How Does An Andon System Work?
Andon is a lean tool designed to report problems that exist in a work area. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Jidoka is a lean manufacturing principle. This concept is based around ensuring that quality is automatically a part of the production process. This is mainly known due to the fact it is an integral part of the Toyota production system which was developed by Shigeo Shingo.
There are various elements of the Jidoka principle, including ensuring that issues with the manufacturing process can be pinpointed and corrected without delay. The Andon lean tool is a way to ensure that this can be achieved.
Andon is a visual tool that ensures that manufacturers understand the status of operations as they exist in a work area. This then allows them to obtain a direct response to a problem that has been generated. They can also implement measures to ensure that the problem does not redevelop.
As a Lean tool, Andon dates back to 1970’s Japan. It was conceived at the same time as the Jidoka principle and was a key element of the Toyota production system.
How Does It Work?
Andon works with a set of visual control measures. These are designed to communicate the necessary information to the right personnel when it will be useful for them to intervene.
As such, it does rely on human interaction. This is critical to the successful use of this tool. If the system triggers the wrong response, then it can be redesigned and improved to ensure that the right outcome is achieved in the future.
How andon systems work will largely depend on the application it is used for as well as the different objectives that need to be achieved in the manufacturing model. They can cover anything from the use of equipment to safety and maintenance as well as being used throughout logistics.
Some of the most common Andon systems use information boards, checklists, alarms, and beacons to ensure that they work effectively.
Why Is It Useful?
There are numerous benefits of using the Andon system which manufacturers can take advantage of.
Reducing Response Time
The first benefit is that response time is significantly reduced, ensuring that there are little to no delays with the process. As such, economic losses can be effectively reduced as problems with downtime as well as product quality can be eliminated immediately.
Support Teams
Andon can also help ensure that the support teams operating within a business do remain effective in their roles. It will ensure that they are always aware when their intervention is necessary. It boosts how effective preventive measures are as they exist in a working model.
The system also helps to standardize communication which ensures that staff feels both empowered and motivated to perform in their respective roles.
We hope this helps you understand the key aspects of Andon systems and why they can be a vital component to the manufacturing process. Solutions like this are available from various top producers that will work smoothly and deliver the benefits you need.
