Integration of Lean Approaches to Manage a Manual Assembly System ()
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.
Share and Cite:
Wang, Q. and Bennett, N. (2014) Integration of Lean Approaches to Manage a Manual Assembly System.
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
2, 226-231. doi:
10.4236/jss.2014.29038.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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