Zeeshan syed

S.M.E.D What is it: SMED (Quick Changeover) stands for Single Minute Exchange of Die. The SMED system is theory and set of techniques that make it possible to perform

equipment set up and changeover operations in under 10 minutes. In others words, in the single minute range. SMED was originally developed to improve

die press and machine tool set-ups, but its principles apply to changeovers in all types of process.

SMEDs is one of the main lean production methods for reducing waste in a manufacturing process, by providing a rapid and efficient way of converting a manufacturing process from running the current product to running the next product.

This rapid changeover is key to reducing production lot sizes and thereby improving flow (Mura) which is a 'Lean' aim.

Why use it: To minimize machine downtime due to set-up changeover. The advantages of a quick

changeover are: Allows smaller economic lot sizes Ability to produce a greater variety of parts Reduces in process inventory Reduces lead times Minimizes machine downtime