Close
ILS Graphic

Operator Guidance Buying Guide

Identifying the right operator guidance solution for your application can sometimes be challenging. This guide provides an overview of our operator guidance portfolio, which is designed for safety, quality, and reliability in industrial applications.

Welcome to the Atlas Copco Operator Guidance Buying Guide. This resource can assist you in learning more about the available features and functions of our operator guidance products so that you can make an informed decision about which solution to use for your project. If this guide doesn't answer all your questions, please feel free to reach out to one of our experts for more information!

Your Application Needs

Station Level

Station-level guidance ensures tools are only active within a defined workstation, helping prevent cross-assembly and ensuring the right task is done in the right location. With 30–50 cm accuracy, this solution uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to create digital coordinates that restrict tool usage to the correct zone. Atlas Copco’s Industrial Location Mapping (ILM) enables scalable implementation for varied production needs.

  • Yes Tool will only work within desired area
  • Yes Accuracy within 30 to 50 cm
  • Yes Radio technology
  • Yes Tool orientation detection

Line Level

Line-level guidance enables tools only when they’re in the correct area or on a moving part, supporting traceability and error-proofing across larger production zones. Like station-level systems, it uses UWB technology for coordinate-based control. ILM Sync Modes ensure tool and system alignment with moving lines, making this solution ideal for flexible production environments with shifting workflows or carrier-based systems.

  • Yes Tool will only work on desired part or moving area
  • Yes Accuracy within 30 cm
  • Yes Radio technology
  • Yes Tool orientation detection

Bolt Level

Bolt-level guidance delivers the highest level of accuracy, enabling tools only when precisely aligned with a specific fastener—down to 10 mm. This level of control ensures bolts are tightened in the correct location, order, and specification. Different technologies support different needs: vision-based systems (ILS - Industrial Location Spotpoint) for flexibility, encoder-based positioning arms for mechanical precision, or ILP (Industrial Location Pointsense), a LiDAR-based solution that verifies tool position before tightening begins. Bolt-level control is essential for complex and safety-critical assemblies.

  • Yes Tool will only work on desired bolt
  • Yes Down to 10 mm accuracy
  • Yes Flexible technologies for different needs

Process Control

Avantguard is more than just an operator guidance solution. It is a scalable software focused on error-proofing everything from your entire process to a single build cell, rework area and even down to a single training station. It can keep track of multiple variants of products along with ensuring the operators are completing tasks correctly while guiding them and collecting all the data necessary to add the traceability you need. Combine Avantguard with any of our location-based systems to add even more control over critical torque applications.

  • Yes Digital Work Instructions
  • Yes Part Verification
  • Yes Tool Lock/Unlock
  • Yes Device Integration

Understanding our Operator Guidance Portfolio

            

Industrial Location Mapping

Industrial Location Mapping (ILM) is a standalone, ultra-wideband (UWB) tool-location solution that ensures cordless tools only operate in their authorized areas—boosting safety, minimizing errors, and simplifying line rebalancing. With real-time tracking, easy setup, and no server required, ILM helps manufacturers gain the flexibility of battery tools without sacrificing control or productivity.

Industrial Location Spotpoint

Industrial Location SpotPoint (ILS) is a wireless, vision-based bolt-level positioning system that ensures tools only operate at the correct bolt, with the right torque and in the right sequence—helping reduce tightening errors and improve quality. With tags, built-in sensors, and easy installation, ILS provides real-time visual guidance for operators while supporting greater flexibility, speed, and accuracy across complex production environments.

Industrial Location Arms

Industrial Location Arms (ILA) combine ergonomic design with precision tool guidance to reduce operator fatigue and ensure consistent tightening results. Available in floor-mounted, inverted rail-mounted or table-top configurations, these torque arms are ideal for space-constrained environments and demanding applications like compact workstations.

Industrial Location Pointsense

Industrial Location Pointsense (ILP) is a LiDAR-based error-proofing solution that verifies tool position on the correct fastener before tightening begins—no additional hardware beyond the ILP module on the tool is required. Integrated with the ILG system, ILP ensures the tool only operates when accurately aligned with the specified bolt, driving quality, eliminating positioning errors.

Industrial Location Guidance

Industrial Location Guidance (ILG) is a stand-alone error-proofing software that combines positioning hardware, tightening control, and error-proofing software to ensure fasteners are tightened in the correct location, sequence, and with the right parameters. With built-in operator guidance, visual feedback, and dynamic part referencing, ILG increases process security, improves quality, and boosts productivity in assembly operations—all while maintaining traceability and flexibility. The system is scalable and adaptable.

Industrial Projection Guidance

Industrial Projection Guidance (IPG) is a dynamic visual worker assistance system that uses laser and video projection to simplify complex manual tasks in assembly, quality assurance, and rework. By replacing traditional templates with augmented reality projections, IPG reduces errors, eliminates the need for blueprints and physical guides, and enhances operator precision and efficiency—especially in high-mix, low-volume production environments. IPG can work in conjuction with ILS for increased error-proofing capabilities.

   

Avantguard

Avantguard – the next generation of error proofing software. This server level solution provides a flexible process control solution that allows operator guidance to run on a web browser. You can now display workflows from many different devices while controlling and sequencing plant floor equipment. 

Avantguard-AC blue

Prevent Scrap with Error Proofing & Guidance

This video from our Simply Sustainable Series introduces Industrial Location solutions and how they can help you with your sustainablility efforts. Uncover how you can improve the sustainability and profitability of your manufacturing facility by tackling one of the most pressing challenges in production: excess scrap.

Key Technologies

Error-Proofing

Atlas Copco’s operator guidance solutions deliver a new level of error proofing by combining real-time positioning, visual projection, and intelligent tool control. These systems guide operators with precision, validate each step, and reduce rework while enabling full process traceability.

Integrations

Operator Guidance soltuions from Atlas Copco offer integrations with a variety of our products. From our innovative IxB tools to error proofing software like Avantguard, we can ensure that our operator guidance solutions will work for your application.

Simplicity

Atlas Copco’s operator guidance solutions are designed for simplicity, with intuitive interfaces, plug-and-play setup, and seamless integration into existing systems. From quick installation to easy programming, these solutions make advanced error proofing straightforward and accessible.

Turn-Key Solution

Atlas Copco’s operator guidance systems are true turn-key solutions. Pre-engineered, fully integrated, and ready to deploy with minimal setup. From hardware to software, everything works seamlessly together for fast implementation and immediate results.

Advanced Tracking Tech

Packed with advanced tracking technology, Atlas Copco’s operator guidance solutions deliver real-time tool positioning, process monitoring, and intelligent feedback, ensuring every step is performed precisely and accurately.

Sustainability

By preventing assembly errors before they happen, Atlas Copco’s operator guidance solutions reduce the risk of defects and rework, cutting down on scrapped materials and supporting more sustainable production.

         

Ready to Learn More?

Contact an operator guidance expert today to determine what solution is best for your application and get an on-site demonstration.