Smarter workstations. Better connected production.

The physical workstation is an integral part of the solution.

We can design and manufacture bespoke smart workbenches around the operator, task, equipment and production environment. This can include mechanical structures, adjustable work surfaces, lighting, guarding, electrical systems, control equipment and mounting for integrated technologies.

The workstation can be engineered around client standards together with applicable legislation, directives and technical requirements.

Where required, we can take responsibility for the complete package, including the relevant conformity assessment and delivery as a CE or UKCA marked assembly.

For existing production environments, we can also integrate technology into off the shelf workstations or retrofit existing benches where retaining current equipment provides the best solution.

We can bring the different technologies within the workstation together through a single graphical user experience, typically presented through a screen or touchscreen.

Rather than asking operators to learn and move between multiple software packages, the interface can combine work instructions, inspection steps, test procedures, tool information, system prompts and results in one consistent place.

The experience is tailored around the task and the operator, helping simplify interaction, build operator confidence and make the overall workstation easier to use.

Replace static instructions with clear digital guidance that supports the operator through each stage of a production, assembly, inspection or testing task.

Instructions can include text, images, drawings, CAD information, video, inspection criteria, test parameters and interactive process steps. Content can change automatically according to the product, variant, operation or work order being completed.

This can reduce learning curves when products or processes change, make information easier to access and support a more flexible workforce.

Give operators clear visual guidance directly where the work takes place.

Projection and augmented reality can highlight components, assembly positions, inspection areas, test points or individual process steps, helping operators interpret instructions without repeatedly moving between the product and a separate screen.

Depending on the application, guidance can be delivered through projectors, screens, tablets or other augmented reality technologies.

This can help reduce preparation time, improve accuracy and make complex tasks easier to complete consistently.

A smart workbench can interact directly with the tools and equipment used to complete the task.

We can integrate smart tooling, torque tools, scanners, RFID, sensors, cameras, test equipment and other connected technologies into the workstation workflow.

Tool settings and process parameters can be selected automatically for the task, results can be captured digitally, and the system can verify that required operations have been completed before allowing the process to continue.

The workstation can also interact with wider manufacturing technologies such as AMRs, automated material handling and kit by light systems, helping ensure the correct parts, tools and information are available when required.

Smart workbenches can support inspection and testing activities as well as production and assembly.

Depending on the application, we can integrate machine vision, metrology, augmented reality, laser projection, sensors, test equipment and other inspection technologies to guide the operator through the required process.

The workstation can identify each inspection or control point, guide the operator to the correct location and capture results against the relevant part, process or work order.

Technologies can be used individually or together. For example, projection or augmented reality can identify the area to inspect while machine vision, metrology or test equipment captures and verifies the result.

This can help:

Improve the reliability of non conformance detection
Ensure required control points are completed
Improve the repeatability of inspections
Reduce inspection and reporting time
Reduce the cost of scrap and late rework
Improve documentation and traceability
Support both manual and automated inspection processes

A smart workbench should not operate as an isolated production asset.

FAIRFIELDS can securely connect workstations into the wider manufacturing network, allowing information to flow between operators, equipment, production systems and the wider business.

This can include integration with MES, MOM, ERP, quality management, production scheduling and other enterprise platforms.

Work orders, product information and process requirements can be delivered directly to the workstation. Production progress, inspection results, test data, tool information and digital sign off can then be returned to the appropriate systems.

Our industrial networking and cyber security specialists support the infrastructure behind these connections, helping create secure, resilient and scalable architectures for connected manufacturing environments.

There is no single technology or platform that makes a workstation smart.

FAIRFIELDS is independent and not tied to one technology vendor. This allows us to work collaboratively with clients, understand the required outcome and evaluate the technologies best suited to achieving it.

We can integrate existing customer technologies, preferred platforms and equipment from multiple suppliers into one joined up workstation.

Our focus is not on adding technology for the sake of it. It is on selecting and integrating the right technologies to make the task easier, improve quality, increase productivity and deliver the outcome required by the client.