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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Rouhollah Khakpour, Ahmad Ebrahimi and Seyed-Mohammad Seyed-Hosseini

This paper recommends a method entitled “SMED 4.0” as a development of conventional single minute exchange of die (SMED) to avoid defect occurrence during production and improve…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper recommends a method entitled “SMED 4.0” as a development of conventional single minute exchange of die (SMED) to avoid defect occurrence during production and improve sustainability, besides reducing setup time.

Design/methodology/approach

The method builds upon an extensive literature review and in-depth explorative research in SMED and zero defect manufacturing (ZDM). SMED 4.0 incorporates an evolutionary stage that employs predict-prevent strategies using Industry 4.0 technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Findings

It presents the applicability of the proposed approach in (1) identifying the triple bottom line (TBL) criteria, which are affected by defects; (2) predicting the time of defect occurrence if any; (3) preventing defective products by performing online setting on machines during production as needed; (4) maintaining the desired quality of the product during the production and (5) improving TBL sustainability in manufacturing processes.

Originality/value

The extended view of SMED 4.0 in this research, as well as its analytical approach, helps practitioners develop their SMED approaches in a more holistic way. The practical application of SMED 4.0 is illustrated by implementing it in a real-life manufacturing case.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Syed Mithun Ali, Muhammad Najmul Haque, Md. Rayhan Sarker, Jayakrishna Kandasamy and Ilias Vlachos

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of this country. As the global trend in the fashion market has introduced a high-mix…

Abstract

Purpose

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of this country. As the global trend in the fashion market has introduced a high-mix, low-volume ordering style, manufacturers are facing an increased number of changeovers in their production systems. However, most of the Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers are not yet ready to respond to such small orders and to improve the flexibility of their production systems. Consequently, the industry is falling behind in global market competition. Thus, this study aims to advance the current performance of RMG manufacturing operations to respond to the fast-fashion industry's challenges effectively using quick changeover.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is applied to attain quick changeover following the best practices of lean manufacturing.

Findings

This study examined the performance of the SMED technique to reduce changeover time in two case organisations. The changeover time was reduced by 70.76% from 434.56 min to 127.08 min and 42.12% from 2,664 min to 1,542 min for the case organisations, respectively. The results of this study show that companies require improved changeover times to address the demand for high-mix, low-volume orders.

Originality/value

This study will certainly guide practitioners of the RMG industry to adopt SMED to reduce changeover time to meet small batch production.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2023

Wen Zhang, Guohui Chen and Qiguo Gong

This paper aims to systematically understand the development of rapid setup, quantitatively analyze the landscape and reveal new trends and challenges.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically understand the development of rapid setup, quantitatively analyze the landscape and reveal new trends and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 192 literature studies (1987–2021) collected from Scopus and Google Scholar, the papers are classified by: publication time and source; research type and data analysis of papers; pattern of authorship and country; sector-wise focus of the paper; improvement method used in the setup. And CiteSpace is used to analyze the cooccurrence and timeline of keywords.

Findings

There has been substantial progress in the past 35 years, including the rapid growth in the number of papers, the expansion in different disciplines, the participation of developing countries, the application in the service industry and the significant impact of setup on cost. And there are still some deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

There is concern that Google Scholar lacks the quality control needed for its use as a bibliometric tool. Future work is encouraged to conduct an in-depth discussion on high-quality papers.

Practical implications

In small batch production, rapid setup is increasingly essential. Clarifying the research focus and main improvement methods is of great significance for enterprises to meet the changing market needs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first literature review on rapid setup. It is decided to consider a detailed set of data for better introspection and trace the history reflections and the research future in setup time.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2022

Reham Tarek Alnounou, Rawan Ahmed Asiri, Sara Ayman Alhindi, Layan Marwan Shams, Sadia Samar Ali and Eren Özceylan

Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision targets an increase of 34% in non-oil revenue participation in the GDP, thus the need for automation and digital transformation. The Company ER is a…

Abstract

Purpose

Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision targets an increase of 34% in non-oil revenue participation in the GDP, thus the need for automation and digital transformation. The Company ER is a market leader producing high-quality dairy products in the Kingdom and is a pioneer in the production industry. The company has recently increased the capacity of its milk factory to meet its vision. An investment was made to automate the pallet handling procedures at the milk factory to provide increased production for daily consumption. The new automation transition in Company ER's milk factory provides a unique opportunity to utilize lean management tools to improve the current automated processes before commercialization.

Design/methodology/approach

OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) will monitor losses for different operational losses in the new automated system and indicate system improvements, with 85% as the target. Based on DMADV (design, measure, analyze, design and validate) methodology, this study analyzes the entire automated pallet handling system. It uses lean tools to identify areas for improvement, identify waste elements and propose solutions to achieve Company ER's OEE targets.

