SMED

Download as PDF

The module in a nutshell

It is now commonly accepted wisdom that reducing batch sizes in the production process yields benefits of reduced work-in-progress, better lead times, improved delivery and better quality.

Doing it, though, raises problems - not least of which is that of set-up times for changing equipment from one batch to another or doing preparation work to change from one activity to another. As batch sizes get smaller, so the need to change over quickly becomes critical if the above benefits are to be realised.

Based upon the work of Shigeo Shingo - The Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), this one-day module offers a tried and tested process by which you can halve your set-up times.

The aim and outcomes of the module

The aim of the module is to enable the participants to carry out set-up reduction projects, allowing them to access the additional benefits of rapid changeover times, namely:

• reducing batch sizes, thereby improving flexible operations and enabling reduced inventory carrying costs
• attacking bottlenecks and so increasing output
• gaining near-immediate benefits of team working on a readily accessible improvement project.

After completing this module participants will be able to:

• identify areas for set-up reduction
• apply the SMED approach to reducing preparation and changeover times
• manage a set-up reduction project team.

Who SMED is for

SMED – dramatically reduce your set-up times provides an essential toolkit for any team tasked with minimising the ‘lost’ time given over to any changeover-like activity, such as machine changeovers, job preparation or rapid incident response. It is ideal for managers expected to facilitate set-up reduction teams and is an essential part of any business improvement manager’s skill set.

What’s in SMED – dramatically reduce your set-up times

The module delivers the learning points with exercises and the use of a practical simulation.

Participants will learn about:

• the importance and the drivers for reducing set-up times
• how to select fruitful areas for attention
• how to collect and analyze data
• the SMED approach – mapping the set-up process and identifying ‘internal’ and ‘external’ elements; clustering; displacing external elements; reducing internal elements; integrating the revised process into common practice
• facilitating a set-up reduction team.

Important other information

Duration: SMED – dramatically reduce your set-up times lasts for one day and can be used by itself or in combination with other modules in the Process Transformation Programme.

Location: Ideally a room close to the workplace of participants, though it can be run off-site effectively.

In common with other modules in the Process Transformation Programme the module is designed to run successfully with between 8 to 16 participants.

Price: As a stand-alone module, £2,500 inclusive of all materials. This price does not include expenses which are charged at cost.

Contact for more information:

Karen Dunn
Burge Hughes Walsh
Suite 13b
Castle Mound Way
Central Park
Rugby CV23 0UZ

Telephone: 01788 550015
email: kdunn@burgehugheswalsh.co.uk