Product category:
Robots and robotic systems
News Release from: ABB Robotics | Subject: Robotics
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 October 2004
Managing and tracking spares
ABB Robotics introduces a simple way to manage and track usage of critical automation spares to ensure that parts are easily accessible when they are needed most - during a breakdown.
Non-availability of operational spares is still one of the main reasons for a high Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and SmartSpares, using the latest wireless communications and Internet access, eliminates the need for expensive software installations by providing a low cost of entry solution with fast payback - often as fast as three months Not only is downtime reduced, but SmartSpares also provides a high return on investment by eliminating inventory obsolescence, shrinkage and hoarding, as well reducing the manpower required to manage the spares inventory
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 Jan 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Inventory write-offs, losses, unrecorded consumption and expediting fees are also reduced, while warranty tracking is improved as is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through the reduction in MTTR.
The dedicated spares area can be as small as an ABB industrial grade cabinet or as large as an entire caged area or warehouse.
Various access systems can be implemented to the area including keycards (smartcards); PINs; 'one-time' keys; remote locking/unlocking via the Web; and conventional brass keys.
Further reading
Robot Control System Eases End Of Line Integration
ABB Robotics will be exhibiting its new Pickmaster 5 software at Pack Expo in Chicago (USA) from 29 October - 2 November.
Robot Controllers' Integration In Existing Panels
Claimed easy integration with existing equipment designs, space savings and versatility are some of the benefits that the new panel-mounting robot controllers from ABB Robotics provide.
Each time an employee enters the spares area, the system tracks the employee's name, time entered, and the part removed or added.
The unit sends a report of the transaction back to a designated server and to the database administrator.
A new part is then automatically ordered and shipped to the location.
The system is highly flexible, enough to track not only ABB spares, but also any parts held for other manufacturers.
Additionally, the system incorporates a host of flexible features such as: automatic replenishment, space entry notification, remote access authorisation, extensive report creation and remote auditing.
A UK-based OEM automotive company recently gave ABB the challenge of designing an Inventory Management Services Solution based on SmartSpares which could improve availability of critical spare parts on-site, reduce inventory carrying costs, improve MTTR, and improve reliability data relating to component level failures.
Responding to the challenge, ABB developed a four-phase solution, which initially involved an assessment of the OEM's supply management function relating to spare parts, and analysis of maintenance and repair data.
ABB then designed an optimal on-site spare parts management process and 'pay-on-use' stock system, with spares stored in a double-wide SmartSpares cabinet in the company's repair area.
In addition, ABB is providing continuous improvement support.
The implementation of SmartSpares has reduced storage management time from 3.5 days per week to 2 hours per week; reduced spare parts inventory/fixed assets due to the 'pay-on-use' programme; reduced company spending by providing inventory view access across divisions; and increased on-site availability of critical ABB automation spare parts and thus improved equipment availability. Request a free brochure from ABB Robotics ...
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