VKS 6.9: Visual Insight Reaches New Heights

At VKS, we are committed to helping you share knowledge, standardize processes, and gather insights. For this reason, we are proud to announce the arrival of VKS 6.9, which offers users new and intelligent ways to employ error-proofing, expedite authoring, share responsive knowledge, and gain advanced insight.

VKS 6.9 provides organizations with 5 key feature improvements.

• Update 1: Updated Work Order and Operations Reports
• Update 2: Anti-Skip Option for Torque Tool Steps
• Update 3: Variables & Custom Keys within the Rule Engine
• Update 4: New Language AI Option
• Update 5: Underline Text Annotations

Each one of these items has a lot to offer so let's dive in!

Update 1: Updated Work Order and Operations Reports

Our first update of VKS 6.9 sees major visual enhancements and improvements to three key VKS pages.

• Productions Report: Enhanced Search Page & Export Options
• Work Order Reports: New Work Order Status Cards
• Operation Reports: New Insights Dashboard

Let’s explore how each page has changed and how you can use the new capabilities to derive greater insight and faster reporting.

1: Production Reports Search

Our Production Reports search page has received several optimizations with an improved interface that enables you to monitor, find, and export your data faster.

1. Compact & Advanced Search

Users can now search their production reports using the advanced or the new compact search fields. The two configurations enable users to find their production reports faster while also being able to refine their search parameters.

2. Bookmark Search Criteria

VKS 6.9 also allows individual users to bookmark specific search criteria by saving the URL. This new capability expedites the search process and is extremely beneficial for individuals who often review the same reports using any repeated search criteria.

And the process is easy. Simply bookmark the page with the search criteria already filled out and then access it at any time. The production reports page will open with the already populated fields.

3. View & Export Reports Faster

Thanks to the new user interface, users can gain immediate insight directly from the Production Report Page results. Along with the guidebook name and number, each line now shows key details like:

• Work Order Status
• Operation Status
• Number of Defects
• Quantity Completed
• Last Activity & User

To view this data in greater detail, users can export either the work order or operation report by using the three-dot menu on the right-hand side of each row. Users have four options:

• View Operation Report
• View Work Order Report
• Export the Operation Report
• Export the Work Order Report

Exporting the work order and operations reports directly from the search page provides companies with a quick and easy way to gather all associated data and view it in one detailed report. This level of data acquisition can be used to create detailed eDHRs and quality assurance documents.

2: Work Order Reports & New Status Cards

The new Work Order Report page has improved thanks to our new Work Order (WO) Status cards. This new feature breaks down the work order into all associated operations and enables businesses to monitor how product moves through the work order.

Along with quantity data, the Work Order Status Cards present the user with the status of each associated operation at the moment the report is opened. The status is shown using the four following criteria.

The cards also show users the number of rejected units along with the available and expected quantities, providing added insight to gauge operational performance.

While these cards present valuable data, some work orders may possess a large portion of associated operations that could take up valuable screen space. For this reason, VKS will present the WO Status Cards in a full or compact view based on the number of cards displayed in the report.

• Full View: If less than 10 cards are displayed, all cards will be presented in full view.
• Compact View: If more than 10 cards are displayed, all cards will be displayed in compact view. However, users can expand each card by clicking them.

3: Operation Reports & New Insights Dashboard

The Operations Report page has also received a new user interface and a new Insights Section that provides users with valuable data on an individual operation. Similar to the Work Order Reports page, this operations data is generated at the moment the report is opened.

The Insights section presents users with three key visualizations of operations data.

1. Completed Quantity

First, the Completed Quantity shows users how many units within the operation have been completed along with the percentage of the work completed.

But that’s not all. Since completed quantity does not provide the complete picture, VKS also presents the Available, Expected, Scrap, and Rework quantities, enabling production leaders to accurately gauge how their operations are performing.

2. Efficiency

The second dial shows the efficiency of the operation by dividing the expected work time by the actual work time. This means that if an operation was expected to take 4 hours but has in fact taken an extra 45 minutes, the efficiency would be 84%.

