Fall 2001 Issue

Here's a list of a few of the many continuous improvement projects SCMEP can help you implement:

Kaizen Event Facilitation

The Kaizen method is a "rapid improvement process" utilizing a cross-functioning group of managers and employees working as a team to meet targets in a results-oriented focus on a predefined project area. The process may take the following steps: define the problem/opportunity, choose the best people, and correct the problem in one week or less using Kaizen tools and techniques. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce costs, reduce lead times, reduce required inventory space, enhance workforce empowerment, eliminate waste, and focus on continuous improvement. The Kaizen process may include: new product development, robotics, total quality control, Just-in-Time, statistical quality control, labor and management relations, or other concepts.

Value Stream Mapping
If you're interested in understanding and controlling the flow of material and information through your entire production system, the SCMEP may recommend Value Stream Mapping. This particular lean principle allows you to document current lead time, inventory levels and cycle times to determine the ratio of value added to total lead time of the product line being analyzed. The true value of this comes from using the data to design a future vision of the information flow that can be utilized as a plan for lean implementation. Ultimately, this allows you to prioritize your opportunities for cost and time savings.

Total Productive Maintenance
Most commonly referred to as TPM, this is a philosophy and practice of preventing the loss of productive machine time due to: breakdowns, minor stoppages, idling, operating at less-than-planned-for cycle times, changeovers and setups, and poor quality. TPM involves everyone in identifying, monitoring, and correcting the root causes of each of these losses.

Kanban/Pull Production Method
This system refers to the communications which initiate and regulate the production of specific quantities of the various products or sub-products that are used within a manufacturing process. The Kanban system can be visualized as a "switch" that you use to control the production of specific parts needed within the production of the final end product. This "switch," which controls the movement of production of a specific part of the assembly process, is usually communicated visually among the various production stations of a plant by the use of containers or cards.

 

For more information about SCMEP's lean manufacturing services, contact Chuck Spangler at 864-288-5687, ext. 210, or cspangler@scmep.org.