What are Andon Teams
How to use Teams with Stack Lights?
When you have multiple Wireless Andon Systems in a facility, you may have different andon light stations that need to operate independently or be synchronized. Teams let you organize your wireless tower lights and controllers into independent groups so that each group operates on its own. We call these groups of synchronized Andon lights teams. 
How Teams Work
A team is a group of wireless Andon devices that are programmed to work with each other. When the red light is on for one light in the team, the red light will be on for all of the lights in the team. When a controller or station on Team A sends a signal, only the devices on Team A react. Devices on Team B, Team C, and so on are unaffected. They see the message pass through the mesh network but ignore it because it is not addressed to their team.
The important detail is that all teams still share the same mesh network. This means every device in the facility, regardless of which team it belongs to, acts as a node in the mesh and helps relay messages. A device on Team B can pass along a message meant for Team A even though it does not respond to that message itself. This extends the range and reliability of the system.
Think of it this way: Teams are like channels on a walkie-talkie. Everyone shares the same radio network, but you only hear traffic on your channel.
Why Use Teams?
Teams are useful any time you have more than one independent process or area that needs its own signaling. Here are some common examples:
Multiple Production Lines
A facility with three assembly lines can put each line's tower lights and controllers on a separate team. When Line 1's operator presses a button, only Line 1's lights respond. Lines 2 and 3 are unaffected. This keeps signals clear and prevents confusion.
Different Departments
You might have one team for production, another for shipping, and another for quality. Each department controls its own set of signal lights without interfering with the others. A quality call on the production floor does not trigger the shipping area's lights.
What Can Be on a Team?
Any of our wireless Andon devices can be assigned to a team:
- Wireless Tower Light wireless tower lights
- Wireless Stack Light Station wireless tower lights with button controls
- Wireless Andon Remote remote controllers with lighted buttons
- Wireless IO Device IO module with colored leads
How Are Teams Configured?
When you order our wireless Andon lights and controllers together, we program the teams at our facility before shipping. You tell us which devices should be grouped together, and they arrive ready to go. Just plug in, and they find each other on the mesh automatically.
If you need to change team assignments later or add new devices to an existing system, it is easy to do yourself or give us a call, and we can walk you through it.
Learn More
For related topics, check out these guides:
Need Help Designing Your System?
We configure wireless Andon systems with teams every day. Tell us about your facility layout, and we will recommend the right setup. Give us a call and let us help.