SMED Workshop
SMED Workshop is team event that reduces time required for a changeover. The SMED process begins with videotaping of the current setup procedure. This tape is then analyzed during the workshop in order to group and map all of the tasks required to perform a changeover. The team next brainstorms improvement opportunities following the SMED methodology and develops a kaizen action plan. It is usually possible to implement many of the improvement ideas during the workshop. The new process is tested and timed and the new procedure is standardized.
AGENDA
- Training in SMED methodology
- Videotape analysis
- Brainstorming improvements
- Implementing actions
- Conducting trials of a new process
- Document and standardize the new process
- Present results to senior managemen
What is SMED?
SMED is an acronym for Single Minute Exchange of Die. Its goal is to perform any machine changeover in under 10 minutes. Reduction in set up time directly improves machine efficiency and furthermore allows to reduce batch sizes which is a key element of lean conversion.
The SMED Methodology was developed by Shigeo Shingo, a consultant to Toyota. It prescribes to divide all of the setup functions into internal and external tasks. Internal tasks are setup jobs which in the current procedure can be accomplished only when the machine is stopped, while external tasks could be performed when the machine is operating. It is then a relatively straightforward exercise to eliminate external tasks from the setup procedure and brainstorm opportunities to convert some of the internal tasks into external ones or reduce their duration.
The effect of such actions is frequently an over 50% reduction in changeover time.