Process optimisation

The kanban stock monitoring and replenishment system StockSAVER was shown at the Ricoh Arena event. It uses intelligent monitoring points to monitor and manage line side stock levels and automatically generate replenishment calls wirelessly. The systems said to help users reduce line side stock, improve cash flow and optimise the Kanban process.

A second system, SmartMONITOR uses conventional andon lights but with the addition of a wireless transmitter and receiver kit will monitor up and down time of machines and equipment and also collect other relevant data on machine performance. Notification of machine downtime can be sent immediately to the department to rectify, helping to reduce costly machine downtime.

Werma also demonstrated AndonSPEED, an andon light based wireless call for action system which is proving popular in many online retail warehousing operations as well as industrial operations and manual workstations. The system will identify bottlenecks in the operation and speed up response to disruptions to production by notifying automatically the team required to intervene.

In addition a range of Werma’s known beacon and sounder devices was on show including the very latest EvoSIGNAL LED beacon family and the latest bright modular signal tower/andon light family KS72, all with exciting new features.

Werma’s stand and systems attracted visitors from a wide range of manufacturing and logistics industries.

Simon Adams, MD of Werma UK says: “This type of show always seems to attract a lot of people looking for new technology systems and solutions. I think that industry is still hungry for Lean Manufacturing solutions now coupled with people wanting to explore Industry 4.0 concepts and how they may use them in their own operations. I am very pleased with the results of the show so far as we now start to follow up the new contacts we have made.”