What is operator guidance?
A short definition of operator guidance, an example from manual assembly, and how Arkite handles it.
What is operator guidance?
Operator guidance is software that leads an operator through a manual task step by step at the workstation, shows what to do where the work happens, and can check each step as it is done.
- Guides each step of a manual task at the workstation
- Adapts to the product variant and the operator
- Can check each step and record the result per unit
Operator guidance in manual assembly
Operator guidance goes a step further than work instructions on paper or a screen. The instruction appears in the operator's line of sight, the next step only starts when the current one is done, and the guidance adapts to the variant on the workbench and to the experience of the operator.
In manual assembly, operator guidance is used to prevent wrong parts, skipped steps and sequence errors, to onboard new and temporary staff faster, and to make every unit traceable.
Example: at a workstation that builds 14 variants, the operator scans the order. The right job loads, the correct bin lights up, the placement is projected on the product and a sensor confirms each pick before the next step appears.
How Arkite handles it
- Instructions projected on the work surface and shown on the operator screen
- The right job and variant loaded by scan or from a connected MES or ERP
- Each pick and placement checked with a 3D sensor
- Guidance adapted to the operator's experience level
- Every step recorded per unit as production data
Questions about operator guidance
Is operator guidance the same as digital work instructions?
No. Digital work instructions describe the steps in software. Operator guidance uses them at the workstation: it shows each step where the work happens, adapts to the operator and the variant, and can check the step as it is done.
Do operators need to wear a device?
Not with Arkite. Instructions are projected on the work surface and shown on a screen, so no headset or glasses are needed.
Does operator guidance need an MES?
No. Arkite runs stand-alone, with jobs selected by scan or on the screen. An MES or ERP can be connected to send orders and variants automatically.
See it on your own product.
A live demo shows how Arkite guides, checks and records manual work.