Your solution to shop floor automation

PlantTalk:Build module has been designed to assist the line operators with a single piece flow of commodities. This includes providing step-by-step work instructions at each applicable station, scanning and machine interfaces for part and component validation, work-in-process and finished good part labeling, as well as rack completion and shipment verification with the PlantTalk:MES. This process allows for full lot traceability of all applicable parts and components to the finished good part.

The end-user hardware that is typically used is a combination of compact-frame PCs or thin clients with flat panel monitors (optional touch screens), attached scanners at applicable stations, radio frequency units at every applicable tracking point and barcode label printers.

Production Schedule

In a non-sequenced (batch) program, the application has a production schedule entry, which determines the sequence of different variations of parts to be built, as well as the associated quantity (for example, 100 of part X, then 100 of part Y, etc.). The production quantity is validated against a multiple of the standard pack, and if a part is scrapped in the build process and the production run is not complete, the quantity will automatically increment to ensure that the run is for a complete racks of parts.

In the event that the production run has completed, the production scheduler can create a new production run that will be started before the next one on the schedule to take care of scrap or defect issues. When this happens, a second label will be printed, if new production labels are being printed, to alert the operators that this part is not what they were expecting and to ensure they take care to build it properly and pack it properly.

In a sequenced operation, the build order process is determined by the sequenced data from the OEM, such a broadcast pulse or the 866 EDI transaction. If needed, the actual build process can be done out of sequence to accommodate line efficiencies, and the actual sequencing of parts will take place at the time of racking and shipping.

Build Process Traceability

As the parts are built, the components used to create the parts are validated at the appropriate stations for replenishment. The license plate label is scanned when a new container of components is started. From this label, the quantity of the components will be known and as a part is processed at the station that uses the tracked component, the available parts remaining will be shown on the screen. When the quantity available goes negative, it shows an alert on the screen with a red background, along with an audible alarm.

Handling of Repair and Reporting of Scrap

Typically, there is a dedicated PC station on the floor running a scrap reporting application. A damaged part will be brought to the repair area and a line supervisor will make the determination whether it can be repaired or not.

Repair process: If a part is off-lined, it will be taken to the repair area. The sequential part number will be entered/scanned and all of the components presently used for that part will be displayed on the monitor. They will all have check marks next to each component, indicating everything to be scrapped. If any components are salvageable, the operator will un-check those components (they won't be scrapped) and proceed to enter the reason code for the scrapped part.

Rework Process: If the part can be re-introduced to the build process, the operator will report any components to be scrapped along with the appropriate reason codes, and then the part will be re-introduced to the build process at the station where it was pulled off. There is a re-entry program at each applicable station for repaired parts.

Reporting

Reports and displays will be created for traceability. By entering the container (rack) number for a finished goods part, the operator can view all of the lots of the components used to create the parts. By entering a lot of a component, the operator has the ability to view and/or print a list of all of the parts and the finished goods containers where the parts were used.

Because the application requires a user login into the system (PC or hand held), the system has the ability to provide basic machine and user efficiency reports. Here is a list of sample reports:

• Production reporting recap
• List of scrap reasons and quantities
• Scrap reporting recap
• Traceability report