A: There is no unified price for a production line electronic Kanban system. A single set can range from a few thousand yuan to several hundred thousand yuan, depending on whether you only need a display terminal or a complete solution involving hardware and software linked with WIP quality data. The conclusion is that budget assessment should not focus on "how much one set costs," but rather be calculated by breaking it down into three dimensions: number of points, data sources, and functional depth.
1. First, consider the scale of points, which is the first variable affecting price. The cost difference between installing one Kanban on a single line and linking over ten Kanbans across an entire workshop can be several times higher. The number of Kanbans, screen size, and whether industrial-grade dust-proof and water-proof tablets are required directly determine the hardware portion. For example, suppose a hypothetical electronics factory installs only two 55-inch Kanbans in the SMT section; the hardware investment remains limited. Conversely, if a hypothetical auto parts manufacturer needs real-time WIP Kanbans for all eight lines in the workshop, both hardware and cabling costs will naturally increase.
2. Data collection methods represent a critical dividing line. If the Kanban only performs static display, the price is low. However, to capture real-time data from workstation computers, barcode scanners, PLCs, and testing equipment, costs must include data acquisition gateways, interface development, and on-site debugging. The core value of a WIP quality Kanban lies in "real-time" capability. Whether data relies on manual entry or automatic upload from equipment results in completely different solution complexities and significantly different pricing tiers.
3. Software functional depth determines the upper limit of the cost. Displaying only production output and progress belongs to basic Kanban functions. Adding work-in-process traceability, defect warnings, WIP level control between processes, and linkage with quality data Kanbans involves integration with MES or lightweight WIP modules. The closer the function approaches a closed-loop quality control system, the higher the proportion of software licensing and implementation fees.
4. Do not overlook implementation and services. On-site surveys, network upgrades, Kanban installation and debugging, and subsequent operations and maintenance are often underestimated. Whether the vendor provides localized services and their response speed also affect the overall holding cost.
Selection recommendation: First clarify whether you need something that is "visible" or something that is "controllable." If only visual display is required, a budget in the tens of thousands of yuan may suffice. If real-time WIP quality control is needed, request itemized quotes from vendors based on points and functional modules. Compare hardware, software, and implementation costs separately rather than comparing only the total price.