Production Line Optimisation
We surface the capacity already available in your line before you invest in a new one.
Overview
The answer to a capacity problem is often not a new machine. Layout, fixture and cycle time changes on the existing line can deliver significant capacity gains at a fraction of the cost of investment.
Work begins with a time study. Cycle times are measured at every station, non value adding movement is separated out and the real bottleneck is identified. Speeding up stations other than the bottleneck does not raise total output; it only builds work in progress.
Layout, material flow, clamping fixtures and operator movement are then reconsidered. Tool and fixture changeover time is the single largest capacity loss in small batch production and can be reduced substantially with quick clamping solutions.
Recommendations are delivered as a prioritised list with expected gain and implementation cost, so the order of work is decided on figures.
How we proceed
- Step 01
Time study
Cycle times and stoppages are measured station by station.
- Step 02
Bottleneck analysis
The real constraint and sources of loss are identified.
- Step 03
Improvement proposals
A prioritised list with gain and cost is prepared.
- Step 04
Implementation
Approved improvements are applied through fixture and layout changes.
- Step 05
Measurement
New cycle times are measured and the gain is reported.
