Lean Six Sigma

SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) this is a set of techniques that make it possible to improve changeover performance and increase OEE. Objectives: Reduced downtime Increased flexibility Improved set-up time Goal: 75% reduction in set-up with relatively little capital Is not about: People reduction Set-up Time Definition Set-up Time:…

In process industries, products are manufactured in equipment complexes (called “plant”) consisting of columns, storage tanks, heat exchangers, pumps, compressors, furnaces and other such units, all connected by pipes, instrumentation systems, and so forth. Because of this integration, it is more important to focus on maximizing the overall effectiveness of…

How does working patiently and persistently to eliminate the 16 Big Losses not only have the benefit of driving up OEEs, but also help greatly to drive down costs? If a plant has been working flat-out to meet demand, for example, with its operators doing overtime and holiday work, increasing…

The losses holding back the efficiency of a fabrication, assembly or packaging operation employing mainly non-process-type equipment will be different from those in an operation that employs mainly storage tanks, columns, heat exchangers and similar process plant. The two types of operation will therefore be discussed separately, beginning with the…