Digital Process Analysis (DPA) system, innovated and marketed by Pegasus Sewing Machine, known for its chainstitch machines, is a useful tool for time and motion study. The sewn industry not only helps operators understand the best way to perform the operation but also helps achieve the ultimate goal to reduce cost. Team StitchWorld reviews this intelligent process analysis system.
The DPA system employs a lightweight and compact digital movie camera which can take still and moving pictures for the process analysis. The camera records the process performed by the operator and the recorded video is later used for analyzing the efficiency of the unit.
Options are available on the computer systems to view either the standard video or the comparison video. The standard video is helpful when an operator is being trained for a particular process. It helps to make him understand the technicalities of the process and the best way to perform the operation. The DPA system standardizes the various processes occurring in the unit and thus setting output standards.
On the other hand, the comparison video is used by the supervisor to measure the performance of the various operators by comparing them with the standard videos available and ultimately measuring the efficiency of the unit. These videos also help to improve the productivity by measuring the efficiency of the process if done by a different method.
The system does not even require any stopwatch for measuring time. This can be done directly from the moving images on the display and whenever the supervisor wishes to. The various images can be stored in the system and exchanged within various units and subcontracted factories. For the movement of data, in-house and LAN cables are useful while for the subcontracted factories, either CDs or DVDs can be used.
Another advantage of the system is that it gives a detailed operation breakdown of the whole manufacturing process. This helps in setting up the line for a new style or new kind of product ensuring that no process is left unattended.
To install the DPA system in the unit, just a medium processing speed computer and a digital camera are required.
