Process Design & Development Using Smed Concept- A Case Study

The growth of the industry and its production ultimately depends on its ability to respond systematically and continuously to market changes to increase product value. The process of adding value is necessary to obtain this advantage; therefore using a coherent production system and its tools becomes a key skill. Since the set time is the main reason for the production break time, a short set time is always desirable. The Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) as proposed by Shingo is a tool that aims to reduce overtime setting, but does not work when used alone. SMED can be used effectively with the help of additional tools such as FMRS (Finish, Merge, Reduce and Simplify). This paper describes the process of planning and implementing SMED and other useful tools. It is based on a collaborative approach that allows for a gradual reduction in machine set-up time associated with an ongoing continuity program.