Optical and audible signal device supplier Werma is presenting its new professional call-for-action system, the Andon WirelessSET, for optimising processes in production, logistics and manual workstations, at Robotics and Automation 2021.
During the two-day event, taking place at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Werma is demonstrating what it quick and easy way to report, display and rectify problems in real-time.
This wireless-based system features a clever button box – the Andon WirelessBOX. Users can report problems at the push of a button instead of having to shout or leave the workstation. According to Werma, this helps to optimise processes in logistics and production, at manual workstations, in material replenishment or in access-control applications at doors and gates.
The Andon WirelessBOX can be operated on internal batteries, allowing it to work as a stand-alone system that is suitable for mobile applications, such as on forklifts or pallet trucks. The new Andon WirelessSET aims to make processes more streamlined and efficient, as well as keeping operations future-proof and flexible.
When an operator presses a button to indicate a specific, previously-defined call-for-action or to request help, colleagues can respond immediately. This helps to avoid long waiting times and eliminates the need for lengthy transport routes.
The message acknowledgement function allows the current status to be visible to all parties. Acknowledgements can also be sent from another box. If an operator reports a material shortage using their Andon WirelessBOX a logistics specialist can then acknowledge receipt of this notification via their box.
The individual boxes in the system can also communicate with each other, enabling the driver of a forklift truck to report or acknowledge their status to other boxes in the system without involving a signal tower.
The signal towers and buttons use standard traffic light colours. This helps to overcome language barriers and even untrained or seasonal employees can use the system immediately. The illumination of the buttons can also be freely configured.
Furthermore, Andon WirelessBOX requires no wiring, avoiding the need for an electrician, which, according to Werma, saves both staff resources and time. The system allows single or multiple signal towers to be controlled with single or multiple boxes. The box mirrors the status of the signal tower.
Software-assisted configuration enables users to select individual control and visualisation options to adapt the system to a user’s own processes and circumstances.
Available with either two or five buttons option, Andon can be operated using either a USB power supply or internal batteries. The push buttons can be individually configured to mirrors the colours of the signal tower.
Werma (Stand 602) is at Robotics and Automation 2021 on 02-03 November at the Coventry Building Society Arena. For more details, go to www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk
