Simple, dedicated machines save on capital expense, while they also make it possible to realize one-piece flow. These machines are often developed internally. 'Chaku-chaku' is the new ideal. ArticlePublished: 2/2/2006
A machining cell that seeks to optimize product flow may look very different from a cell that seeks to optimize a machining process. ArticlePublished: 10/15/2004
The vision of a production process with little or no waste is the inspiration behind lean manufacturing. Value stream mapping is a graphical tool that this contract manufacturer uses to create that vision. ArticlePublished: 6/15/2004
This shop cut average setup time nearly in half. Now small batches can move quickly through the production process, making the company more responsive to customer needs than ever before. ArticlePublished: 4/2/2004