Glossary
Glossary: shop-floor, quality and AR terms explained
Plain-language definitions of the terms used around digital work instructions and lean manufacturing.
In short
This glossary explains the terms operations, quality and HSE teams use every day, from SOP and SMED to LOTO, GMP and augmented reality. Each entry gives a short definition, a shop-floor example and related terms. Actarion uses these concepts to turn SOPs into AR-guided digital work instructions.
- Glossary
Augmented reality
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. Actarion uses AR to guide work instructions step by step on the actual machine.
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
CAPA
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 by pushing updated work instructions to every station and showing step-level deviation data.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Connected worker
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 worker solutions: AI-generated work instructions, AR guidance, skills tracking and remote assistance.
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Digital twin
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 side: AR instructions anchored to the real machine, with execution data flowing back.
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
First-time-right
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 with step-by-step digital instructions, built-in checks and AR guidance at the point of work.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
GMP
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 records are central. Actarion supports GMP with controlled digital work instructions and an audit trail per execution.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Knowledge capture
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 expert tasks on video and turns them with AI into digital work instructions.
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Line clearance
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 food. Actarion makes line clearance a guided digital checklist with photo proof.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Lockout/tagout (LOTO)
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 guides LOTO step by step on tablet or AR glasses and logs every isolation point.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
MES
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 complements an MES with AR-guided work instructions and step-level data on how tasks were done.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Mixed reality
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 reality headsets for hands-free work instructions, training and remote assistance.
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
OEE
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 improves the human side of OEE with guided changeovers, standard work and faster fault handling.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Poka-yoke
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 poka-yoke: mandatory checks and confirmations inside the work instruction.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Remote assistance
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. Actarion offers remote assistance within the same platform as the work instructions.
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Skills matrix
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 DeepSight console, based on real executions of digital work instructions.
Training and knowledge retentionupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Smart glasses
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 headsets for hands-free work instructions and remote expert support.
Hardware and implementationupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
SMED
Lean method to reduce changeover time.
Maintenance and operationsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
SOP
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 SOPs with AI into digital, step-by-step work instructions with AR guidance and an audit trail.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Work instruction
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 digital, AR-guided steps on tablets or AR glasses, with every execution logged.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov - Glossary
Worker assistance system
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 is close to a connected worker platform. Actarion delivers worker assistance with AI-generated, AR-guided instructions.
Digital work instructionsupdated 3 Nov
Which terms are covered?
| Term | In one line |
|---|---|
| SOP | An SOP is a controlled document that describes the standard way to carry out a process. |
| work instruction | A work instruction is a document that tells an operator exactly how to perform one task, step by step. |
| connected worker | A connected worker is a frontline employee who is digitally linked to instructions, systems and colleagues while doing the job. |
| SMED | SMED is a lean method, developed by Shigeo Shingo, to reduce changeover time. |
| OEE | OEE is a KPI that shows which share of planned production time results in good output at full speed. |
| poka-yoke | Poka-yoke is a Japanese term for 'mistake-proofing'. |
| skills matrix | A skills matrix (also called a competency or qualification matrix) is an overview of people versus tasks, showing each person's level per task. |
| LOTO | LOTO is a procedure to isolate energy sources (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, thermal) and secure them with locks and tags before work starts. |
| line clearance | Line clearance is a verification step between batches that confirms all previous product, components, labels and records have been removed from the line. |
| GMP | GMP is a quality system for manufacturing, laid down in regulations such as EU GMP (EudraLex Volume 4) and US 21 CFR Parts 210/211. |
| CAPA | CAPA is a structured process for corrective actions (fix an existing problem) and preventive actions (avoid a potential problem). |
| first time right | First time right is a quality KPI: the share of output that meets requirements at the first attempt. |
| augmented reality | Augmented reality is technology that adds computer-generated content to a live view of the physical environment, anchored to real objects. |
| mixed reality | Mixed reality is a form of extended reality in which virtual objects are spatially mapped to the real environment and respond to it. |
| smart glasses | Smart glasses are head-worn displays with a camera and sensors that present information in or near the user's field of view. |
| remote assistance | Remote assistance (also remote expert support) is a video-based connection between a frontline worker and an expert, enriched with drawings or AR markers in the worker's view. |
| knowledge capture | Knowledge capture is the systematic recording of skills, experience and tacit knowledge from experts in a reusable form. |
| digital twin | A digital twin is a digital model of a physical object or system that is linked to it through data, so the model reflects its current state. |
| MES | An MES is an information system that tracks and documents the conversion of raw materials into finished goods, in real time. |
| Werkerassistenzsystem | A Werkerassistenzsystem (worker assistance system) is a digital system that supports employees during manual work with context-specific information and checks. |
How does Actarion help?
- AI turns your SOPs into digital work instructions.
- AR guidance on tablets and AR glasses.
- Audit trail and skills matrix per execution.
Frequently asked questions
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