SMED

Definition

SMED, or Single-Minute Exchange of Die, is a lean manufacturing technique aimed at reducing the time it takes to complete equipment changeovers. The goal of SMED is to streamline processes and minimize downtime, allowing for more flexible production and increased efficiency. By breaking down changeover activities into smaller steps, it helps teams identify and eliminate waste, leading to faster response times and better productivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SMED was developed by Shigeo Shingo as a way to improve productivity by reducing setup times in manufacturing processes.
2. The technique emphasizes distinguishing between internal and external setup activities, where internal activities can only be performed when the machine is stopped, while external activities can be done while the machine is still running.
3. Implementing SMED can significantly reduce changeover times from hours to minutes, leading to improved workflow and reduced inventory levels.
4. One of the key steps in SMED is the standardization of changeover procedures, which ensures consistency and minimizes errors during the process.
5. SMED not only increases efficiency but also enhances flexibility in production, allowing manufacturers to quickly switch between different products to meet customer demands.

Review Questions

• How does SMED contribute to reducing waste in manufacturing processes?
  • SMED contributes to reducing waste by identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities during changeovers. By breaking down the changeover process into internal and external tasks, teams can perform certain activities while the machine is still running. This approach minimizes downtime and allows for smoother transitions between products, ultimately leading to a more efficient use of resources.
• Discuss how implementing SMED can impact overall production efficiency and flexibility.
  • Implementing SMED can drastically improve overall production efficiency by reducing setup times, which means machines spend less time idle. This increase in efficiency allows manufacturers to be more responsive to market demands as they can quickly switch between different products without significant delays. Additionally, shorter changeover times enhance flexibility in production schedules, making it easier for companies to adjust to fluctuations in customer orders.
• Evaluate the role of SMED in the context of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement efforts.
  • SMED plays a crucial role in lean manufacturing principles by focusing on waste reduction and efficiency enhancement within production processes. It aligns with continuous improvement efforts like Kaizen by encouraging teams to regularly assess and refine their changeover procedures. By fostering a culture that prioritizes quick changeovers, businesses can improve their agility, respond more effectively to customer needs, and maintain competitive advantages in rapidly changing markets.

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.

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

Changeover: The process of switching from producing one product to another, which often involves stopping the production line and reconfiguring equipment.