Welcome to part 6 of our Kiwiplan blog series. In our last post, we explored the ins and outs of our scheduling module, covering order status, manual and automatic scheduling, and tooling. Today, we’re shifting our focus to an equally critical component of your operations – production recording. In this blog, we’re reviewing our Machine Data Collection (MDC) system, machine operator (Macop), and the powerful quality features Kiwiplan offers.
Understanding Machine Data Collection
A key aspect of production recording is the Machine Data Collection system. It is a blend of software and hardware that captures every critical piece of data during production. Our MDC system has direct links to machinery, not only monitoring but also recording key performance metrics such as:
- Machine speeds
- Run time
- Downtime
- Setup time
- Setup waste
- Ghost waste (waste that seems to disappear between cost centers)
Kiwiplan ensures that you capture every instance of waste and downtime by providing a comprehensive view of your operation’s efficiency. Additionally, you can set target speeds based on historical data. This enables your operators to understand how fast to run the machines, encouraging them to hit the “green zone” and improve overall productivity.
Our Machine Data Collection system is a powerful tool designed to enhance your production efficiency, especially if you rely on post-production costing or plan to implement an automatic planning system.
A Deeper Dive into the Machine Operator (Macop)
Kiwiplan’s Machine Data Collection system is closely tied to our machine operator, commonly referred to as Macop. The Macop is where operators not only collect data, but also consume sheet stock and work–in–progress (WIP) stock, track production, and generate load tags. Macop allows operators to ensure every finished product is labeled correctly and scanned as it moves through the plant.
Every plant has unique needs, and Kiwiplan adapts to them. Some plants choose to scan finished goods only, while other plants will also scan work- in– progress stock. Kiwiplan provides you with the flexibility to adopt one method or both, enabling you to configure this feature to your needs.
Meeting Quality Requirements with Kiwiplan
In today’s market, quality isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential! That’s why Kiwiplan’s optional quality module is utilized by 85% of our customers who use it to ensure their products meet stringent quality standards. This module automates quality checks to guarantee that tests are conducted in a timely manner and helps mitigate risk by catching potential issues at their onset.
If you have setup tests, Kiwiplan can recognize that the machine is in setup mode and automatically triggers the appropriate tests. The system can also alert the relevant personnel if a test is skipped and to address the issue promptly. Our quality module also integrates with Bluetooth devices, like micrometers and viscosity testers, to ensure you get accurate readings which are automatically logged.
Kiwiplan is equipped to handle escalating alerts depending on the severity of the issue. Minor quality issues can be flagged to supervisors, while more large-scale problems can trigger alerts to plant managers or even owners, ensuring that no quality concern goes unnoticed.
Finally, Kiwiplan generates Certificates of Compliance (COC) and Certificates of Acceptance (COA). A COC verifies that the required tests were conducted. Meanwhile, a COA provides a detailed report of the tests, including the results and whether the tests fell within the acceptable tolerance ranges. Our quality module provides you with an extra level of transparency that elevates the quality of your products and ensure that your customers receive nothing but the best.
Coming Up Next Week
Today, we explored the production recording side of Kiwiplan’s powerful scheduling module, including machine data collection (MDC), Macop, and quality assurance. Next week, we’ll dive into our shipping module that encompasses forklift and FGS management, the dispatch planner, and the truck scheduling system. We’ll also provide a little more info about our appearance at SuperCorrExpo 2024. See you next week!
Advantive & Kiwiplan to Attend SuperCorrExpo 2024
If you want to see Kiwiplan in action, come see us at SuperCorrExpo 2024 from Sept 8 – Sept 12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Visit us at booth #1931 to experience first-hand how our solutions can transform your operations. We’re excited to connect with our customers and discuss how we can help your business thrive. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a demo!