This dial lets managers and supervisors quickly see if any issues are slowing down production. The work time and expected work time are also available right below the efficiency dial.

3. Remaining Time

While the other dials provide responsive operations data, the Remaining Time dial takes it to another level. By using your current efficiency level and the expected cycle time, VKS predicts the remaining time needed to complete the operation.

This level of insight gives production leaders an easy way to gauge if the operation will be finished on time and if adjustments are needed.

Customize Reports to Fit Your Needs

VKS 6.9 also enables individual users to customize the view of their reports within VKS. This new customized view enables all users within the company to prioritize the information that is most valuable to their jobs and responsibilities.

Leaders and supervisors concerned with high-level details can prioritize the WO Status Cards and Operation Insights to monitor shop floor productivity effectively. Employees such as quality inspectors and product engineers who are interested in detailed production data can prioritize smart form data and other details like event histories.

Update 2: Anti-Skip Option for Torque Tool Steps

At VKS, our mission is to pursue the best of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 by providing manufacturers with easy standardization, smart error-proofing, and automatic in-process data collection. Our ToolConnect IoT add-on has enabled manufacturers to achieve these goals when integrating their smart tools.

With VKS 6.9, we are proud to announce an added configuration within ToolConnect IoT: Anti-Skip Option

Organizations can now choose to allow or prohibit their workers from skipping tool annotation steps, providing greater control over how integrated smart tools are used with their work instruction guidebooks.

Here’s how it works:

• When activated: Users are required to complete the ToolConnect step with a smart tool before moving forward in the guidebook.
• When deactivated: Users are able to progress past ToolConnect steps without completing the step with a smart tool. In this scenario, the event is logged in a report and supervisors are notified.

This new feature enables businesses to have greater control over their tool-related processes and ensure that no torque tool step is overlooked, providing organizations with yet another layer of error-proofing within the ToolConnect feature.

With the added capabilities of Pushed Pset Values and Torque Tool Validation, the process is completely error-proof. VKS communicates with smart tools to control how much force is applied while ensuring that every bolt is fastened according to specifications.

While this process does enable the highest level of error-proofing yet, some organizations may want to give their employees greater flexibility based on the unique requirements of their products and/or operations. In this case, they can deactivate the option and provide a more flexible process around their connected tools. Employees and company leaders will be able to use their discretion based on their unique procedures and environment.

The Ultimate VKS ToolConnect IoT Example

Let’s go through a scenario of how organizations can use their connected tools to the fullest. First, ToolConnect IoT allows users to:

• Apply the right torque at every step: ToolConnect IoT pushes the required parameters to your tools to automatically apply the right amount of force based on the specifications.
• Validate Torque: Authors can add minimum/maximum force criteria to each annotation, receiving a secondary validation that the torque parameters were correctly met.
• Auto-advance to the next step: As soon as the smart tool is used, VKS automatically advances to the next bolt in the sequence or the next step in the guidebook.
• Monitor actions in real time: If a bolt is fastened incorrectly, VKS notifies the user and prevents them from moving on to the next step in the sequence.
• Collect data: VKS records and stores the data from every torqued bolt, enabling organizations to enhance their quality control and quality assurance practices.
• Tool Lock: VKS locks the tool from use if the user is not on a ToolConnect annotation, guaranteeing an automated and integrated workflow with the work instructions.
• New Anti-Skip Option: Organizations can integrate the full poka-yoke solution by requiring smart tools for all ToolConnect annotations. At the same time, organizations can choose to give their processes more flexibility when they need it.

In a real-life manufacturing environment, these capabilities would be applied in the following manner.

1. The operator needs to fasten a bolt with 10 nm of force with a connected torque tool.
2. VKS automatically pushes the required parameters (Pset) to the smart tool and it automatically applies the correct amount of force when used.
3. VKS then validates if the bolt was fastened correctly. If the bolt is not fastened correctly, VKS informs the operator that they will need to repeat the process.
4. The assembly data is then captured within VKS reports for quality assurance and the instructions advance to the next step.
5. The operator forgets a screw and clicks next in the guidebook viewer. VKS notifies the operator that they need to complete the TC step before going forward.
6. Once the operator is not on a TC annotation, the tool is locked from use connecting both the physical and digital process for increased traceability and compliance.

