The Andon Board provides a full-screen operational view of current and historical workstation performance.It is designed for continuous display on:Production-control room screens
Daily production meeting displays
Factory-management dashboards
Workstations that are running
Workstations that are idle
Workstations without operator coverage
Workstations that are down
Workstations working behind the expected pace
Production-stage conditions
Historical shift performance
Staffing and capacity exceptions
📍 Where to Find the Andon Board
Andon Board Modes#
The Andon Board contains two independent viewing controls:View Mode#
Tile By#
These controls provide four operational views:Use the view that best matches the type of review being performed.
Andon Board Top Bar#
The top bar provides the controls and status information used across the board.Depending on the selected mode, it can display:Live, Degraded, or History indicator
Workstations or By Stage toggle
Workstation-group selector
Previous and next group controls
Group auto-rotation control
Historical-shift selector
Previous and next shift controls
Live Indicator#
When the board is receiving live updates, the top-left indicator displays:Live mode updates workstation information automatically when:Production progress is recorded
A workstation status changes
Operator coverage changes
Current-shift output changes
A workstation falls behind its expected pace
Degraded Live Mode#
If the real-time connection becomes unavailable, Fabritec switches to periodic polling.The board then displays a degraded-live indicator.The live connection is temporarily unavailable
Fabritec continues requesting updated data periodically
The board is still operational
Updates may arrive less quickly than normal live updates
Alerts#
The alert badge shows the number of workstations currently requiring attention.The alert count follows the current board scope.Selecting All displays alerts across all workstations.
Selecting one workstation group displays alerts only for that group.
Selecting By Stage summarizes alerts across the visible production stages.
Workstations and By Stage#
Use the Workstations / By Stage control to change how the board is organized.Workstations#
Displays one card for each workstation.Use this view when supervisors need machine-level information.By Stage#
Displays one summary card for each production stage.Use this view when managers need to understand the condition of the production process rather than individual equipment.
Workstation Group Selection#
In Workstations mode, use the group selector to display:One configured workstation group
Visible workstation cards
Automatic Group Rotation#
The group rotation control allows the board to move automatically between configured workstation groups.The factory has many workstations
One screen cannot display every workstation clearly
The board is running continuously on a shop-floor television
Current Shift#
The top-right area displays the current resolved shift.The current shift comes from the scheduling configuration.It helps users understand which schedule and operator assignments are currently being evaluated.
Company-Time-Zone Clock#
The board displays the current time using the company time zone.This is especially important for:Factories with users in different locations
Production that crosses midnight
Exit#
Click Exit to close the full-screen Andon Board and return to the normal Fabritec interface.
Live Workstations View#
The Live Workstations view displays one operational card for each workstation.Assigned operator or operators
Operator-assignment source
Current workstation status
Workstation Name#
The top of each card displays the configured workstation name.CNC Plasma Cutting Machine
Automatic Welding Machine
Production Stage#
The line below the workstation name displays the associated production stage.This helps teams understand the workstation’s role in the production flow.
Assigned Operators#
The card displays the operator or operators currently connected to the workstation.When no operator coverage is available, the card can display:Operator information depends on:
Operator Assignment Badges#
A card may display a staffing-source badge such as:These badges help indicate how operator coverage was resolved.Assigned#
The operator is resolved through a direct workstation or shift assignment.Linked#
The operator is linked to the workstation through production or scheduling information.Derived#
Fabritec determined the operator or status from the available scheduling and production records rather than one direct assignment.The exact result depends on the organization’s workforce and scheduling configuration.
Current Workstation Status#
A card can display the following live conditions:Every condition is shown using:Accessible status information
Running#
The workstation is currently recording active production work.A Running card may also display:
Idle#
The workstation is available or staffed, but no production operation is currently running.Possible reasons include:Waiting for upstream production
Production work not recorded
Operator assigned without released work
Unstaffed#
The workstation has planned operating time but no available operator.Unstaffed is different from Down.Unstaffed means the equipment may be available, but operator coverage is missing.
Down means the equipment is unavailable.
