Using software to error proof the assembly process

As part of Atlas Copco’s Quality Integrated Fastening (QIF) concept, complete error proofing stations can be built on your assembly line by using a combination of advanced fastening tools offered by Atlas Copco alongside a variety of hardware and software components.

Stations are totally customizable, but they have two main things in common: they raise productivity and ensure the products being produced on your assembly line are of the highest possible quality and error-free every time. Read on to learn how Atlas Copco’s dependable software solutions will improve error proofing in your manufacturing facility.

ToolsTalk 2 is Atlas Copco's tool management software with programming capability, which makes error proofing even easier to manage on your assembly line. For example, when paired with the Power Focus platform, engineers can organize all Power Focus controllers logically to resemble the physical layout of their plant using the Plant Structure feature on ToolsTalk 2. This overview of the plant floor means quickly finding controllers that need an update and ensuring that everything on the floor is running just how it should be.

In addition, ToolsTalk 2 uses user authentication, meaning that operators have full traceability of any changes made to their controllers or programs. Rest assured knowing that approved users are the only ones that can make changes to your programs. Should the need arise, engineers can see a log of every change made, who made it, and even have the ability to roll back to a previous state.

ToolsNet 8 is another component that makes error proofing the assembly process that much simpler, especially when used alongside the Power Focus controller. This data collection software is reliable, intuitive, and configured for full traceability, statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and proactivity to detect scenarios within your production environment. Using ToolsNet 8 alone or with the Power Focus controller ensures engineers that their plant is producing quality products.

Scalable Quality Solution (SQS) is one of Atlas Copco’s error proofing software solutions that was designed for one thing: to improve the quality of products on your assembly line. With the ability to connect to just one station or to equip your entire plant, SQS is scalable to any level. In addition, SQS reduces defects on the production line with its interactive step-by-step digitally displayed operator guidance, providing full traceability and process control of properly performed work steps.

SQS is built with a part verification and documentation feature, which identifies serial numbers and product IDs to ensure that the correct parts are being used to build a specific product, lowering your plant’s rate of scrapping and rework. SQS’s ability to connect to additional SQS stations, even those with different product variations, makes it an ideal software for rework areas and backup stations.

Used alongside the Power Focus platform, SQS can validate the entire build sequence from beginning to end, avoiding errors, and greatly improving the build quality.

Mistakes made on the assembly line can be a massive blow to your production and plant. That’s why Atlas Copco believes that supplying controllers, programming tools, and software that rid our customers’ plants of errors is of utmost importance. ToolsTalk 2, ToolsNet 8, and SQS3 bring error proofing to entirely new levels, and when used in collaboration with our Power Focus platform, operators will have the peace of mind that they deserve when it comes to their plant.

The Power Focus is the centerpiece of Atlas Copco’s ever-growing Power Focus ecosystem of smart connected assembly products. When used with our innovative software solutions, the Power Focus platform guides operators through the complex assembly process, steering them clear of any possible human errors.

Contact Atlas Copco today for your free quality and error proofing assessment demo!