Update 3: Variables & Custom Keys within the Rule Engine

Our third update advances the capabilities of our responsive work instruction software by combining the rule engine, variables, and custom keys, empowering users to create a truly dynamic process and responsive workflow.

For years our work instruction software has enabled companies to pursue dynamic standardization using the Rule Engine, Variables, and Custom Keys.

• Rule Engine: The Rule Engine is an interface that allows authors to create IF-THEN formulas that react to specific criteria and produce dynamic outcomes within the guidebook.
• Custom Keys: Custom keys allow companies to pull data from a smart form field within VKS. These custom keys identify the form and its data, enabling organizations to easily activate forms and/or extract and add specific information within VKS.
• Variables: Variables allow users to dynamically store and retrieve values from other systems such as an ERP or MES. VKS users can simply add the custom key into the variables field and VKS will pull the required parameters from the work order.

Now, VKS 6.9 combines the capabilities of these three features, enabling organizations to trigger Rules based on 2 criteria: Variable data from your other systems and Custom Keys within VKS.

Prior to VKS 6.9, the rule engine was dependent on static values, meaning that authors would have to create multiple guidebooks and/or steps to cover all the different scenarios. But now, with rules that can be triggered by data straight from your work order and/or previously filled smart form data, every scenario is baked into your guidebook.

For example:

1. Authors create a guidebook for 1 process with varying specifications and quality checks.
2. The author then programs the rule engine with custom keys and variables to pull the exact data the process needs.
3. Based on the pulled data (variables + custom keys), VKS knows what subsequent action should follow.
4. Actions include activating a non-conformance form, presenting a part number, jumping to a specific step, and more.

Now this may seem a bit complex but bear with us, it's pretty cool for a few reasons.

• Saves time authoring: This new feature enables process authors to create one guidebook that applies to hundreds of unique work orders and varying factors.
• Greater process control: VKS will always guide the operator with the specifications and tasks specific to the work order, ensuring that customers get exactly what they ordered.
• Increased data integrity: This feature centralizes the data and specifications between systems, creating a responsive and resilient digital thread.
• Accurate & dynamic quality validation: With quality validations coming straight from the work order via your ERP or PLM, standards are met every time.

Let’s explore some use cases to fully grasp the new capabilities this feature brings to the manufacturing table.

Use Case 1: Serial Number Validation for Medical Devices

For example, within pacemaker manufacturing, where each product is designed and molded for the individual, there are a lot of custom parts that go into each final assembly. The process for each pacemaker is the same, but the parts are different.

Using the Variables feature, process authors can create one guidebook that will grab the specified part number from each work order and then dynamically show workers which parts must be used based on the pulled information.

Now with VKS 6.9, the author can place a rule that verifies if the correct part number was used and perform the necessary resulting actions.

• If the part number matches the work order specs delivered by the variable, then the user can go on.
• If the serial number matches, the Guidebook moves to the next step. If the serial numbers do not match, the Rule Engine is programmed to flag the issue and prevent the operator from finishing the operation.

This new capability allows companies to create one guidebook that covers multiple specs and criteria while ensuring that all pacemakers receive the right parts, streamlining a mixed model workflow. The data is also automatically gathered and stored, ensuring you have all the information needed for your eDHRs.

Use Case 2: Incoming Inspection Guidebook

This new feature also enables organizations to make smart and responsive inspection guidebooks based on data retrieved by variables and custom keys, offering organizations a method to add yet another layer of quality control

Let’s say you have a general inspection guidebook that directs the quality inspector to perform all key inspection procedures for a line of industrial blowers. If any component is found to have been built outside of specification, the rule engine flags the data and the quality inspector performs the corrective actions.

