SMED, or Single-Minute Exchange of Die, reduces equipment setup times to under 10 minutes- in other words, in the single-minute range, enhancing production flexibility, lowering costs, and improving quality. Developed initially for die press setups, its principles apply across industries, providing significant benefits such as increased efficiency, employee morale, and competitive advantage.
Customers seek diverse, high-quality products delivered swiftly and affordably. SMED addresses this by streamlining changeovers, making small-batch production economically viable. Long changeover times traditionally force companies into large-lot production, leading to inventory waste, delays for customers awaiting full lots, and declining product quality due to increased storage and potential rework. SMED’s focus on efficient setup operations enables companies to meet customer demands with agility, minimizing waste, and enhancing overall competitiveness.
Benefits of SMED:
- Frequent, quick setups allow smaller production lots, bolstering job security and competitiveness.
- Flexibility enables companies to adapt to changing customer demands without excess inventory costs.
- Swift delivery due to small-batch production minimizes lead times and customer waiting.
- Enhanced quality via reduced storage-related defects and setup errors, eliminating trial runs.
- Heightened productivity through reduced downtime, maximizing equipment efficiency.
- Safer changeovers with simplified setups, lowering physical strain and injury risks.
- Reduced clutter from less inventory enhances workplace safety and production efficiency.
- Setup tools are standardized and combined, which means fewer tools to keep track of.