HelpFab

A digital andon system without the light towers

When a machine goes down, the right tech gets a push alert on their phone in seconds. If they don't respond, it escalates. Every call for help is logged against the machine.

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No credit card, no wiring

See it work

Recorded on a touch screen monitor on a real floor, not a staged demo.

When maintenance isn't enough: setting up Andon in HelpFab

Sound familiar?

  • An operator shouts, waves, or walks to find a tech. Ten minutes pass before anyone with tools shows up.
  • Stack lights tell you a line is down, not why, and they don't call anyone.
  • Hardware andon systems mean PLC wiring, a contractor, and a quote you'd rather not open.

How it works

  1. The operator taps the issue type on a tablet or phone at the machine. Buttons are finger-sized and labeled in plain words.
  2. HelpFab sends a push notification to the people assigned to that issue type. No response within the window you set, and it escalates to the next person or to company admins.
  3. The andon board shows every open issue by machine on any screen. When the tech closes it, the downtime is logged with start, stop, and cause.

Features

  • Push alerts to any phone or tablet: No SMS plan, no app store install
  • Escalation rules per issue type: Who first, who next, how long to wait
  • Andon board for a wall display or office monitor: Color-coded by severity
  • Enable andon per issue type: So a jammed feeder calls a tech but a supply shortage calls the lead
  • Every andon call becomes a downtime record: With MTTR per machine
  • Runs on the devices you already own: Phones, tablets, and any screen with a browser

Who it's for

Plants with 5 to 50 machines where the maintenance team is two people and a phone. If your line stops and the fix is finding the right person faster, this is for you. If you need PLC-triggered alerts today, HelpFab's outbound webhook is on the roadmap; ask us about timing.

Common questions

Do I need stack lights or a PLC connection?

No. Operators trigger alerts from a tablet or phone. Hardware triggers can connect later through a webhook.

How do alerts reach techs?

As push notifications from the installed HelpFab app on their phone. Email is also available.

What if nobody responds?

The alert escalates on the schedule you set, ending with company admins.

Can I show the board on a TV?

Yes. Open the andon page in a browser on any screen connected to the plant network.

What does it cost?

The Free plan includes one app. Basic is $24/month for three apps, and All Access is $49/month for unlimited apps. See Pricing.

Related Guides

Andon systems for small shops

Downtime Tracking

Preventive maintenance

Get the right person to the machine faster.

Start free

See pricing