Process Improvements Using Lean Methodologies in a Subassembly Line
Publication Title
International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage
ISSN
14792494
E-ISSN
14792753
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This research study focused on an engine subassembly line at a manufacturing facility. The objective of the study is two-fold: 1) to reduce takt time for engine build by implementing continuous improvement methodologies using lean principles; 2) to minimise the risks this subassembly line is currently prone to because of area congestion, safety issues and ergonomic concerns. Takt time was reduced by 25% by improving the layout using kaizen events based on the input obtained from time studies and motion studies (with spaghetti maps and heat maps). Failure mode effect analysis and three-dimensional static strength prediction program software were used to study the safety risks and ergonomic issues respectively and recommendations were implemented to improve the current working environment.
First Page
313
Last Page
326
Publication Date
1-1-2020
DOI
10.1504/IJSSCA.2020.112355
Keywords
Failure mode effect analysis, FMEA, Heat maps, Kaizen event, Lean, Motion study, Spaghetti diagram, Time study
Recommended Citation
Kondate, Roja; Muthuswamy, Shanthi; and Rojas-Santiago, Miguel, "Process Improvements Using Lean Methodologies in a Subassembly Line" (2020). NIU Bibliography. 303.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/niubib/303
Department
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering; Department of Engineering Technology