Manufacturing integrity is a critical aspect of any production process. It ensures that products are made to the highest standards, with minimal errors and maximum efficiency. One key component of maintaining this integrity is line clearance. This process, which involves verifying that all line changeover activities have been completed and that the line is ready to resume production, is crucial for reducing downtime, improving line efficiency, and increasing product quality. In this context, FAT FINGER, a digital workflow procedure builder, plays a pivotal role. FAT FINGER empowers front-line teams to do their work correctly every time, facilitating seamless line changeovers and unlocking operational excellence.
The Importance of Line Clearance in Manufacturing
Shop floors are constantly changing; manufacturers must introduce new products, discontinue old ones, adjust production schedules, and more. With so many moving parts, line changeovers must be managed carefully to avoid disruptions in production. By verifying that all necessary line changeover activities have been completed, line clearance helps to ensure a smooth, efficient manufacturing process. As one Production Manager using FAT FINGER stated, “FAT FINGER is a game changer for our production line clearance process. We can now streamline our production lines with confidence knowing that everything is right at our fingertips.”
Three Steps Involved During Line Clearance Procedures
Line clearance procedures are essential to ensure a safe and efficient manufacturing process. Here are the three key steps involved:
- Clearing the line: This involves removing all products from the line and ensuring that no product remains in any of the line equipment. This step is essential to prevent cross-contamination of products.
- Cleaning the line: This involves sanitizing all surfaces that will come into contact with the product. This step is essential to prevent bacteria from contaminating products. It also involves removing all product build-up and debris from the line.
- Inspection: This is conducted to ensure that the line is clear and clean and that all equipment is in good working order. All moving parts should be lubricated, and all electrical connections should be secure. After inspection, the line is restarted, and production can resume.
The Role of FAT FINGER in Line Clearance
In modern manufacturing, line clearance is an essential part of quality control. By using a digital line clearance checklist, manufacturers can streamline the process and reduce the chances of human error. A CXV Global survey of 30 pharmaceutical professionals found that 100% of respondents had experienced a line clearance error in the past year, and 96% said their current line clearance process takes more than 60 minutes.
With FAT FINGER, all the necessary information is stored in one place, and anyone on the production line can quickly access it. Moreover, remarks, corrective actions, and photos collected during line clearance can be added to the workflow. Reports can be generated on-site and sent to relevant stakeholders via email, PDF, or web link. This way, everyone can stay up-to-date on the latest information. Tasks can be assigned and your clearance line inspection scheduled directly from the app. This ensures everyone is on the same page and no one misses a beat.
Conclusion
Line clearance is a critical aspect of maintaining manufacturing integrity. It ensures that all necessary steps have been taken to prepare a production line for a new run, reducing the risk of errors and contamination. With FAT FINGER, this process can be streamlined and made more efficient, saving time and resources.
So why wait? Sign up to create a line changeover workflow for free on FAT FINGER or schedule a demo today!
Discover the crucial role of line clearance in maintaining manufacturing integrity. Learn how it can significantly improve your production efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure product quality. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your manufacturing process. Schedule a demo today to see it in action.