THE U-SHAPED LINE
FOR A FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION ORGANIZATION
1. LEARN BY YOURSELF & CHALLENGE YOUR WAY OF DOING
WHY
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Makes it possible to apply the just in time by producing parts one piece flow
WHAT
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The U-shaped line is one of the methods of Just in Time organization. Equipment are arranged U-shaped and the operators are not limited to one workstations as on conventional production lines.
HOW
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Examine the initial situation using a process analysis and quantities by reference
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Eliminate a maximum of Muda identified during the analysis
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Group the workstations as close as possible to form a U-shape. It is very important to guaranty ergonomics workstations. Management team should support the transformation process.
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Balance posts and minimize their size to what is strictly necessary. Ensure a good level of team multi-skill.
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Arrange supplies frontally at stations, outside the line. It is necessary to provide a location for evacuation of the empty boxes
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Define operating standards for different models and production rates
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Train teammates.
BENEFITS
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Since a person is involved in several positions (or machines), the waiting time due to balancing problems is minimized.
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As people are located inside U-shape line and supplies outside, moving between stations is easy.
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The U-shape line also allows the reduction of stock, the production space and operators movements.
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Allows increasing the number of possible combinations during the balancing of working stations.
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Be careful, training time are quite long so U-shaped line is not adapted when operators are changing frequently.
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The input (IN) and the output (OUT) are close, can be visually controlled and served, according to the cadence, by a single person
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