Training Program helps make changeovers more efficient.
Press Release Summary:
SMED Quick Changeover Solution Package provides all materials and instructions necessary for companies to conduct 5-day training program that will lead to successful implementation of SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die). With clear, step-by-step instructions, it shows users how to streamline changeovers. Package includes facilitator guide with digital media CD, preparation guide, workbooks, motion diagram forms, setup combination worksheets, forms, and Red Tag Register.
Original Press Release:
Changeover Solution Package Shows How to Reduce Machine Idle Time
October 27, 2005 -- The SMED Quick Changeover Solution Package from Enna 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 the scheme of things, SMED comes after 5S, which is a discipline for organizing the workplace in terms of sort, straighten, sweep, standardize and sustain. SMED is oriented toward 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 standardization 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 analyze the time spent between runs. Then, users may transform their findings into practical solutions that are based on highly productive systems and methods.
SMED 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 package contains:
o Facilitator guide, including a Digital Media CD that uses latest Flash technology in presentation format.
o 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.
o Participant workbooks, motion diagram forms, setup combination worksheets, and more.
o Forms for observation and standardization of changeover activities.
o Red Tag Register along with tags and several posters to serve as constant workplace reminders.
Implementation of the principles of SMED goes right into the setup of machines, with special focus on tooling and fixtures. It devises innovative solutions that may seem small and inexpensive on an individual basis and are often surprisingly simple to apply. Taken collectively, the solutions will result in impressive savings by 'improving the machine' to run at new levels of productivity.
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. Implementation simply calls for a team leader who has good understanding of the manufacturing operation, shows a commitment to ongoing improvement and is a good communicator.
While other companies may offer in-house training packages that users may implement in the quest to improve productivity, Enna takes the process several steps further. Enna provides programs, the resource materials and the software that empowers management to take full control of workshops and to integrate the results into other databases.
Users will find that the application of a formalized program such as SMED often reveals further opportunities to enhance profits by focusing the attention of all workers on production efficiencies. SMED also has the desirable effect of involving workers in the lean manufacturing process and encouraging their thoughts and commitment toward ongoing improvements in the workplace.
More information on the Enna SMED Solution Package may be obtained from Collin McLoughlin at the address shown on the first page of this release.
