Andon
Andon is a visual or audible system used to signal an abnormal production condition and request timely support.
What this term means in maintenance
Andon is a visual or audible system used to signal an abnormal production condition and request timely support.
What Andon can signal
Examples include:
- Equipment fault
- Material shortage
- Quality problem
- Safety concern
- Operator assistance
- Line stop
Practical example
An operator activates an Andon signal when a machine repeatedly jams and maintenance support is required.
Andon and maintenance
The signal may create a notification, escalation, or work request based on severity and persistence.
Visual management
Lights, screens, sound, and digital alerts make the condition visible to responsible teams.
Common mistake
Generating frequent signals without clear response ownership and escalation causes alert fatigue.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Maintenance Notification
A maintenance notification is an initial record used to report an equipment problem, abnormal condition, service need, or required maintenance action before detailed planning begins.
Maintenance Response Time
Maintenance response time is the elapsed time between reporting or escalation of a maintenance need and the start of the defined response.
Minor Stop
A minor stop is a short production interruption that is usually resolved quickly without a full maintenance repair.
Andon FAQs
- What is Andon?
A visual or audible signal used to show an abnormal production condition and request support.
- Can Andon create maintenance work?
Yes. Repeated or significant equipment signals may create notifications or work requests.
- What makes Andon ineffective?
Too many signals, unclear ownership, weak response, and no escalation.