What is SMED (Single minute exchange of die)?

Separating Internal and External Setup The first step is to analyze the setup process and identify activities that can be performed externally (while the machine is running) and those that must be done internally (during machine downtime). By separating these activities, the overall setup time can be significantly reduced.

Converting Internal to External Setup In this step, efforts are made to convert as many internal setup tasks as possible into external setup tasks. This can involve creating dedicated setup carts, preparing tools and materials in advance, or developing standardized procedures for efficient external setup activities.

Streamlining Internal Setup The focus in this step is to improve the efficiency of the remaining internal setup tasks. Techniques such as simplifying tooling and fixtures, using quick-release mechanisms, or implementing visual aids can be applied to reduce the time required for internal setup activities.

Performing Trial Runs Once the new setup procedures are developed, trial runs are conducted to verify their effectiveness and make further adjustments if necessary. This step allows for refinement and fine-tuning of the setup process.

Documenting and Standardizing The final step involves documenting the improved setup procedures and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and enable easy replication of the optimized setup process in the future.

Reduced Setup Time The primary advantage of SMED is the significant reduction in setup or changeover time. By streamlining and optimizing the setup process, companies can achieve setup times within single-digit minutes. This leads to less downtime between production runs and allows for more frequent product changeovers.

Increased Production Flexibility With shorter setup times, manufacturing operations become more agile and flexible. Companies can quickly switch between different products, variations, or batch sizes to meet customer demands. This flexibility enables better responsiveness to changing market needs and enhances the ability to handle smaller, more frequent production runs.

Improved OEE SMED positively impacts Overall Equipment Effectiveness, a key metric in manufacturing. By reducing setup time, machines spend less time idle, leading to increased equipment availability and utilization. This, in turn, improves OEE and overall production efficiency.

Lower Costs SMED techniques can help reduce costs in several ways. Firstly, the reduction in setup time allows for more production cycles, maximizing output with the same resources. Secondly, shorter setup times minimize the need for additional equipment or duplicate machines for each product variation, resulting in cost savings. Additionally, SMED can lead to lower inventory levels and decreased waste by enabling smaller batch production.

Enhanced Quality SMED emphasizes standardization and visual management, leading to improved quality and consistency in the setup process. By establishing clear procedures, operators can follow standardized steps, reducing the risk of errors, misalignments, or equipment damage during changeovers. This consistency contributes to higher product quality and customer satisfaction.

Employee Empowerment SMED implementation often involves involving employees in the improvement process and empowering them to identify and eliminate waste. This participatory approach enhances employee engagement, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and encourages proactive problem-solving on the shop floor.

Continuous Improvement SMED serves as a foundation for implementing lean manufacturing principles and promoting a continuous improvement mindset. The focus on reducing waste and optimizing processes extends beyond setup time reduction, leading to ongoing improvements in various aspects of operations.