Visual ID/Automated Systems

[McKagan13]

Our products utilize laser lot code markings for product identification/verification. The products are processed through multiple operations in batches of 4-12 components. We have had multiple quality shutdowns with mixing parts between totes and multiple other related issues (high volume approximately 1500 pieces/day).

Is anyone aware of a visual system or other approaches for quick product ID (eliminating human factor) from operation-to-operation.

Thank You

 

[MikeHalloran]

High volume is 10,000 sizable parts per day. At that level, you can afford enough automation to eliminate the humans, and hence the human error. You still get bad parts from bad setups, and from machine failures that go unnoticed for a while.

Cheapest solution to your problem: Fire somebody, as loudly and publicly as possible. You might hire an actor for a couple of days as a ringer for that specific purpose.

Parts don't move from tote to tote under their own power. Possibly people pick the parts up to admire their work, then put them back in the wrong tote. You could, for instance, cover the totes and set up rules/training so that only one would be open at a time. I.e., set up a routine sequence of operation that makes sense, write it down, post it prominently at thw affected workstations, and be prepared to enforce it.

Or, make your markings bigger and/or provide more contrast around them.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[PSE]

A couple of thoughts:

Can parts of the material handling operation(s) be eliminated altogether?

Can the bins and parts be uniquely color coded so that they can be readily matched?

Can the bins be customized to "nest" or hold only a specific product?

Can the product and bin be bar-coded so that the operator scans the part and bin with an error indicated in the event of mismatch?

Regards,