Implementation of andon in a seed processing plant for enhanced operational sustainability

Mushiri, T.; Chikuruwo, M. N. H.; Dhliwayo, S.; Munjoma, K.; Chipfurwe, Makoni B.; Chikonobaya, A.; Chirere, E.; Jaya, C.; Mugutso, I.; Makomo, J.; Chita, T.; Makumbe, T.; Mberi, R.; Njenje, T.; Hwendere, C.; Ranganai, M.; Maranga, T.; Sithole, R.; Chitiyo, N.; Borerwe, A.

Date

2025

Publisher

БНТУ

Bibliographic entry

Implementation of andon in a seed processing plant for enhanced operational sustainability = / T. Mushiri, M. N. H. Chikuruwo, S. Dhliwayo [и др.] // Приборостроение-2025 : материалы 18-й Международной научно-технической конференции, 13–15 ноября 2025 года Минск, Республика Беларусь / редкол.: А. И. Свистун (пред.), О. К. Гусев, Р. И. Воробей [и др.]. – Минск : БНТУ, 2025. – С. 418-419.

Abstract

This study implemented a low-cost, open-source Andon system at a seed processing plant in Zimbabwe to address chronic inefficiencies from manual fault monitoring. The system integrated ESP32 microcontrollers, MQTT protocol, Node-RED, and stack lights. Results showed a 42 % reduction in downtime, a 22 % increase in throughput, and 80 % of critical faults resolved within 8 minutes. The framework demonstrates how techno-localism and open-source ecosystems can foster sustainable, locally maintainable automation for agro-processing SMEs.