SMED is a lean manufacturing tool to reduce the time required for the setup or changeover of the production process. It falls within the overall philosophy of lean to enhance efficiency, eliminate waste, and facilitate flexible production systems.
The SMED analysis involves breaking down and analyzing the tasks that occur during a setup or changeover process. It seeks to separate the activities into two categories.
Internal Activities: Tasks that can only be performed when the machine or process is stopped (e.g., changing a die or fixture).
External Activities: Tasks that can be performed while the machine or process is still running (e.g., preparing tools or materials in advance).
The SMED methodology stresses that as many internal activities should be converted into external ones and all activities streamlined so that there is as little time as possible spent in downtime.
Why SMED is Used?
- Reduce Downtime: SMED minimizes setup times, so machines spend more time producing, thus increasing efficiency.
- Increase Flexibility: Quick changeovers make it easier to switch between products, thus allowing smaller batch sizes and supporting Just-In-Time (JIT) production.
- Lower Costs: Reducing downtime and improving process flow decreases operational costs.
- Improve Resource Utilization: Enables more effective use of machines and personnel.
- Support Continuous Improvement: SMED often uncovers broader inefficiencies, driving a culture of ongoing improvement.
- Improving Customer Satisfaction: Faster changeovers mean shorter lead times and more responsiveness to the customers' demands.
Reference: Some of the text in this article has been generated using AI tools such as ChatGPT and edited for content and accuracy.
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