Standard Pace Timer Operation Terminology:
There are several methods that manufacturers use to show production data to
their employees. Some of our units have CONTROL PANELS built in (the
smaller units such as our 2.3" AF-2720-100) and others require a "CONTROL
BOX" that allows the larger units to be mounted remotely with local
control. This information tells what type of data we most often display
with the use of one of our control units. All of our displays are also
available with a serial (RS-232/ RS-485) input so that you can show whatever
data you wish from your plant PLC or computer without the use of one of
our control panels or remote control boxes.
Manufacturers most often want to show their employees the
following types of data that our Control Boxes and Panels will show (contact us
for options on particular models):
GOAL ( PLAN )
RUNNING GOAL--The Goal field is most often used to show plant
personnel how many parts they should have completed NOW. This is often
referred to as a RUNNING GOAL (since the number increments on the run at
a predetermined pace). So if a workstation should have completed 100 parts an
hour into their shift, the "Goal" will show "100" an hour
into the shift. The Running Goal is set by adjusting a Time Increment (time in
seconds—tenths of seconds available in some models) to the time that it should
take for each unit to be completed. Ex: Each operation should take assembly
personnel 45 seconds to complete—set the Time Increment to 45 seconds. The
"Goal" will increment by one automatically every 45 seconds from the
start of the shift. The Pace Timer starts a shift when the "Reset"
button is pushed.
SHIFT GOAL--Sometimes management wishes instead to show the
workstation or assembly line how many parts or operations they need to complete
before the end of the shift. This is most often referred to as a SHIFT GOAL
(since the number is set at the start of the shift and does not change during
the shift). The shift goal is set in the same method as the running goal except
that the user dials in the total count instead of the time per piece at the
start of the shift.
ACTUAL (ACTUAL COUNT)
The Actual field is the current actual count of pieces processed by the line.
This field is reset to zero at the start of the shift and counts up as parts are
completed. With alternative input capabilities, the
Actual field can also count down such as when eliminating "scrap" pieces from
the parts count.
DEVIATION
The deviation field shows how many units the line or workstation is ahead of
or behind where they should be. Standard units do not include a "plus"
symbol and only show a minus symbol when the workstation is behind the goal.
This deviation number shows "Goal" minus "Actual" in units
that are using a running goal. Units that are using a Shift Goal also require
the input of "Shift Time" if the "Deviation" field is
necessary. In these cases, our Control units calculate the current goal (running
goal) from shift time, shift goal, and the elapsed time into the shift.
% EFFICIENCY
The Efficiency field shows Actual Count divided by Goal in units using a
Running Goal. Units that are using a Shift Goal also require the input of
"Shift Time" if the "Efficiency" field is necessary. In
these cases, our Control units calculate the current goal (running goal) from
shift time, shift goal, and the elapsed time into the shift and then displays
the % efficiency accordingly.
