Resources
Everything about digital work instructions, training and AR on the shop floor.
Guides, templates, comparisons and customer cases from our team. Search for your question or filter by topic and industry.
63 results
Work instruction template
Word and PDF template with example steps and safety checks.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/work-instruction-templateTemplate3 minSOP template
An SOP template (standard operating procedure template) is a controlled format that defines a process: its purpose, scope, responsibilities, procedure steps, records and revision history. This free SOP template follows c
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/sop-templateTemplate3 minPreventive maintenance checklist
A preventive maintenance checklist lists the inspections, lubrication, adjustments and replacements that keep an asset running, grouped by frequency, with limits and sign-off. This free preventive maintenance checklist c
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/preventive-maintenance-checklistTemplate3 minSkills matrix template
A skills matrix is a grid that shows, per employee, which tasks they can perform and at what level. This free skills matrix template uses a 0–4 scale, a target per task and a gap row, so team leaders can plan shifts and
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/skills-matrix-templateTemplate3 minSMED changeover checklist
A SMED checklist makes sure everything needed for a changeover is ready before the machine stops, and that each changeover follows the same sequence. SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) separates internal work, done whi
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/smed-changeover-checklist
Can’t find what you need?Put your question to Jack or Mark in 30 minutes. No obligation.Book a callTemplate3 minOperator onboarding plan
An operator onboarding checklist is a structured plan that takes a new production employee from day one to working independently. This free template covers pre-arrival, the first day, the first week and a 30-60-90 day pl
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/operator-onboarding-planTemplate3 minMaintenance schedule template
A maintenance schedule template is a planning sheet that lists every asset, its preventive maintenance tasks, their frequency and when each task is due over the year. This free maintenance schedule template contains an a
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/maintenance-scheduleTemplate3 minLockout/tagout procedure template
A lockout tagout procedure is a machine-specific document that tells authorized employees how to shut down, isolate, lock, release stored energy and verify zero energy before service or maintenance. This free lockout tag
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/lockout-tagout-procedureTemplate3 minLine clearance checklist
A line clearance checklist confirms that a production or packaging line is free of materials, labels, product and documents from the previous batch before the next batch starts. Line clearance prevents mix-ups, one of th
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/line-clearance-checklistTemplate3 minQuality inspection checklist
A quality inspection checklist defines which characteristics are checked, against which specification, with which gauge, how often and what happens when a part fails. This free quality inspection checklist covers first-a
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/quality-inspection-checklistTemplate3 min5S audit checklist
A 5S audit checklist scores how well a work area applies the five S's: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. This free 5S audit checklist contains 25 questions with a 0–4 score, a total out of 100 and an ac
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/5s-audit-checklistTemplate3 minPre-shift start-up checklist
A pre-start checklist is a short check an operator completes before starting a machine or line at the beginning of a shift. It confirms that guards and emergency stops work, the machine is in good condition, utilities an
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/pre-shift-checklistTemplate3 minKnowledge transfer plan
A knowledge transfer plan is a structured plan to capture the critical know-how of an experienced employee and pass it to successors before they retire, move or leave. This free knowledge transfer plan template maps task
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/templates/knowledge-transfer-planToolinteractiveROI calculator
The ROI of digital work instructions is the yearly saving on onboarding, errors, downtime and audit preparation, minus the cost of the solution, divided by that cost. This page explains the inputs, assumptions and formul
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/roi-calculatorWhitepaper4 minDigital work instructions: the practical guide for manufacturing
From paper binders to digital and AR-guided work instructions: what they are, where AI and AR genuinely help, and how to roll them out in four phases
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/digital-work-instructions-guideWhitepaper4 minFrom paper SOP to digital standard work: SOP software for quality and compliance
Why compliance is decided at execution, what SOP software must offer in version control and audit trail, and how to migrate safely, including AR SOPs
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/sop-software-digital-standard-workWhitepaper4 minChoosing a connected worker platform: a buyer's guide
