Expert Live Q&A: SQS3 Scalable Quality Solution 3

Date: Wednesday, October 7th, 2020: 10:00 - 10:30 AM EST

Welcome to the ‘SQS’ question and answer session. 

Taking questions submitted by viewers in this session is Jason Dubendorfer, a Product Marketing Specialist at Atlas Copco. In this Q&A, we’re exploring Atlas Copco’s error-proofing software for assembly processes, Scalable Quality Solution (SQS). The Q&A begins with a brief description of what SQS can offer from Jason, who says that this software future-proofs your processes while detecting errors at their source. The first question comes in about Atlas Copco and why they are entering the software playing field. Jason explains that this product was developed by Synatec, a company that Atlas Copco acquired a while back. Through Synatec, we can develop flexible, quality software solutions to simplify assembly processes. 

We then move into SQS’s communication capabilities with SAP. Jason explains that SQS is now capable of communicating with SAP with the release of SQS 3.3 firmware. This is also now considered a standard offering. Following a question about tools connecting to SQS, it is explained that there is no limit on the number of tools that can connect to SQS. The most Jason has seen in one plant is 98. When asked if SQS can be used in stations without torque tools, Jason explains that it is indeed possible. He gives an example of a customer in Georgia that is not using any torque tools, they are only running pick-by-lights, and SQS is controlling those. SQS can also be used for testing stations. SQS can also connect to Smart cameras through a Digital I/O or a non-Smart camera. SQS can integrate with entirely new lines or existing lines. 

Jason receives a question about whether or not Atlas Copco offers a line side PC for SQS. It is explained that we instead offer an AC Node, which is the central hub of the work cell. The SQS software runs on the AC Node and everything else involved connects to it. There is a graphical user interface known as the Web GUI that is currently being revamped and will be available in early 2021. When asked whether SQS allows for collecting or analyzing result data, Jason explains that users can pull data in the data repository or through a production analyzer, which is an add-on component. SQS does not need to be programmed, which saves time and resources. Everything is instead configurable with visual, step-by-step operator guidance features, leaving no room for oversight or error.  

In the final part of the Q&A, we begin talking about compatibility with positioning systems such as our Industrial Location Guidance system (ILG). SQS does work with ILG for specific sequences on the line. In the event of a network failure, Jason explains that SQS can still run. SQS buffers SAP build data for up to 30 days in the event of a network failure. A viewer asks whether SQS allows for multiple operators on the line doing different functions. Jason says that it does and that users can set up a variety of user authorizations that only allow specific people to do certain functions. In addition, because SQS was developed through Synatec, this software is compatible with other tools, not just Atlas Copco tools. To find out more about what was asked and how Jason answered, watch the Q&A session in full!