In a manufacturing shop floor, there are a series of sequential value-adding operations carried out to deliver a finished product ready for customer consumption. This value flow process can be executed using a single-piece flow (SPF) (one-piece flows through a series of operations adjacent to each other) or a batch flow (BF) approach (flow of two or more pieces in a batch through the operations). Motorcycle assembly on an assembly line is an example of a single-piece flow, while washing and drying processes for a batch of 5-7 dirty clothes exemplify batch flow processing. Each flow approach has its pros and cons.
As a young disciple of lean manufacturing, I learned that SPF on shop floors is always beneficial. It facilitates material flow, space optimisation, and inventory control, thereby reducing operational costs.
It was shared that SPF is characterised by its speed, as waiting time per piece is negligible, thereby meeting customer needs faster and facilitating high equipment utilisation. It moves inventory faster, enhancing the stock turn ratio (STR) and reduces lead time, thereby improving responsiveness to customers. It also exposes quality issues quicker, only to be resolved, thereby mitigating customers' quality concerns. Lower labour costs and overheads are other important features of SPF. However, the characteristics of the BF are weak in each of these factors. The explanations were logical and convincing to me.
この記事は The Machinist の February 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Machinist の February 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
IGUS'S NEW ONLINE CONFIGURATOR FOR CUSTOM ROTARY ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS
igus, the motion plastics specialist, now offers a rotation module online configurator that allows engineers to design, and order customised rotary energy supply systems in seconds.
WE CONSISTENTLY INVEST IN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES LIKE AUTOMATION, ROBOTICS, DIGITALISATION, AND SIMULATION
Nikhil Rao, VP of Operations at Flex India, discusses how Flex is redefining manufacturing through technology, sustainability, and a global workforce. He shares insights into Flex’s vision, investments in automation and digitalisation, the latest industry trends, including its partnership with the Reverse Logistics Association.
INDIA'S $300 BILLION ELECTRONICS GOAL RELIES ON INFRASTRUCTURE, R&D, SKILLS, AND MANUFACTURING
Imran Kagalwala, Co-Founder of UNIX India, discusses strategies and challenges in electronics manufacturing, including public-private partnerships, tariffs, and the Make in India initiative. He also highlights leveraging India's demographic dividend, achieving a 300 billion economy, and UNIX's Umbergaon facility in an interview with Nisha Shukla.
CCMS ENABLES REAL-TIME COLLISION DETECTION, ACTIVATING AIRBAGS AND EMERGENCY BRAKING
Mohan Babu University initiated the Continuous Collision Monitoring System CCMS) project, led by Prof. N. Harathi and students, to enhance safety technologies and provide hands-on experience with piezoelectric sensors, bridging education and industry needs. In an exclusive interaction with Nisha Shukla, Prof. Harathi discusses the project’s motivations, goals, market readiness, and challenges.
BLUPINE ENERGY LAUNCHES VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES TO BOOST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
BluPine Energy, a leading renewable energy services company in India, has launched impactful initiatives to empower communities around its operational sites and promote sustainable development in Punjab.
POWERING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Industrial automation has transformed production by providing precision and efficiency across various sectors. This article explores how Inovance Technology's solutions are revolutionising the manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors with innovative products that enhance productivity and sustainability.
HOW FREE TRADE WAREHOUSING ZONES ARE BOOSTING INDIA'S ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE?
In an exclusive interaction, Ranjit Ray, Vice President Economic Zones, Middle East, North Africa, and Subcontinent, DP World, delves into the benefits and challenges associated with Free Trade Warehousing Zones FT WZs) in India, focusing on how they enhance global trade, streamline logistics, and provide unique advantages to various industries.
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI IN RECRUITMENT AND STAFFING FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
The author emphasises AI’s significant role in optimising hiring and workforce management in manufacturing industry; while also cautioning about potential challenges these technologies may bring to the sector.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH UAE GOVT ENTITIES FOSTER A COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING AND LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEM
For over two decades, Dubai Industrial City has been a key driver of innovation and sustainability in the region's manufacturing and logistics sectors. Ina discussion with Nisha Shukla, Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC delves into Dubai Industrial City’s cutting-edge infrastructure, its support for smart manufacturing under Industry 4.0, and the strategic partnerships that enable businesses to innovate and expand globally.
DRIVING INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AND THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
The 8th Global Conference on Plastics in Automotive, held in Pune, concluded on a high note, offering the industry actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions.