In the past, the inspection guidebook would need to be pre-programmed with all relevant specifications based on the individual requirements of each work order to trigger any actions from the rule engine.

But now, the specifications from the work order and the measurements taken during the assembly process are automatically transmitted to the guidebook thanks to variables and custom keys. This new capability means that authors only need to create one inspection procedure for similar products and then VKS adds the correct specifications based on the work order.

Let’s lay this process out:

• A company defines a standard inspection plan for incoming products from a supplier.
• The received products vary in size and material depending on the order.
• With this new feature, the company can create one guidebook that dynamically adjusts its tolerances and specifications based on the work order. VKS always validates the correct size and materials for each order, even when each one is different.
• VKS rules can flag any inspection points that do not meet the variable or custom key data.

Use Case 3: Paint Quality Verification

A paint manufacturer offers qualified customers the option to order custom paint colors and mixes for varying purposes. These paints follow a very specific quality process and some cannot be exposed to the air for long before degrading.

In this case, the paint a customer has ordered must be packaged within 5 hours of mixing the final components. After this period, the paint has degraded too far and is no longer viable for the customer’s use.

To validate this time requirement, the company takes advantage of the new VKS 6.9 feature and uses the following process.

1. When the last paint components are mixed, a label identifying the current time plus five hours is printed with a barcode and the following expiration time, represented as a number: 240513145422 (YYMMDDHHMMSS).
2. The operator scans the barcode into a VKS smart form and the result is saved.
3. Once the operator finishes packaging the container of paint, another label is printed with the current time, represented as 240513131218.
4. The operator scans it into the final quality form at the end of the guidebook.
5. Based on a rule using the two values from each barcode, VKS ensures that the second time code is less than the time on the first label.

If the number is smaller, the operator can continue the packaging process. However, if the time exceeds 5 hours, then the paint is no longer viable for consumer use.

This scenario shows how companies can ensure that no subpar products leave the facility by using dynamic values and flexible time tracking.

Update #4: Diversified Language AI that Fits Your Needs

Have you ever heard the saying: two is better than one? Well now VKS users can bolster their translation processes with two powerful AI systems.

For over a decade, VKS has been leveraging Google’s Translation AI to help organizations overcome language barriers and share knowledge globally. If a company has similar processes worldwide, like Chesterton with facilities in the US and Germany, they can share their processes instantly and enact globally standardized processes.

However, while Google’s translation AI is impressive on its own, adding DeepL to our translation feature allows users to tailor their language needs to the unique requirements of their location and business.

There are some small but valuable differences between the two tools that make it beneficial for users to choose one over the other

Advantages of DeepL:

• Natural Sounding Language: Among reviews, people and organizations have reported DeepL’s translations to be more natural sounding.
• Made for European Languages: DeepL is made for European originating languages, provide more accurate translations for German, French, Spanish, etc.

Advantages of Google Translate:

• More Supported Languages: Google supports over 130 languages, including a vast array of Asian languages, whereas DeepL only supports 30+ languages.

What’s exciting about this new update is that VKS users don’t have to choose between either AI platform. Rather, businesses can choose which languages they want translated by each system, enabling them to receive the best of both worlds.

For example, companies can decide that all German translations will be done using DeepL while Google Translate will complete Japanese translations.

Update #5. Underline Text Annotations

At VKS, we’re constantly evolving the visual capabilities of our work instruction platform, enabling companies to consistently enhance their authoring capabilities. In VKS 6.9, we’ve continued that goal by enabling users to underline their annotations.

Along with the ability to customize font sizes and color pallets for all annotations, this new underline feature allows organizations to draw attention to specific annotations, ensuring that workers quickly see and identify key parts of the process.

Let’s Get Visual

VKS 6.9 brings new visual features to the manufacturing table and advances our mission to empower manufacturers and other industries to visually standardize their processes while collecting valuable data.

With in-depth displays that show users key information faster, enhanced control of smart tool steps, intelligent automated authoring elements, and new ways to optimize your text annotations, we’re pushing the capabilities of smart standardization further than ever before.