How many people does an inspection system actually need
An inspection system is not zero-person maintenance. Each shift needs someone who can change a template, wipe the lens, and tell a real defect from a false reject. Part-time is allowed. Unmanned is not.
An inspection system is not maintained by nobody. Each shift needs at least one person who can change a template, wipe the lens, and judge a real defect from a false reject. A small plant can have the press operator do this as part of the job. You do not have to hire a separate engineer. Write down who that person is, and who covers when that person is off.
Why it is judged this way
A system is switched off often not because it is broken, but because the night shift does not dare to change the template. At purchase, writing “one trained operator per shift” into the plan is more useful than buying one more feature. The supplier’s remote support does not replace the person who wipes the lens on the spot.
What to compare
| What you see | What to call it | What not to do |
|---|---|---|
| Each shift has a trained operator | It can run | Train the day shift only |
| The person can only press stop and cannot change a template | Not yet able to use it | Pass the acceptance |
| The person is off and nobody covers | Fill the cover first | Switch the system off |
At job change or when a roll is opened
- List the user on each shift.
- Check that they can change one template on their own.
- Write who covers when someone is off.
