A Study of Single Minute Exchange of Die Methodology Improvement Using Design-Based Elements

Abstract

Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is a lean tool designed to reduce changeover time and improve manufacturing flexibility. Current methodology is too focused on the use of organizational improvements, such as parallel operations while design modifications are not emphasized. This research aims to validate the use of design elements in SMED, through the use of Design for Assembly (DFA) and other design based modifications. The evaluation of the results is made using the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) method. The result shows that the use of design elements can theoretically improve the effectiveness of normal SMED by noticeable margin depending on the amount of design changes made. At the end of the research, design elements is shown to improve the SMED efficiency and reduction of changeover time. This research can be further proven through actual testing with real case study. This research can also provide another platform of research and further refinement