VKS Overview and Implementation

Jun 28, 2024

VKS Overview and Implementation

Speaker's Role

  • Versatile responsibilities in VKS: customer success, questions, answers, presentations, implementations.
  • Visits customer sites and shares experiences.

VKS Background

  • Created by a manufacturing company in 2011.
  • Originally called VIF (Visual Information Finder).
  • VKS is a digital work instruction solution.

VKS Objectives

  • Reduction of tribal knowledge.
  • Efficient workforce training.
  • Decreased defects and errors.
  • Tracing and tracking of information.

Core Features of VKS

  • Work Instructions: Create, maintain, and standardize instructions and processes.
    • Digital format saves time and money.
  • Data Collection: Track and trace information such as measurements, quality checklists, control plans.
  • Enterprise Connectivity: Connect to other enterprise solutions and systems, e.g., IIoT and Industry 4.0 items.
  • Device Add-Ons: Integration with tools like torque wrenches.

Human Element in Facilities

Operators' Needs:

  • Training and cross-training on various tasks.
  • Standardized, up-to-date processes.
  • Easy-to-use and intuitive systems.

Content Creators' Needs:

  • Efficient creation and maintenance of processes.
  • Easy data collection.
  • Management of process access.

Time Wasters Examples

  • Locating and transporting physical work instructions.
  • Risks and inefficiencies associated with paper-based instructions.
  • Shift to digital formats for better ergonomics and efficiency.

Disconnected Worker vs. Connected Worker

Disconnected Worker Challenges:

  • Outdated or hard-to-control documentation.
  • Difficult to understand instructions.
  • Disconnect between shop floor and content creators leading to inefficiencies.

Connected Worker Benefits:

  • Up-to-date processes at fingertips.
  • Clear, concise, and easy-to-use instructions.
  • Real-time data collection and operator feedback.
  • One source of truth for operators.

Addressing Disconnected Worker Challenges

  • Tribal Knowledge: Documentation of operator-specific knowledge for assessment and improvement.
  • Brain Drain/Human Capital Flight: Documentation to prevent loss of knowledge due to retirement, illness, or turnover.
  • Operator Training: Create practical exercises and processes to train replacements easily.

Logical First Steps for Implementation

  • Assess current processes and documentation.
  • Identify areas for improvement and focus on those first.
  • Create and maintain processes efficiently.
  • Set immediate and future goals.
  • Construct a requirements sheet for data collection and documentation.

Integration Options

  • Cloud vs. On-Premise: Choose based on security, accessibility, and IT infrastructure.

VKS Solutions Overview

  • VKS Lite: Basic digital work instructions, version control, easy viewing.
  • VKS Pro: Advanced features like data capture, traceability requirements.
  • VKS Enterprise: Integration with ERP systems, customized dashboards, and extensive connectivity.
  • Tool Integration: Compatibility with torque wrenches, test benches, and PLCs.

Demonstration and Usability

Operator View:

  • Step-by-step instructions with visual aids.
  • Interactive items like alerts and caution notes.
  • Continuous improvement messages and feedback tools.

Data Collection Work Instructions:

  • Prompt for work order numbers, serial numbers, etc.
  • Times and metrics tracking.
  • Automated processes like non-conformance reporting.

Editing and Creating Instructions:

  • User-friendly interfaces for adding text, images, videos.
  • Multilingual support.
  • Version control and easy updates.

Q&A Highlights

  • Importance of revision history and change logs.
  • Barriers to readiness: manpower, infrastructure.
  • Steps to implementation: set-up and creating golden examples.
  • Variations and sub-assemblies: branching processes and configurations.

Takeaways: VKS streamlines work instructions, data collection, and integration with other systems by providing digital solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and capture valuable operator knowledge.