Reducing set-up times for improved flexibility in high-mix low-volume electric drives production

Abstract

Today's business environment increasingly requires the capability of producing electric drives in smaller lot sizes in order to be able to respond quickly to changing customer demands without suffering from large stocks, excess capacities or challenging the company's ability to deliver. This flexibility is a crucial element of success for both, an increased customer service as well as a lean and competitive production system. A key enabler for achieving flexibility and implementing lean production is the reduction of set-up times. © 2011 IEEE.