- Production work stations and equipment in a Cellular Manufacturing are arranged in a sequence that supports a continuous flow of components and materials through the production process with minimal transport or delay.
- Implementation of cellular manufacturing is a significant milestone in lean management which clearly symbolize the high maturity of organization in embracing the lean.
Cellular Manufacturing
Cellular Manufacturing in shop floor
- In typical manufacturing, similar machines are placed close together. In cellular manufacturing, the placement of the machines is as per the production flow, which provides a distinct advantage in the material flow, also reduces the distance traveled by materials, optimizes the inventory, and people, which leads to a decrease in the overall lead times
- In cellular manufacturing, layouts having common jigs and fixtures are accessed easily.
Expert's Comment
- Advantages of Cellular Manufacturing on Quality,Cost,Delivery & Engagements
- Quality issues are addressed easily and quickly and reduce defects.
- Implementation of corrective actions faster and hence reduced scrap
- Cost of poor Quality reduced significantly as the amount of rework reduces
- As each operator can handle multiple machines/stations, overall productivity increases & hence reduced cost of operations can reduce significantly.
- Reduces Throughput time of the process and hence faster conversion of raw material to finished goods resulting in faster Delivery
- Faster conversion of raw material to finished goods increases the company's cash flow and indirect savings of cash acceleration.
- Reduced inventory & material handlingefforts and hence the cost
- Engagement among the employees is enhanced, leading to a unified team