Down#
The workstation is unavailable because of a breakdown, maintenance condition, or another downtime state.Down cards receive a prominent alert treatment so supervisors can identify them immediately.When a workstation is Down, review:Estimated return-to-service time
Work reassignment options
Reporting a Breakdown from the Andon Board#
The red warning-triangle icon on a workstation card allows an authorized user to report a breakdown directly from the Andon Board.Use this action when a workstation develops a fault or loses production capacity and the issue needs to be recorded immediately.1.
Locate the affected workstation on the Andon Board.
2.
Click the red warning-triangle icon on its card.
3.
Review the workstation shown in the Report Breakdown window.
4.
Select the production Impact.
5.
Review the automatically assigned Priority.
6.
Enter a clear description of the problem.
Workstation#
The Workstation field identifies the equipment for which the breakdown is being reported.The workstation is automatically selected based on the card from which the red warning triangle was clicked.Review the workstation name before submitting the report to make sure the issue is being recorded against the correct equipment.
Impact#
The Impact field defines how the fault affects production.Available impact levels include:No Stop#
Records the breakdown without stopping the workstation or creating a production-capacity loss window.The fault does not currently prevent production
The workstation can continue operating safely
Maintenance follow-up is required without immediate production disruption
Reduced#
Records a percentage capacity-loss window without marking the workstation as completely down.The workstation can continue operating
Production speed or capacity is reduced
Only part of the workstation’s normal capacity is available
Full Stop#
Marks the workstation as broken and opens a complete downtime period.Production cannot continue
The workstation is unavailable
The fault requires immediate maintenance attention
Continuing operation would create a safety or quality risk
Select the production impact carefully because it affects how workstation availability and downtime are represented in Productivity and Maintenance information.
Priority#
The Priority is assigned automatically according to the selected production impact.For example, selecting Full Stop can assign the breakdown a Critical priority.The priority helps maintenance and production teams understand how urgently the issue should be handled.Users do not need to set the priority manually from this window.
Description#
Use the Description field to provide clear information about the breakdown.The visible fault or symptom
When the issue was noticed
How production is affected
Whether the machine is fully stopped or operating at reduced capacity
Unusual sounds, movement, temperature, or alarms
Immediate actions already taken
The Angle Bending Machine stopped during operation. The hydraulic pressure dropped suddenly and the bending arm is no longer responding. Production is fully stopped. The operator isolated the machine and confirmed that there are no injured personnel.
A clear description helps the maintenance team diagnose and prioritize the issue faster.
Submitting the Breakdown#
After completing the form, click Report Breakdown.Fabritec records the breakdown using the selected workstation, impact, automatically assigned priority, and description.The workstation’s Andon condition and related capacity information may then reflect the reported production impact.For a Full Stop, the workstation is marked as broken and the related downtime begins.
Reporting Best Practices#
Confirm the correct workstation before submitting.
Select the impact based on the real production effect.
Do not select Full Stop when production can continue normally.
Describe the actual fault rather than entering a general note such as “machine problem.”
Include immediate safety actions when applicable.
Report the breakdown as soon as the issue is confirmed.
Use the Maintenance workflow to follow up on the reported issue.
Behind Pace#
The workstation is running but is producing below the expected current-shift target.Configured workstation capacity target
Alert Priority#
Workstation cards are prioritized according to operational urgency.This keeps the most urgent conditions at the beginning of the board.
Current Job#
When production is active, the workstation card displays a current-job panel.Production-route position
Order or Job Reference#
The job reference identifies the current production work.
Item Mark#
The item-mark badge identifies the fabricated item currently being processed.
Route or Phase Position#
The route-position indicator shows where the current operation sits within the item’s production sequence.means the item is currently at the first of four configured production stages.This helps supervisors understand whether the work is:At an early production step
In the middle of the route
Approaching final completion
Quantity Progress#
The quantity-progress bar shows:This provides a quick view of current-job completion.
No Active Job#
When no production operation is running, the card displays:This can appear while the workstation is:Use the workstation status and operator information together to determine why no job is active.
Pace Indicator#
The circular indicator at the bottom of the card compares actual progress with the expected target.Actual-versus-target value
Output Today#
The bottom-right area displays the workstation’s output for the current company day.Output follows the configured or selected physical unit.Successful physical output is counted once.Repeated rework does not create duplicate output.
