In this four-part series, we take an in-depth look at how to design an effective work environment. Part one discusses the elements of continuous-flow work cells. Part two considers how to enhance the efficiency of such work cells. Part three explores the 5S methodology. In part four of the series, we look at single-minute exchange of die (SMED).

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n my training courses, I teach how to change a traditional batch-and-queue value stream into a lean value stream. Although that’s valuable information on its own, in this article I want to discuss the design of the actual work that will take place within the processes of the value stream.

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