Our Lean Enterprise strategy is achieving significant continuous
improvement in performance through the elimination of waste in
our total business process.
We have used, and will continue to use, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma and
other 'Lean' tools in order to enhance our performance and refine
our processes for the benefit of our customers, with products that
are designed for manufacture using standard processes that
ensure consistent delivery and quality.
In addition we are developing continuous flow manufacturing,
introducing it onto different lines within the factory. Continuous
flow is a u-shaped set up with continuous flow cells which utilise
a one piece flow, therefore eliminating inventory between
operations. Each operation is set to a Takt Time, the Takt Time is
calculated by dividing the actual available time for production in
a time period by the customer demand for that same period.
To ensure that there is a continuous supply of materials, they are
delivered to the point of use by the utilisation of Kanbans. Both
our internal and external suppliers use Kanbans as a tool to
achieve 'Just-in-Time' production.
5S is an effective means to communicate the need for strong discipline in
workplace organisation throughout the plant, and not just in the factory.
CEM has gradually implemented the 5S philosophy to enhance working practices.
The incorporation of 5S is aiding CEM to:
- Promote workplace organisation
- Ensure adherence to standards
- Foster the spirit of continuous improvement
Since early 1999 CEM has held a series of Kaizen events, each event
has consisted of 3 or 4 teams of 6 people with a problem to solve.
Manufacturing events have included set-up reductions and the
introduction of single piece and continuous flow manufacturing.
Support areas have addressed the supply of materials with the
further development of Kanbans and hourly deliveries to specific
manufacturing areas. Administrative areas have also seen
improvements particularly with reductions in processing time and
reductions in non-value added activities.
Kaizen has become a way of life for CEM with many employees being involved and
participating in Kaizen events. We also welcome customers to participate in these
events, whether it is training or the full 4-day programs. |