Filtering Live Workstations by Group#
To display one workstation group:2.
Confirm Live is selected.
4.
Use the group arrows to locate the required group.
5.
Review the visible workstations and alert count.
Focused production meetings
Live By Stage View#
The Live By Stage view summarizes workstation activity by production stage.Each card represents one production stage.A stage card can include:Workstation-status counts
Number of Workstations#
The card displays how many workstations are associated with the stage.This helps managers understand the resource base supporting each process.
Stage Status Counts#
Status chips summarize the current workstation conditions within the stage.The stage card’s main alert treatment follows the most urgent condition present within the stage.
Active Jobs#
The Active Jobs section lists current production work within the stage.When no operation is active, the card displays:When many jobs exist, the card may show a limited list with an additional count.
Stage Output#
Stage Output shows the successful physical output recorded across the stage’s workstations.The unit follows the current production configuration.
Average Utilization#
Average Utilization summarizes the relationship between actual and staffed hours across the stage’s included workstations.The result is calculated using combined totals rather than averaging individual workstation percentages.Stage Utilization = Total Actual Hours ÷ Total Staffed HoursUtilization can exceed 100%.A dash means the denominator is unavailable.
Using Live By Stage#
Use this view when management needs to answer questions such as:Which production process currently has the greatest disruption?
Which stage has the most Down workstations?
Which stage has active jobs?
Which stage has no production running?
Which stage is using capacity above 100%?
Where is output currently being produced?
History Mode#
History mode provides a snapshot of a completed shift.It allows supervisors and managers to review:Downtime or coverage notes
Opening History Mode#
To open a historical shift:3.
Select Workstations or By Stage.
4.
Select a completed shift from the shift selector.
5.
Review the historical snapshot.
Historical Shift Selector#
The shift selector displays completed shifts available for review.Use the previous and next controls to move between completed shifts.History uses the actual shifts configured in Production Setup.It does not use manually entered reporting shifts.
History by Workstation#
The History Workstations view displays one performance card for each workstation during the selected completed shift.Downtime or staffing note
Historical Operator Coverage#
The card displays the operator resolved for the selected shift.The operator badge may display:When no operator was assigned, the card displays:The board may also display a warning such as:No operator assigned during the selected shift.This helps explain why a workstation had:
Output versus Target#
The historical card compares actual output with the configured shift target.When no matching capacity target exists, Fabritec displays a dash instead of a misleading percentage.
Machine-Hours#
Shows production duration recorded against the workstation during the selected shift.
Utilization#
Actual Hours ÷ Staffed HoursA dash appears when no staffed-hours denominator is available.
Hours per Unit#
A dash appears when output is zero or unavailable.
Completed Jobs#
The Completed Jobs section lists jobs completed during the selected shift.When none were completed, the section displays:
Historical Reason Notes#
A card may display a note explaining a significant shift condition.No operator assigned during the selected shift
Machine down for part of the shift
History by Stage#
The History By Stage view groups completed-shift results by production stage.Each stage group can summarize:Main downtime or coverage issues
Understanding Missing Values#
Fabritec displays a dash, —, when a metric cannot be calculated.Possible reasons include:No matching workstation capacity target
Missing item physical measurement
No applicable production records
Missing schedule configuration
Zero#
A displayed zero means Fabritec calculated a genuine zero result.Dash#
A dash means the calculation could not be completed.
Implementing the Andon Board#
The Andon Board depends on Workstation Productivity, production setup, scheduling, operator assignments, capacity targets, and production recording.Follow this implementation sequence.
1. Grant Workstation Productivity Access#
View Workstation ProductivityUse a controlled account for a shared factory screen.
Production Setup → Production StagesCreate the production processes used by the factory.
Create workstation groups that match the factory’s physical or operational structure.Automatic screen rotation
Area-specific alert counts
Production Setup → WorkstationsFor each workstation, confirm:Clear names are important because the board is designed for quick reading.
Configure targets matching the units used on the Andon Board.Capacity targets support:Historical target achievement
The board uses these settings to determine:Historical shift snapshots
7. Assign Operators#
Assign qualified operators to the required:When planned hours exist without an available operator, the workstation appears as Unstaffed.
