What Is an ANDON System?
An Andon system is a visual and audible signaling tool used on factory production lines to instantly alert supervisors and maintenance teams when a machine stops, a process fails, or an operator needs assistance. Originating from Toyota's lean manufacturing methodology, Andon empowers frontline workers to flag issues the moment they happen — reducing downtime and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Today's Andon systems have evolved beyond simple stack lights. Sciengate's Wireless Andon Monitoring System connects your entire shopfloor in real time, feeding alerts directly to dashboards, mobile devices, and control rooms — without a single wire run or battery replacement.
Andon is a manufacturing term referring to a system to notify management, maintenance, and other workers of a quality or process problem. The centerpiece is a device incorporating signal lights to indicate which workstation has the problem. The alert can be activated manually by a worker using a pull cord or button, or may be activated automatically by the production equipment itself. The system may include a means to stop production so the issue can be corrected. Some modern alert systems incorporate audio alarms, text, or other displays.
Sciengate Automation offers the best solution for Andon system by using NGIS Meshwave Andon and remote monitoring system to make end user more flexible in future maintenance.
- Install ANDON where all operators can see and display production progress.
- Improve unstable performance each operators and stabilize production.
Why Go Wireless ANDON?
Traditional Andon systems require extensive wiring between call stations, towers, and the central monitoring panel. That means:
- Costly, disruptive installation across existing production lines
- Ongoing battery replacement for wireless-but-battery-powered alternatives
- Limited flexibility when lines are reconfigured or expanded
Sciengate's wireless Andon system removes both pain points:
How Our Wireless ANDON System Works
- Call Button / Sensor Trigger — Operator presses a wireless, batteryless call button (or a machine sensor detects a fault) on the production line.
- Wireless Signal Transmission — The signal transmits instantly to the nearest receiver/gateway — no wiring required.
- Real-Time Dashboard Update — The event is logged and displayed on the central Andon dashboard, showing which station triggered the call, downtime duration, and response time.
- Notification & Escalation — Supervisors are notified via dashboard, SMS, or mobile app; if unresolved within a set time, the alert escalates automatically.
- Data & Reporting — Every call is timestamped and stored, feeding into OEE and downtime analytics for continuous improvement.
Video
Andon Mesh Video
Andon Dashboard
Key Advantages
- Improve transparency
Encourage immediate reaction to quality, down time, and safety problems - Increase productivity
Bring immediate attention to problems as they occur in the manufacturing process. - Strengthen flexibility
Improve accountability of operators by increasing their responsibility for good production and empowering them to take action when problems occur. - Reduce downtime
Improve the ability of supervisors/operators to quickly identify and resolve manufacturing issues. - Save costs and time
Provide a simple and consistent mechanism for communicating information on the plant floor.
Applications
