The roles of Andon system in manufacturing

1. What is Andon system ?

Andon system iss a visual and/or audible communication system that notifies everyone of abnormalities in a process when support or attention is needed. This can be triggered automatically or manually by a machine or person.

There are many forms of Andon system: warning for one position or for many lines and stages, using stacked light, bell, or Andon board, TV screen. The common feature of all forms is real-time warning for production status in factory.

2. Andon system in lean manufacturing

Andon originates from the Jidoka methodology used in the Toyota Production System which empowered operators to recognize issues and take the initiative to stop work without waiting for management to make the decision.

Here is the way andon system work

andon system works

3. Benefits of andon system

Using the andon system in Lean manufacturing will yield many benefits both in the short and long term.

In the short-term, it provides:

- Visibility and transparency in the production process

- Increased productivity and efficiency

- Decreased waste

Long term benefits include:

- Reduced costs and downtime

- Enhanced value to the customer because of better quality products

- Responsible operators who are accountable for the line running as efficiently and effectively as possible-- empowering them to take action when problems arise, rather than waiting for management, etc.

- Long term improvements to production process

In short, andon system is a tool to detect abnormalities in the production process. The short-term and long-term benefits of andon system are approved in many factories. It is necessary for manufacturing plants to invest in andon system.

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