8. Record Attendance and Schedule Exceptions#
Record applicable exceptions such as:These records affect operator presence and coverage.
9. Record Production Progress#
Operators and supervisors must record production against the correct:Historical shift performance
10. Record Workstation Downtime#
When a workstation becomes unavailable:Update the workstation status
Record the downtime window
Create the required maintenance order
11. Validate the Board#
Productivity → Workstations → Andon Board1.
Live mode opens successfully.
2.
The alert count is correct.
3.
All workstation groups are available.
4.
Workstation names are clear.
5.
Production stages are correct.
6.
Operator assignments appear.
7.
Workstation statuses are correct.
8.
Active jobs appear on Running workstations.
9.
Job quantities update correctly.
11.
Workstation-group filtering works.
12.
Automatic group rotation works.
13.
By Stage summarizes workstation statuses correctly.
14.
History displays completed shifts.
15.
Historical operator gaps are visible.
16.
Output targets are available where configured.
17.
Exit returns to Fabritec.
Recommended Shop-Floor Use#
Production-Control Screen#
Live → Workstations → AllUse this for a complete factory view.
Area Screen#
Select a workstation group such as:Use this for a department or area-specific display.
Management Screen#
This provides a compact view of the complete production process.
Shift Review Meeting#
Select the completed shift and review:
Production-Flow Review#
This helps management compare shift performance across production stages.
Common Conditions and Their Meaning#
A Workstation Is Down#
The workstation is unavailable.Review maintenance and downtime information.
A Workstation Is Unstaffed#
Planned capacity exists, but no operator coverage was resolved.Review shifts, assignments, and attendance.
A Workstation Is Idle#
Staffed capacity exists, but no active production is being recorded.Review released work, materials, drawings, and production recording.
A Workstation Is Running with No Active Job#
The workstation status and production records may not be aligned.Review the current operation and production log.
A Workstation Is Behind Pace#
Actual output is below the expected current-shift target.
Pace Displays a Dash#
No matching capacity target is configured.
Output Is Zero#
No successful physical output was recorded in the current company day or selected shift.
Utilization Exceeds 100%#
Recorded actual production hours exceeded staffed capacity.
History Shows No Operator but Production Exists#
Production was recorded during the shift, but no operator assignment was resolved.Review the schedule and labour linked to the production records.
No Active Job Appears for a Running Area#
Production may not be linked to the correct workstation, or the current operation may have ended.Review the production log.
Alert Count Changes after Selecting a Group#
The alert count follows only the workstations included in the selected group.
The Board Shows Degraded Mode#
The real-time connection is unavailable.Fabritec is using periodic polling until the connection is restored.
Governance Rules#
The Andon Board requires normal authenticated access.
Only authorized users should open the board.
Shared screens should use controlled kiosk sessions.
Workstations must be assigned to the correct groups and stages.
Shift configuration must reflect actual factory operations.
Operator assignments should be completed before the shift begins.
Capacity targets must match the units used for output.
Production must be recorded against the correct workstation.
Downtime must be recorded separately from operator gaps.
Unstaffed must not be interpreted as machine downtime.
Idle must not automatically be interpreted as poor performance.
A dash must not be interpreted as zero.
Current live data should be reviewed as in progress.
Historical reviews should use completed shifts.
Alert conditions should be investigated using the related Workstation Productivity details.
⭐ Best Practices#
Display the board on a large screen with suitable resolution.
Use full-screen or kiosk mode for shared factory displays.
Create workstation groups that match physical factory areas.
Keep workstation names short and clear.
Configure capacity targets before using pace alerts.
Assign operators before the shift begins.
Review Down and Unstaffed cards first.
Use group rotation when the factory has many workstations.
Pause rotation during incident investigation.
Use By Stage for management-level production reviews.
Use Workstations for supervisor-level operational follow-up.
Record production progress during the correct shift.
Record breakdowns immediately.
Review historical snapshots during shift handover meetings.
Investigate no-operator historical warnings.
Compare output with target before interpreting utilization alone.
Review Behind-Pace conditions together with job difficulty and material readiness.
Keep the shared-screen account secure.
Exit the board before leaving an unattended administrative session.
