Unleashing the Power of Visual Work Instructions

colleagues reviewing visual work instructions together

In our mission to redefine manufacturing processes, Anark has bridged the gap between conventional practices and future methodologies through visual work instructions. This integration proves crucial when considering the limitations of traditional MES and ERP systems, which were primarily designed for inputting data rather than facilitating interactive work instructions. Our technology complements these systems by providing the visual context essential for the most intricate manufacturing steps—a reason why Boeing selected Anark for their wire harness project, where textual and pictorial instructions fell short, requiring the digital twin of the assembly to fully convey the necessary visual context.

The Genesis of Visual Transformation

The transition from textual to visual work instructions signifies more than just a format shift; it's a substantial transformation in the method of communication on the production floor. Traditional text-heavy instructions often fail to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, prompting us to develop a platform enriched with visuals—images, videos, and interactive 3D models. Anark simplifies the integration process for work instruction authors by making 3D CAD models readily accessible. Our CAD adapters and PDM/PLM integrations automatically publish neutral visualization data, including embedded PMI, allowing for effortless transition to work instruction creation. This accessibility is vital, enabling authors to easily consult with engineers and get quick resolutions within the context of the actual models, providing the essential visual data needed across various manufacturing processes, from design through to instruction execution.

The Core of Our Visual Work Instructions Software

At the heart of our solution is the belief that every manufacturer, regardless of size or industry, should have access to tools that make work instruction dissemination clear, concise, and accessible. Our visual work instructions software is designed to meet these needs by providing an intuitive interface for creating and sharing rich visual guides. These guides are not static; they are dynamic, interactive, and capable of illustrating complex processes in a way that is immediately understandable to anyone on the production floor.

Enhancing Efficiency and Precision

The implementation of visual work instructions has a direct impact on the efficiency and precision of manufacturing operations. By visually guiding the workforce through each step of a process, we significantly reduce the risk of errors and misunderstandings that can arise from text-based instructions. This clarity not only speeds up the production cycle but also ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and precision.

Fostering Collaboration and Adaptability

Our software extends beyond providing visual aids; it fosters a robust platform for collaboration and adaptability. Equipped with real-time updates and feedback mechanisms, it facilitates a continual flow of communication among team members, crucial for rapidly integrating changes and fostering improvements. This adaptability ensures that manufacturing processes remain agile and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities.

The Broader Impact: Quality, Safety, and Innovation

The advantages of visual work instructions profoundly impact quality control and innovation. By standardizing procedures with explicit visual guides, we enhance the manufacturing output's consistency and quality.

Looking ahead, we envision our visual work instructions software as a cornerstone of intelligent manufacturing. Leveraging data and analytics, we anticipate a future where these instructions are not merely guides but integral components of a dynamic manufacturing ecosystem continually adapting and learning.

About the Author

Patrick Dunfey
Vice President of Marketing and Sales Enablement
Patrick is an accomplished marketing and sales enablement professional who knows that customers are at the heart of every great innovation. He focuses on driving customer satisfaction and business growth through aligned Product-Marketing-Sales programs. He uses digital systems and data-driven approaches to understand, measure and deliver success, resulting in unparalleled customer experiences and value.  Patrick has 20 years of enterprise software expertise, with specialties in CAD, PLM, ERP, AR/VR and IoT. Prior to joining Anark, Patrick developed and taught a business course on XR value strategy, helping companies identify and realize value using virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. During 14 years at PTC, a leading provider of product development software, Patrick led teams responsible for the design, build and launch of an award-winning, state-of-the-art technology experience center resulting in 5X customer meeting growth, and 66% close rates on those meetings; he led the development of a new IoT sales enablement strategy to map business value to enabling technology contributing to 52% YoY IoT revenue growth; and met with over 1000 companies, ranging from SMB to the Fortune 100, to help bridge the gap between technology and customer value. Patrick began his career as a mechanical engineer, working on product design and development projects with Brooks Automation, Arthur D. Little, U.S. Army, Keurig, and others. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University.
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