There are different applications of the Andon systems and their features will depend on how and where they are going to be implemented. However, all of them have a common feature of creating a response to an unusual condition. Andon systems can be applied in the manufacturing processes to support with improving quality and notification of maintenance, safety alerts, abnormal conditions of machinery and equipment amongst many others. In terms of an Andon system, some of the most used include alarms, beacons, checklists, information boards, results board, one-point lessons and pyramid of security. Moreover, in productive areas the Andon system has evolved over time, beginning with beacons having sounds to show the problems, then information boards with warning lights, followed by systems with the potential of online monitoring via mobile devices.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there are lots of ways for using the Andon system in Lean manufacturing as well as different industrial sectors. The only way the Andon system can work properly, is when the operators are empowered to take action when activated. Here empowering operators does not mean to just given them permission, but also make them aware of their duty of stopping the line when problems take place. Usually, employees become hesitant to stop the line particularly in manufacturing on account of the downtime cost or for fear of being mistaken. For the majority of people, it looks counterproductive to stop the line, but the impact can be far worse if not.<\/p>\n

It must be kept in mind that a proper plan is also required for resolving the problem when they occur and trigger the Andon system. It must be ensured there is an allocated team responsible for conducting the root cause analysis and implementing the solution. The time to reach a resolution will be greatly improved if the team has been defined in advance. More to the point, in the future operators will be less likely to stop the line when required if they are kept waiting, as the cost will be too high compared to the advantage.<\/p>\n