What the platform must do, when AR earns its place, how to score vendors and why a measured pilot should make the final decision
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/connected-worker-platform-buyers-guideWhitepaper4 minThe business case for digital work instructions: ROI method, assumptions and ranges
How the ActARion ROI calculator works: four savings formulas, the finance model behind payback, ROI and NPV, a worked example and how to defend the nu
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/roi-business-case-digital-work-instructionsWhitepaper4 minIT and security dossier: AR and AI on the shop floor
What IT/OT, the CISO and the DPO need to assess before digital and AR work instructions go live: devices, networks, identity, data, GDPR, the EU AI Ac
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/it-security-ar-aiWhitepaper4 minThe frontline training and onboarding playbook
How manufacturing, pharma, food and maintenance teams bring new operators and technicians to independent, safe work faster, with a skills matrix, a st
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/whitepapers/frontline-training-onboarding-playbookWhitepaper2 minState of frontline work 2027
The State of frontline work 2027 report maps how manufacturers in Benelux and DACH create, maintain and use work instructions, how long onboarding takes and where AI and AR are already in use. The report will be publishe
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/frontline-work-report-2027Glossary2 minWhat Is an SOP? Definition and Example
An SOP, or standard operating procedure, is the approved, written description of how a recurring task must be done, by whom and with which checks. SOPs secure quality, safety and compliance. Actarion converts existing SO
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/sopGlossary2 minWhat Is a Work Instruction? Definition
A work instruction is a detailed, step-by-step description of how one specific task is performed at the workstation, including tools, settings and checks. It sits below the SOP. Actarion turns work instructions into digi
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/work-instructionGlossary2 minWhat Is a Connected Worker? Definition
A connected worker is a frontline employee who uses digital tools, such as tablets, AR glasses and apps, to get instructions, data and expert help during the task, and whose work is recorded. Actarion delivers connected
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/connected-workerGlossary2 minWhat Is SMED? Changeover Method Explained
Lean method to reduce changeover time.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/smedGlossary2 minWhat Is OEE? Overall Equipment Effectiveness
OEE, or overall equipment effectiveness, measures how much of planned production time is truly productive. It multiplies availability, performance and quality. A low OEE points to stops, slow cycles or scrap. Actarion im
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/oeeGlossary2 minWhat Is Poka-Yoke? Error-Proofing Explained
Poka-yoke is the lean principle of error-proofing: designing a part, tool or process so that a mistake cannot happen or is detected immediately. Examples are keyed connectors and sensors that stop a press. Actarion adds
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/poka-yokeGlossary2 minWhat Is a Skills Matrix? Definition & Example
A skills matrix is a table that shows which employees are qualified for which tasks or machines, and at what level. It supports shift planning, training and audits. Actarion keeps the skills matrix current in the DeepSig
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/skills-matrixGlossary2 minWhat Is LOTO? Lockout/Tagout Explained
LOTO, or lockout/tagout, is a safety procedure that isolates a machine from all hazardous energy and locks it, so it cannot start during maintenance or cleaning. Each person applies a personal lock and tag. Actarion guid
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/lotoGlossary2 minWhat Is Line Clearance? Definition & Steps
Line clearance is the documented check that a production or packaging line is free of materials, labels and documents from the previous batch before a new batch starts. It prevents mix-ups. It is critical in pharma and f
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/line-clearanceGlossary2 minWhat Is GMP? Good Manufacturing Practice
GMP, or good manufacturing practice, is the set of regulations and guidelines that ensures medicines, food and similar products are produced consistently and controlled to quality standards. Documented procedures and rec
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/gmpGlossary2 minWhat Is CAPA? Corrective & Preventive Action
CAPA, or corrective and preventive action, is the quality process that investigates the root cause of a deviation, corrects it and prevents recurrence. It is required in GMP and ISO-based systems. Actarion speeds up CAPA
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/capaGlossary2 minWhat Is First Time Right? Definition & KPI
First time right (FTR) is the percentage of products, tasks or jobs completed correctly the first time, without rework, repair or repeat visits. It reflects process quality and instruction clarity. Actarion raises FTR wi
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/first-time-rightGlossary2 minWhat Is Augmented Reality (AR) in Industry?
Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information, such as arrows, labels or 3D models, on the real world, seen through a tablet camera or AR glasses. In industry, AR shows operators exactly where and how to act. Actar
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/augmented-realityGlossary2 minWhat Is Mixed Reality? Definition vs AR and VR
Mixed reality (MR) blends digital content with the physical world so holograms stay anchored and can interact with real surfaces and hands. Headsets such as Apple Vision Pro and HoloLens 2 deliver MR. Actarion uses mixed
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/mixed-realityGlossary2 minWhat Are Smart Glasses? Industrial Use
Smart glasses are wearable devices that show digital information in the user's field of view, keeping both hands free. They range from simple monocular displays to full AR headsets. Actarion uses smart glasses and headse
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/smart-glassesGlossary2 minWhat Is Remote Assistance? Definition & Use
Remote assistance is live support in which an off-site expert sees the technician's view through a tablet, smartphone or smart glasses and guides them with voice, annotations or AR markers. It cuts travel and downtime. A
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/remote-assistanceGlossary2 minWhat Is Knowledge Capture? Definition
Knowledge capture is the process of recording the practical know-how of experienced employees, often tacit knowledge, so it stays in the organization and can be reused. It is urgent where staff retire. Actarion captures
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/knowledge-captureGlossary2 minWhat Is a Digital Twin? Definition & Example
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset, line or process that is kept in sync with real-world data. It is used to monitor, simulate and optimize. Actarion connects to this idea from the operator si
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/digital-twinGlossary2 minWhat Is an MES? Manufacturing Execution System
An MES, or manufacturing execution system, is software that manages and records production on the shop floor: orders, materials, machine status, quality data and traceability. It links ERP planning to the line. Actarion
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/mesGlossary2 minWhat Is a Werkerassistenzsystem? Meaning
Werkerassistenzsystem is the German term for a worker assistance system: technology that guides operators step by step at the workstation, using screens, projection, pick-to-light or AR glasses, and records the work. It
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/resources/glossary/werkerassistenzsystemGuide2 minHow to Write Work Instructions Operators Actually Follow
Seven steps to clear, visual instructions.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/how-to-write-work-instructionsGuide4 minWhat Is an SOP? Definition, Structure and Example
An SOP (standard operating procedure) is a written, approved description of how a recurring process must be carried out, by whom and to which standard. SOPs make work consistent, safe and auditable. Actarion converts exi
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/what-is-an-sopGuide4 minSMED: How to Cut Changeover Time Step by Step
SMED (single-minute exchange of die) is a lean method to cut changeover time by moving as much work as possible to while the machine is still running. The goal is a changeover in single-digit minutes. Actarion makes the
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/smed-guideGuide4 minWhat Is a Connected Worker? Definition, Building Blocks, Use Cases
A connected worker is a frontline employee who uses digital tools, such as a tablet, smartphone or AR glasses, to get the right instructions, data and expert help at the moment of work, while their actions are logged. Ac
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/what-is-a-connected-workerGuide4 minHoloLens 2 Alternatives: What to Use Now for Industrial AR
Microsoft ended HoloLens 2 production in October 2024 and will provide security updates until the end of 2027. Main HoloLens 2 alternatives are tablets, mixed reality headsets such as Apple Vision Pro and Android XR devi
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/hololens-2-alternativesGuide4 minSkills Matrix: How to Build One for Your Production Team
A skills matrix is a grid that shows which employee is qualified for which task, and at what level. It helps you plan shifts, spot single points of failure and target training. Actarion keeps the skills matrix current au
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/skills-matrix-guideGuide4 minVisual Work Instructions: How to Show Instead of Tell
Visual work instructions are work instructions that use photos, drawings, video or AR overlays instead of long text to show each step. They are faster to understand, work across languages and reduce interpretation errors
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/visual-work-instructionsGuide4 minAI SOP Generator: How to Create SOPs with AI, Safely
An AI SOP generator uses a language model to turn source material, such as old procedures, manuals, notes or video, into a structured SOP or step-by-step work instruction. It saves writing time, but the output is a draft
