Tips on Having the Best Andon System for Your Company

Everyone wants their company to be successful. But no one wants to sacrifice quality or safety for the sake of increased production. That’s why many have turned to real-time status and communication systems, also known as an Andon System .

If you’re putting together a new system, or if you want to improve what you already have, take a look at this list of tips for having the best Andon system.

1. Work with a partner.

You can’t create an effective system from scratch. It requires training, knowledge of your equipment and processes, and regular maintenance in order to be successful. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional or team that has experience with Andon System processes.

2. Look for all the signals to stop.

The goal of an Andon system is to let workers know if there’s a product or process problem, and it should include all available ways for something to go wrong – not just what management thinks are important enough to track. You want your employees who are closest to the equipment and processes to know what’s going on.

3. Be flexible.

The whole point of an Andon System is that it can be used in a wide variety of circumstances, so don’t try to adhere too strictly to a standard operating procedure (SOP) or written code when deciding what information should be communicated. The system should be tailored to your specific company and its needs.

4. Create a reporting hierarchy.

When something goes wrong, the person who stops the line needs to be able to quickly and easily report the issue up the chain of command. Hierarchical reporting is key to making sure everyone knows what’s going on and that potential problems are addressed quickly.

5. Use visual signals.

The best Andon systems use visual signals to get their point across quickly and clearly. This could be a flashing light, an alarm, or something else that will grab workers’ attention and remind them of the problem at hand.

6. Integrate with your existing tools. 

Your Andon system shouldn’t be a standalone entity – it should work in conjunction with your other quality and safety tools. This will help you make the most of your investment and improve communication across all aspects of your company.

7. Train everyone on how to use it.

An Andon System is only as good as the people who use it. Make sure you provide adequate training for all employees so that they understand their role in the system and know how to respond when an alarm goes off.

8. Use it for problem solving.

Don’t just use your Andon System as a way to track problems. Try to use it as a tool for problem solving as well. This will help you address issues before they become major problems and improve the quality and safety of your products.

Having a good Andon System in place can be the difference between success and failure for a company. By following these tips, you can make sure that your system is effective and helps you meet your production goals while maintaining quality and safety standards.