Machine operators are amazing. Like magicians, they can make something out of nothing, with super tight tolerances no greater than a fraction of a human hair. They understand math, chemistry, and mechanics. They instinctively know how to adjust and tweak the machines when necessary to make sure the product is made exactly as specified.
But the previous generation of operators had a unique advantage over today’s generation. They retained a very strong connection with their equipment. They sat on stools next to their machines in loud, sweaty environments. They could hear it, see it, smell it, and feel the final product. They could determine when things were wrong just by sound or smell.
Today’s manufacturing is more technologically advanced and automated. Operators are equipped with high-end machines that can produce more complicated products at bigger capacities than ever before. But in this new age, cameras take the place of those old stools. The operator sits hundreds of yards away from the machine in an air-conditioned building. And the feedback comes through a computer screen.
The new generation of machine operators has minimal hands-on experience to know when their equipment is running well or when it’s operating poorly. There is a wealth of data that the equipment produces that tends to get missed, overlooked, or simply forgotten about when these machinists first start. They simply don’t understand the importance of collecting this data.
The importance of data collection
99% of occasions when new clients call with an issue and we inquire about their sample results, their answer is “we haven’t caught any samples.” Those data pulls are imperative to telling us what might be going awry.
Anderson, for instance, has two clients in India. Once a month, they send Anderson every ounce of data and samples needed. Our processing experts can tell at a glance if their processing line might be headed for trouble. And we can quickly advise on what they need to do to prevent possible issues. By merely collecting data, they avoid expensive downtime.
The data pulls are how we hear, see, smell, and feel the machine and the product today. And as with any apprentice acquiring new skills, this too is a learning process and a habit that must be instilled. But once the machine operators get on board and take advantage of our assistance, they usually end up developing a strong connection with the equipment and the process. And the client gets the most out of their processing system.
Anderson encourages clients to regularly send data collection for review
Once we sell equipment to our clients, Anderson stays 100% involved, and we encourage the client to send monthly or quarterly updates on how their production line is doing. As part of our mandatory onsite training program, we teach clients how to collect samples, when to collect samples, and what data to tie into the samples that are being collected at any moment.
Anderson engineers encourage clients to reach out regularly. We are a collaborative company and willing to share information to help our clients become proficient with the equipment and the process.
If you are considering new equipment, ask your vendor if they assist with data analysis. Anderson is here to support you 24/7/365 in a variety of ways to ensure you are always up and running because downtime is your biggest enemy.
For more information about how we can assist you with data collection, contact us today.