Arkite is a manufacturing execution platform for manual operations. It is the operational execution layer of Industry 4.0, transforming manual assembly from undocumented human execution into digitally structured, real-time validated workflows with in-process quality control and measurable production data.

Where ERP decides what to build and MES decides when, Arkite tells operators how to build: step by step, validated, and fully traceable.

Arkite is a software platform. It is not defined by a projector, a sensor, or any single piece of hardware. It is a scalable production platform built around a central server architecture, distributed workstation clients, a no-code workflow engine, and open API integrations. Hardware components such as projectors and sensors are enablers of the software, not the product itself.

Arkite operates on a single software core with three progressive levels of operational maturity:

• Arkite GUIDE: Digital work instructions with Augmented Reality projection. Operators follow step-by-step visual guidance directly on the workbench.
• Arkite VALIDATE: Includes all of GUIDE plus real-time 3D operator validation. The platform verifies that every action is executed correctly and in the right sequence.
• Arkite VISION: Includes all of VALIDATE plus in-process product inspection using a high-definition vision sensor, enabling detection of component presence, position, and orientation.

Mixed-licence environments are fully supported. A single deployment can combine all three tiers across different workstations.

Most digital work instruction tools display information; they do not validate execution. Arkite goes further by:

• Projecting instructions directly onto the physical workbench using Augmented Reality
• Validating in real time that each step is executed correctly via a 3D depth sensor
• Inspecting product quality during assembly at the component level (VISION tier)
• Generating structured production data, comprising cycle times, step durations, error logs and torque values, from every action taken
• Integrating bidirectionally with MES, ERP, and smart tools

The result is not simply better-informed operators. It is a documented, validated, and data-generating production process.

The Experience Level feature allows the platform to adapt its guidance to the operator's level of proficiency. Novice operators receive more detailed instructions and slower pacing; experienced operators work with a streamlined interface that does not slow them down. Experience levels are assigned per operator or per badge scan, and can be adjusted over time as operators develop their skills. This ensures the platform supports rather than constrains your workforce.

Yes. Arkite includes a dedicated Variant Management module. Any number of product variants can be configured as jobs within the platform. The correct variant and assembly sequence is presented to the operator automatically, either through manual selection, barcode scan, or direct pull from the MES. This eliminates the risk of operators mixing up procedures in high-mix, low-volume environments.

Yes. Instructions can be configured in any language. With the optional OpenAI integration, all text and instructions can be translated automatically at the point of authoring. Operators can select their preferred language directly from the workstation screen at any point during the assembly process.

A pilot workstation can typically be operational within a few days of installation. Engineers require approximately two days of training to begin creating and publishing work instructions independently. Full production-line rollouts are scoped and planned based on the number of workstations, complexity of product variants, and the level of MES/ERP integration required. Arkite's implementation team supports every stage of this process.

Yes. Arkite is designed for incremental scalability. Deployment typically follows a progression:

• Pilot workstation
• Production line rollout
• Multi-line expansion
• Full plant standardisation
• Multi-plant deployment

Because all configuration is managed centrally on the Arkite server, adding new workstations does not require rebuilding projects from scratch. Existing work instructions are immediately available on every new client connected to the server.

No. Arkite is built on a no-code workflow engine. Process engineers create and publish work instructions directly in the Arkite software using text, images, videos, GIFs, and icons, without any programming knowledge. Instructions can be updated remotely and published instantly, with no production downtime.

Arkite operates on a centralised server architecture with distributed workstation clients. The server stores all projects, user data, and production records. Workstation clients connect to this server over the factory network. Specific hardware and network requirements are defined during the scoping phase. Arkite can operate on existing factory network infrastructure in most cases.

Arkite includes built-in version management and an approval workflow. Every change to a project is tracked with a full version history. For regulated industries, an optional review and approval process can be configured, requiring sign-off from designated roles before any update goes live. In the event of a production issue, any previous version can be retrieved, reviewed, and restored.

Arkite integrates into the existing manufacturing ecosystem. It does not replace MES or ERP. It connects them to the operator layer. Key integrations include:

• MES: to receive job orders, product variants, and operator assignments automatically
• ERP: for production scheduling and traceability data exchange
• Smart tools: via Open Protocol, Ethernet, or Modbus for torque control and feedback
• PLC systems: S7 PLC and other industrial controllers
• BI platforms: data export to Power BI and other analytics tools

Arkite supports a broad range of industrial communication protocols:

• OPC UA and OPC
• MQTT
• Modbus
• TCP/IP (client/server)
• HTTP (web services)
• Open Protocol (smart tooling)
• S7 PLC
• Database connections: MySQL, Oracle, MS SQL Server, MariaDB, SQLite
• Barcode and QR Code scanners (USB)
• COM (serial port)
• DMX lights via Enttec Open DMX USB interface

A flexible API supports integration with MES and ERP systems for on-demand production data exchange.

