SMED

Definition

SMED, or Single-Minute Exchange of Die, is a lean manufacturing concept aimed at reducing the time it takes to switch from one process or product to another. By streamlining setup and changeover processes, SMED minimizes downtime and improves operational efficiency. This technique not only enhances production flexibility but also supports the overall goals of lean principles by enabling quicker responses to customer demand and reducing waste.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SMED was developed by Shigeo Shingo as part of the Toyota Production System, focusing on reducing setup times to less than 10 minutes.
2. The process involves analyzing the setup steps, separating internal activities (which can only be done when the machine is stopped) from external activities (which can be done while the machine is running).
3. Implementing SMED can lead to significant reductions in lead times and increases in production capacity, allowing companies to produce smaller batches efficiently.
4. SMED not only benefits manufacturing but can also be applied in service industries by minimizing the time it takes to complete various tasks.
5. The successful application of SMED requires teamwork and collaboration across departments to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements effectively.

Review Questions

• How does SMED contribute to waste reduction in lean manufacturing?
  • SMED contributes to waste reduction in lean manufacturing by significantly decreasing setup and changeover times, which are periods when machines are not producing value. By streamlining these processes, SMED allows for more efficient use of resources and helps minimize downtime. This increase in operational efficiency directly supports the core principles of lean manufacturing, which focus on eliminating waste and maximizing value for customers.
• Discuss the steps involved in implementing SMED and how they can lead to improved production flexibility.
  • Implementing SMED involves several key steps: analyzing current setup processes, identifying internal versus external setup activities, converting as many internal tasks as possible into external ones, and standardizing procedures for future setups. By reducing setup times through these steps, organizations can achieve improved production flexibility, allowing them to quickly switch between different products or processes based on customer demands. This agility in production helps businesses remain competitive in fast-paced markets.
• Evaluate the broader impacts of SMED on operational strategies and customer satisfaction within a manufacturing context.
  • The implementation of SMED can profoundly impact operational strategies by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging collaboration among employees. By reducing changeover times, companies can enhance their responsiveness to market changes and customer requests, ultimately leading to increased customer satisfaction. Moreover, as organizations adopt SMED principles, they tend to develop more efficient workflows that not only reduce waste but also optimize resource utilization, paving the way for greater innovation and adaptability in their operations.

Related terms

Lean Manufacturing: A production practice that considers the expenditure of resources in any aspect other than the direct creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful and thus a target for elimination.

Setup Time: The amount of time required to prepare a machine or process for a new production run, including adjustments, testing, and tool changes.

Kaizen: A Japanese term meaning 'continuous improvement', referring to activities that continually improve all functions and involve all employees from the CEO to the shop floor.