Optimization of Changeover Time in a Manufacturing Enterprise Using Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED): A Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study where the implementation of lean techniques in the changeover time of stereo in a Flexo printing machine were investigated to study its impact. During this study, the problem with high changeover time during printing were investigated through SMED (Single minute exchange of dyes). The research includes the analysis of current system depicting the existing problems within the company. The methodology aims to analyse the root cause of existing problems and thus provide implementation of improvement plan. At the end of the investigation, a few solutions were successfully implemented. The results demonstrates the steps taken to optimize the changeover time which was reduced to around 29 min. Thereby, an improvement of 10% was achieved. Hence, decreasing the changeover time resulted in increased productivity and processing time in the manufacturing unit.