Jobs are created in the MES and pushed into the Arkite server via API. Process engineers adapt the instructions within Arkite to ensure they are practical and aligned with the physical workstation. Once validated and approved, specific jobs are deployed to the correct workstations and become immediately available. When an operator logs in, by badge scan or manual selection, the workstation automatically retrieves the correct job and product variant from the MES, eliminating manual selection errors.

Yes. Arkite connects to smart tools via Open Protocol, Ethernet, or Modbus. Once connected, the platform can configure tools so they are only active during the correct step and at the correct location. It sets the required torque automatically and prevents the operator from proceeding until the specified torque is confirmed. Torque values are logged per assembly unit for full traceability.

Arkite customers consistently report measurable improvements across the following dimensions:

• Error reduction: real-time step validation prevents incorrect actions before they become defects
• Scrap and rework reduction: in-process quality control catches issues during assembly, not after
• Faster operator onboarding: new operators become productive significantly faster with structured visual guidance
• Improved process standardisation: every operator follows the same validated procedure, every time
• Variant complexity control: the correct procedure is always presented for the correct product variant
• Knowledge retention: tribal knowledge is captured in structured digital workflows that persist beyond individual operators

Arkite replaces lengthy classroom training and paper manuals with structured, just-in-time digital guidance at the workstation. New operators follow step-by-step projected instructions and receive real-time feedback on every action. The Experience Level feature provides additional guidance for novices, and progressively reduces instruction depth as operators build proficiency, significantly reducing the time required to reach full production competency.

Yes. In logistics and kitting, operators are guided by AR projections or DMX Pick-by-Light indicators, while the 3D sensor validates each pick action. This eliminates picking errors in high-mix environments and is particularly effective for large component bins or extended picking areas that projectors alone cannot cover.

Yes. Arkite is deployed across aerospace, automotive, medical device, and defence manufacturing environments. The platform's version management, approval workflow, and per-unit traceability capabilities directly support compliance requirements. Every action, every step, every deviation is recorded, providing a complete audit trail for each serialised unit produced.

Every workstation continuously feeds structured data back to the Arkite server. Captured data includes:

• Cycle times and takt times per unit and per variant
• Step durations, identifying which steps take longer than expected
• Error events: what went wrong, when, and on which workstation
• Torque values from integrated smart tools
• Operator performance and efficiency metrics
• Traceability records per serialised unit
• Variant-level performance comparisons

This transforms manual execution into structured production intelligence.

Yes. Arkite includes a default set of dashboards within the software for real-time monitoring of active workstations. In addition, all production data can be exported to Power BI or any other BI platform via the Arkite API or database connection. Manufacturers use this data to monitor production flow, identify bottlenecks, optimise cycle and takt times, reduce scrap and rework, and improve overall operator efficiency.

Arkite records every operator action, every validated step, and every deviation against a specific production order and serial number. In the event of a quality issue, it is possible to retrieve a complete log of every step performed during the assembly of a specific unit, including the operator, the time, the result of each validation, and the torque values applied.

Yes. Arkite supports barcode, QR code, and Data Matrix code reading using AI-powered algorithms. OCR-based text detection is also available. Detected codes and text can be automatically validated, enabling different workflow branches based on the result. These capabilities are available across the GUIDE, VALIDATE, and VISION licence tiers.

Arkite is licensed per workstation, with three licence tiers available: GUIDE, VALIDATE, and VISION. Licences can be mixed within a single deployment. Different workstations can operate under different tiers depending on the validation requirements of each assembly task. Contact the Arkite sales team for a configuration aligned to your specific production environment.

Yes. Arkite is designed for enterprise-scale deployment. Its centralised server architecture supports multi-plant standardisation. The same work instructions, validation logic, and quality standards can be deployed and maintained across all production sites from a central location. This ensures consistent process execution and quality output regardless of geography or operator base.

Arkite provides structured onboarding including installation, workstation configuration, sensor calibration, and engineer training. Ongoing support is available through the Arkite support portal and dedicated customer success resources. Arkite Academy, the dedicated learning platform for customers and partners, provides structured training to deploy and scale digital work instructions independently.

The recommended first step is a product demonstration with the Arkite team. This allows you to see the platform in action within the context of your specific production environment, and define the scope of a pilot deployment. You can schedule a session at arkite.com/plan-a-demo.