Technology Spotlight: Visual Work Instructions

New software incorporates IoT to help ensure assembly is performed correctly

The software eliminates paper instructions, and because the information is all digital, instructions can be updated instantly at every station on the shop floor. Photo courtesy Visual Knowledge Share.

Visual Knowledge Share (VKS) is a touchscreen-based operator visual aid installed at a workstation. As a part arrives at an operator’s station, the worker scans the part’s bar code, and work instructions, which include text, video, and part drawings, appear on the screen.

The visual nature of the instruction process not only helps to reduce errors, it also monitors the amount of time the entire process requires, according to the developer. It allows for designers’ and engineers’ changes in the process to be implemented quickly and provides feedback to the designers from employees.

Because a worker can see exactly the step-by-step process on the screen, defects are reduced to practically zero. It gives the manufacturer the ability to speed up training and reduce waste, defects, and on-hand inventory. It also helps new employees to get up to speed more quickly.

The visual aid eliminates paper instructions, and because the information is all digital, instructions can be updated instantly at every station on the shop floor. Employees on every shift have access to drawings and part pictures showing their work process, without having to dig through filing cabinets full of old, hard-to-find instructions that might have become out-of-date. It also facilitates the transfer of employees from one station to another with a minimum of confusion or lost time.

The system is available in three different modules: Lite, which focuses on a way to create and share work instructions; Professional, which is for companies looking to go digital with work instructions and quality check lists with live key performance indicators (KPIs) and reports; and Enterprise, which creates a fully connected factory in which VKS can be directly linked to ERP systems and other software to transfer data such as work orders and productivity metrics.

Also, because it is at heart a software system, it can be updated as new modules are developed.

“VKS is constantly evolving,” explained Ryan Zimmermann, director of business development. “Building from a foundation of an intuitive solution to capture and share best practices, it has evolved over the past few years into a full solution that can help companies pave the path towards Industry 4.0.”

Originally developed by manufacturing company CMP AMS, Chateauguay, Que., for its own use, VKS now has an install base in more than 30 countries.

“VKS now employs approximately 30 people, ranging from a talented software development team to an energetic sales and marketing staff,” said Zimmermann.

New Module

The company recently launched a new add-on module to expand on its pre-existing ToolConnect capabilities.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are tracked and reported upon in the Professional version of VKS. Photo courtesy Visual Knowledge Share.

The software’s existing technology could integrate with machines and tools, providing the ability to receive signals from hardware insertion devices, spot welders, and other machines, to automatically advance work instructions and keep the operator in-sync with their job information. Now the company has expanded upon this functionality, taking advantage of some of the latest IoT technologies so that the software can receive real-time data from other assembly tools.

“As an operator is working and inserting screws, VKS is sent a signal to move to the next operation and records the torque value, angle, and status of the screw inserted for 100 per cent traceability,” said Zimmermann.

This function allows users to have not only productivity and quality data within their reports, but also critical information such as the torque status, providing further security measures for companies operating in regulated industries.

“The primary goal is to effectively connect workers to their factory ensuring they always have information they need to be successful,” said Zimmermann. “There are many challenges within manufacturing. Whether a company has operators maintaining machines or performing manual operations, it is critical for them to have adequate information to perform these operations successfully.”

Cloud-based and stand-alone versions are both available.

“At VKS we believe that if a manager has a vision and an objective for their employees, and they expect them to achieve that objective, they need to provide them tools to clearly understand their tasks and targets,” said Zimmermann.

Editor Joe Thompson can be reached at jthompson@canadianmetalworking.com.

Visual Knowledge Share, 855-201-4656, vksapp.com

About the Author
Canadian Metalworking

Joe Thompson

Editor

416-1154 Warden Avenue

Toronto, M1R 0A1 Canada

905-315-8226

Joe Thompson has been covering the Canadian manufacturing sector for nearly two decades. He is responsible for the day-to-day editorial direction of the magazine, providing a uniquely Canadian look at the world of metal manufacturing.

An award-winning writer and graduate of the Sheridan College journalism program, he has published articles worldwide in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, infrastructure, and entertainment.