1st Edition

Improving Flow Collected Practices and Cases

By Productivity Press Copyright 2006
    154 Pages
    by Productivity Press

    154 Pages
    by Productivity Press

    Flow is a fundamental concept of lean manufacturing, and its improvement is a challenge to many organizations. After mastering basic visual tools, managers must concentrate on increasing flow. This work provides shopfloor and other lean professionals with what they need to know about how other companies are implementing and sustaining continuous flow improvement.

    Improving Flow: Collected Practices and Cases provides a variety of case studies taken from articles previously published in the newsletter Lean Manufacturer Advisor. The book demonstrates how to move products and services to the customer quicker while eliminating waste and improving profits.

    Part I: Setting Up Cells
    Chapter 1: De-Coupling and Coupling: Keys to Better Cell Design
    Chapter 2: Cell Staffing Options (by Vulcan Electric)
    Chapter 3: Job Shop Breaks Traditional Rules with 1-Piece Flow Cells
    Chapter 4: Cells on Wheels Give Company Ability to Shift Course Quickly
    Chapter 5: Time to Take a Radical Step Forward
    Chapter 6: Equipment Designed through 3P Makes a Small Startup Viable
    Part II: Improving Flow
    Chapter 7: Takt Time Can Configure a Cell
    Chapter 8: You May Need Two Takt Times
    Chapter 9: Reducing Scrap Paves the Way for a Big Boost in Capacity
    Chapter 10: Building Out of Sequence is Expensive
    Chapter 11: Ford Sees Its Future in Flexibility
    Chapter 12: Building a Better Body Shop
    Part III: Smoothing Production
    Chapter 13: Heijunka Can Help Eliminate Production Peaks and Valleys
    Chapter 14: Work Speeds Up as Operators Move
    Chapter 15: Times, Not Products, Set Schedule
    Chapter 16: 12-Hour Shifts Help Tire Plant Achieve Its Lean Objectives
    Part IV: Shortening Changeovers
    Chapter 17: What Is in Your Changeover? Probably More Than You Need
    Chapter 18: SMED Doubles Parts Output for Metal Stamping Company
    Chapter 19: Calculating Changeover Costs Reveals Potential for Savings
    Chapter 20: Sequencing Products Leads to Least Changeover Time
    Chapter 21: Success with Cardboard Duct Tape

    Biography

    Productivity Development Team