Reduce machine idle time with changeover solution package
Ferret
THE SMED Quick Changeover Solution Package, available from Improvement Tools, provides all the materials and instruction necessary for companies to conduct their own five-day training program that will lead to the successful implementation of SMED.
SMED stands for 'Single-Minute Exchange of Die' and originally related to fast tooling changeovers on machine tools such as milling machines. The term is now applied to any manufacturing process where downtime occurs as machines are reconfigured to run a different job batch or process.
In a Lean Manufacturing implementation, SMED comes after 5S, which is a discipline for organising the workplace in terms of sort, straighten, sweep, standardise and sustain.
SMED is oriented towards operations and shows the user how to find ways to make changeovers more efficient, no matter the industry or product being manufactured. SMED originated with the time-saving initiatives developed by Shigeo Shingo at Toyota in Japan.
A good deal of time can be lost between batch runs or process runs on manufacturing equipment. This may occur for several reasons. As an example, many pre-production activities that can be done simultaneously are being done sequentially. Other examples include poor material handling efficiency, paperwork that is unclear or complicated and a lack of standardisation of tools.
Rather than having to deal with such problems on a continuous basis, instruction in the techniques of SMED provides a formal way to analyse the time spent between runs. Then, users may transform their findings into practical solutions that are based on highly productive systems and methods.
The SMED solution package both instructs users how to streamline changeovers and provides all the tools for implementation. The result is a package that offers clear, step-by-step instructions yet delivers full flexibility to tailor a program that satisfies unique needs.
More than just an instruction package, SMED provides the necessary materials for full implementation.
The SMED solution package contains:
* Facilitator guide, including a Digital Media CD that uses latest Flash technology in presentation format.
* Preparation guide, to help the facilitator prepare for the event and serve as a reference manual for timing, scheduling and overall flow of the workshop.
* Participant workbooks, motion diagram forms, setup combination worksheets and more.
* Forms for observation and standardisation of changeover activities.
* Red Tag Register along with tags and several posters to serve as constant workplace reminders.
The SMED package encourages workers to fully implement what they have learned when they return to the shop floor. It ensures that companies can be masters of their own productivity-improvement program without having to rely on outside consultants or trainers.
Users will find that the application of a formalised program such as SMED often reveals further opportunities to enhance profits by focusing the attention of all workers on production efficiencies.
SMED involves workers in the lean manufacturing process and encourages their thoughts and commitment toward ongoing improvements in the workplace.
6 December 2005
