The hot melt industry has been changing over the years and most recently has made a push for remote access machinery, or even Bluetooth enabled equipment. At Universal Systems, we believe in the old school “hands on” approach to high speed packaging. Having a human component to troubleshoot and catch issues before they even start, in our opinion, is the only way to effectively manage your manufacturing systems. However, some of our competitors are moving toward human-less systems, where one person can manage the line from afar. With the equipment telling the person what they need and when they need it. There are pros and cons to each.

Here are the reasons why we feel like the “hands on” approach to line operators is still important.

Experience

Real time on the spot decision making based on experience will always be irreplaceable.

Troubleshooting

If something were to happen on the line, a line operator can real-time troubleshoot and fix the issue faster and more efficiently than a computer.

Eyes on the Problem

Putting your eyes on the actual problem helps you to better understand what the issue is and how to fix it. Reading an error code or getting an alert that you then must spend time researching is not always the best solution. If you can see why the line is down, then you have a better chance of getting it fixed and back up and running quickly.

Makeshift Fixes

Not that we are a proponent of makeshift fixes, sometimes it is necessary. With someone on the line, they can quickly switch out a filter or unclog a nozzle without there being much downtime. If you are working remotely, you would then have to call down to someone on the floor to make the switch, which could take more time than your operation can afford.

Overall, while computers and technology can be helpful and advance the industry, nothing can effectively replace a valuable line operator with experience and the ability to think on their feet. The same goes for technical support. It is invaluable to be able to work with a company who can offer you real-time technical support. At Universal Systems, you can always speak to someone who can help. We don’t send you through teleprompts or force you to send an email that may or may not get answered in a timely manner. We pride ourselves in our response times and helping our customers who are on the floor and putting in the work to get their equipment running at maximum capacity. For any technical support or customer services give us a call at (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.