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/ai-sop-generatorGuide4 minPreventive Maintenance: How to Build a Plan That Gets Done
Preventive maintenance is maintenance carried out on a fixed schedule or usage interval, before equipment fails. It reduces unplanned downtime and extends asset life. The plan only works if every task is done the same wa
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/preventive-maintenance-guideGuide4 minOperator Onboarding: From First Day to Qualified, Faster
Operator onboarding is the structured process that takes a new production employee from first day to working independently and safely. A good onboarding plan defines tasks, levels, a buddy and checkpoints. Actarion short
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/operator-onboardingGuide4 minAR in Manufacturing: Use Cases That Pay Off and How to Start
AR in manufacturing means projecting digital information, such as work steps, arrows or checks, onto the real machine or product through a tablet or smart glasses. It helps operators find the right part, follow the right
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/ar-in-manufacturingGuide4 minSmart Glasses for Manufacturing: Types, Use Cases and How to Choose
Smart glasses for manufacturing are wearable displays that show work instructions, checklists or a remote expert's view in the operator's field of vision, leaving both hands free. They range from simple monocular display
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/smart-glasses-industryGuide4 minKnowledge Capture in Manufacturing: Secure Expertise Before It Leaves
Knowledge capture is the systematic recording of the know-how of experienced employees, especially the unwritten tricks, so others can perform the work to the same standard. In manufacturing it is urgent because experien
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/blog/knowledge-transfer-manufacturingComparison2 minDigital vs paper work instructions: which works better?
When paper is enough and when digital pays off.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/compare/digital-vs-paper-work-instructionsComparison3 minConnected worker platform vs LMS: what is the difference?
Connected worker vs LMS: a learning management system (LMS) manages courses and certificates away from the line. A connected worker platform guides the actual task at the workstation and records how it was done. Most pla
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/compare/connected-worker-vs-lmsComparison3 minVision Pro vs HoloLens 2: which headset for industrial AR?
Vision Pro vs HoloLens: Microsoft has discontinued HoloLens 2 and supports it with security fixes until 31 December 2027. Existing fleets can keep running, but new rollouts should plan on current devices such as Apple Vi
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/compare/vision-pro-vs-hololensComparison3 minAR glasses vs tablets: which device for work instructions?
AR glasses vs tablet: tablets are the best starting point for most digital work instructions because they are familiar, robust and quick to roll out. AR glasses pay off when operators need both hands, work at height or i
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov/en/compare/ar-glasses-vs-tabletsComparison4 minBest work instruction software: how to choose in 2026
The best work instruction software is the one your operators actually use and your auditors accept. Judge tools on authoring speed, execution on the floor, device support, audit trail, skills tracking, integration and pi
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/compare/best-work-instruction-softwareCustomer case2 minMining case: AR training and maintenance across sites
A global mining company used AR work instructions to standardize training, maintenance and pre-inspections across its mine sites. Built on the DeepSight platform, the program delivered 40 training courses over three site
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/customers/mining-training-maintenanceCustomer case2 minFood case: AR-guided changeovers and inspections
Standardised SMED across three shifts.
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov/en/customers/food-changeover-inspectionsCustomer case2 minPharma case: AR training for changeovers on every shift
An international pharmaceutical company used AR work instructions so night and weekend shifts could perform changeovers correctly without an expert on site. On the DeepSight platform it built 30 training courses that 350
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov/en/customers/pharma-training-changeoverCustomer case2 minTransport case: AR maintenance training with traceability
A transport and logistics company used AR work instructions to train hundreds of new hires in preventive maintenance and to document every job. On the DeepSight platform it built 20 training courses for two sites, with e
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov/en/customers/transport-maintenance-traceabilityYour question isn’t listed? Ask an expert.
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