Improving Flow
Collected Practices and Cases
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Book Description
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.
Table of Contents
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