ACEX.eu Software
ACEX StopWatch
What it is
Acex StopWatch is a simple utility designed for process engineers, supervisors or
managers looking for improvements of their line output. This utlity was made initially
for my colleagues, later I decided to release it to anyone as it really works and
bring the benefit.
How to use it
In fact it is easy to use. But maybe first I should give you some background explanation
to understand the idea behind this utility.
If you want to optimize any process you should understand how much time it takes.
Many process engineers responsible for balancing their lines are using just common
stopwatch, measure for example 10 or 50 cycles and then say:
"OK, I measured 50 times, it takes 140 second. It means this process needs 140 second
/ 50 cycles means 1,8 second."
This way they measure all processes on the line, then go to their desk, draw the
line and its processes and type there these values and think how to balance.
But, is this the right way to do it?
My answer is NO. Therefore Acex StopWatch was developed.
For example. A process engineer will measure 10 cycles of some process and get the
result 15 seconds. It means the process takes in an average 1,5 second.
Using Acex StopWatch you will get following data from the measurement of the same
process:
1,188
1,406
1,344
1,234
1,641
1,937
1,531
1,579
1,515
1,625
We can make chart in Excel or any other application and get following chart:
Blue line reflect our results, and I added also green line what is the average.
This chart shows clearly to us, that this process was done many times under 1,5
second. But then something happen and since fifth piece it took much longer. Especially
sixth piece consumed too much time. Based on this process engineer should study
the process again, measure it again, and check why it take more than MINIMUM value
which he got in the first measurement. There must be some reason. Maybe there was
some buffer waiting from mesured process. Or operator was working more quickly as
he or she could see his boss. On the other hand why the sixth piece took more (min
was 1,188 sec and sixth piece took 1,937 sec, means +63%). Maybe the operator could
fit that piece properly into the jig, or somebody called him and he turned his head
and stop for a short time to work etc.
In order to achieve the best output we have to study not average coming from common
method used now, rather we have to understand the fluctuation of time process need
to be finished. Then we should study how to achieve always the MIN.
Ok, that was some theory behind. Now how to use it.
When you start the program, adjust the "Working time of one shift". This parameter
means how many minutes you have available as net working time in
one shift. Net means you will not consider lunchbreaks or coffee breaks. If your
shift is 8 hours (=480min), but lunchbreak takes 30 minutes and coffee break another
15 minutes while nothing is produced during that time, you you set up 480-30-15=435minus
is net working time per shift.
Then go with your notebook to the process you would like to measure or end of production
line if you want to understand total cycle time and fluctuation. Measuring at the
end of line is also very very interesting and important as you will understand how
much stable your complete line is. The more fluctuation you will catch there the
more job is waiting for you to optimize all processes on that line.
When you are ready you can start to hit ENTER key or SPACEBAR to record cycle time
data. Each time you hit, the screen flash. It means you can fully pay attention
to the process and then just hit your keyboard. Also you will catch application
flashing by your eyes announcing data are recorded.
After you finish, you can simply doubleclick recorded measurements, open your favourite
application like MS Excel and paste it there. Then you can make charts. Either linear
or XY type.
How much it cost
ACEX StopWatch is for free.
Latest version info
Lates version is now 1.0.0.0
Version history
No version history yet
We decided to release this utility to our website as it can be helpful to the others,
not just to us.
AutoUpdate feature
We are constantly improving this utility. That
is the reason we implemented AutoUpdate feature, which is checking monthly if we
released any new version. AutoUpdate is managed by ClickOnce technology of .NET Framework.
we do not receive any data from the users this way.
Warning
This software is not changing the content of your files, just storing number of
"Working time of 1 shift" into your profile.
We will not take any responsibility if using this program
will lead to any negative impacts.
Virus & AdWare info
There is no virus in this software. Also there is no adware or anything what will
do collect your data etc. This is just simply utility doing its job.
Installation
This utility use ClickOnce, Microsoft technology to easily deploy simple applications.
If you want to install or update this application, simply click
here.
System requirements
Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0, if you do not have it on your PC, it will
be installed automatically
Contact
If you are happy user, or having any problem, or asking for new features, let us
know by using contact form bellow