reliable.
Operators add short textual notes to describe the situation in their own words. These notes support continuous improvement activities and can later feed into problem-solving meetings.
Production Metrics and Visualization
OEE Impact and Dashboard Insights
Arma Andon feeds data into Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) calculations by logging stops and their duration. Managers use this to identify chronic bottlenecks and prioritize improvement actions.
Dashboard modules show real time availability, quality rate, and performance trends across multiple lines. Color coded indicators help supervisors spot issues before they escalate to full line stoppage.
Integration with Manufacturing Systems
Connecting Andon with MES and ERP
Integration with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) allows Arma Andon to automatically create work orders or maintenance tickets. This reduces manual paperwork and accelerates response times.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) links enable planners to adjust schedules based on actual downtime. Real time data flow supports more accurate delivery promises and capacity planning.
Optimizing Andon Performance
- Define clear escalation paths and time thresholds for each alert level.
- Regularly review reason code statistics to focus on top recurring issues.
- Integrate Andon data into daily stand up meetings for rapid problem solving.
- Use dashboard visuals to communicate line performance to cross functional teams.
- Periodically validate button and sensor functionality to avoid false signals.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can Arma Andon work without an MES connection?
Yes, Arma Andon can operate as a standalone system using local controllers and visual signals. The standalone mode still logs events and generates reports for later analysis.
What happens to alerts if the network fails temporarily?
On site controllers buffer alert data locally and synchronize with the central server once the network connection is restored. No critical event is lost during short disconnections.
How are reason codes managed across different lines?
Standardized reason codes are maintained centrally and distributed to each line via the configuration database. This ensures consistent classification while allowing site specific additions when required.
Does Arma Andon support multi language operator interfaces?
Yes, the system supports multiple languages for operator messages, reason code lists, and dashboard labels. Language settings can be assigned per user or per line.