Integration of Lean Approaches to Manage a Manual Assembly System

Qian Wang^*, Nick Bennett

School of Engineering, University of Portsmouth, UK.

DOI: 10.4236/jss.2014.29038                

Abstract

Today, importance of flexibility and reconfigurability needs to be addressed when designing and implementing a cost-effective and responsive manufacturing system. Such a system should be able to accommodate dynamic changes of product varieties and production volumes by maximizing its production capability and minimizing its production costs, this is particularly useful for a SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) to remain competitive in the market. For a manual assembly line, it is always a good practice using a highly skilled workforce that each assembly worker is capable of performing multiple tasks. Ideally, each worker is fully trained to complete assigned tasks of a unit from start to finish. This paper presents a case study of incorporating 5S management rules into an assembly system using so-called skillful and dynamic walking workers as a combination of lean management approaches to improve productivity and efficiency of a shop floor production line at a local plant.

Keywords

Lean Management, Lean Production, Assembly Systems

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Balle, F. and Balle, M. (2005) Feel the Force of Flexible Manpower. IET Manufacturing Engineer, 84, 20-15.
[2]	Bley, H., Reninhart, G., Seliger, G., Bernardi, M. and Korne, T. (2004) Appropriate Human Involvement in Assembly and Disassembly. CIRP Annals, 53, 487-509. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0007-8506(07)60026-2