Findings

In this paper, the outcomes will be presented as documented solutions that address the losses encountered in the production system, showing a 12.8% increase in the system's OEE.

Research limitations/implications

Owing the time and resource constraint, this study only involved automated pallet handling procedures in a milk production facility. Hence, the generalization of the result is slightly limited. More studies in several different processes and sectors are required.

Practical implications

This study provided a valuable tool for researchers for gaining deeper understanding regarding the lean manufacturing and its implementation. For practitioners, it is useful to evaluate the degree of lean manufacturing tools in their material handling systems.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to develop lean manufacturing constructs for evaluating the automated pallet handling procedures in a milk production facility.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2023

Azim Mohammad, Abu Hamja and Peter Hasle

Shorter lead time with low price and quality product demand is pivotal in the garment industry. Pressure on production lead time stresses the importance of reducing style…

Abstract

Purpose

Shorter lead time with low price and quality product demand is pivotal in the garment industry. Pressure on production lead time stresses the importance of reducing style changeover time in manufacturing factories, and this paper aims to contribute to solving the challenge by showing how the single minute exchange of die (SMED) methodology in practice can be adapted to garment factories in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates three cases of SMED implementation integrated with responsible, accountable, consulted, informed (RACI) matrices in garment factories in an action research approach. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are applied.

Findings

The study shows a reduction of 50% to 64% of changeover time with SMED implementation measured with two key indicators – throughout time and time to reach peak production. Moreover, the implementation depends on the application of the RACI matrix for the distribution of responsibility as well as integration with the basic production flow before and after the application of SMED.

Practical implications

The study can guide better SMED implementation in garment factories with limited investment by stressing the need to adapt to the specifics of the garment industry, secure the division of responsibility and integrate SMED in the production flow before and after the changeover.

Originality/value

Limited research on the application of SMED in the garment industry. This paper contributes to understanding the specific conditions for successful implementation in the garment industry in developing countries and addresses additional activities that help secure a sustainable implementation process.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2023

Luay Jum’a, Ziad Alkalha, Karam Al Mandil and Maher Alaraj

Organizations have released the importance of lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) and total quality management (TQM) in enhancing competitiveness. However, the implementation of…

Abstract

Purpose

Organizations have released the importance of lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) and total quality management (TQM) in enhancing competitiveness. However, the implementation of LMPs and TQM becomes more complex when discerning the environmental sustainability position. The complexity stems from the fact that LMPs and TQM are more intricate because of cultural differences. Thus, this study aims to tackle the aforementioned phenomenon by investigating the impact of LMPs and TQM on environmental sustainability moderated by quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was distributed among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan; thus, 315 valid responses were received. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data and test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings showed that environmental sustainability was significantly impacted by all the LMP practices except Kanban and all the TQM practices except statistical process control. Moreover, quality culture significantly and negatively moderated the relationship between TQM and environmental sustainability. However, the influence of LMPs on environmental sustainability was not significantly moderated by quality culture.

Practical implications

This study has implications for policymakers in SMEs, supply chain managers and academics regarding the importance of LMPs and TQM systems for implementing environmental sustainability and the role of quality culture.

Social implications

This study provides guidelines for decision-makers on the pathways that enable them to sustain the environment to safeguard the natural ecosystem and natural resources for upcoming generations.

Originality/value

The originality of this study stems from the alignment of LMPs and TQM in enhancing environmental sustainability, taking into consideration the role of quality culture in SMEs, where previous studies failed short to investigate this phenomenon.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Marcello Braglia, Francesco Di Paco, Marco Frosolini and Leonardo Marrazzini

This paper presents Quick Changeover Design (QCD), which is a structured methodological approach for Original Equipment Manufacturers to drive and support the design of machines…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents Quick Changeover Design (QCD), which is a structured methodological approach for Original Equipment Manufacturers to drive and support the design of machines in terms of rapid changeover capability.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the performance in terms of set up time, QCD addresses machine design from a single-minute digit exchange of die (SMED). Although conceived to aid the design of completely new machines, QCD can be adapted to support for simple design upgrades on pre-existing machines. The QCD is structured in three consecutive steps, each supported by specific tools and analysis forms to facilitate and better structure the designers' activities.

Findings

QCD helps equipment manufacturers to understand the current and future needs of the manufacturers' customers to: (1) anticipate the requirements for new and different set-up process; (2) prioritize the possible technical solutions; (3) build machines and equipment that are easy and fast to set-up under variable contexts. When applied to a production system consisting of machines subject to frequent or time-consuming set-up processes, QCD enhances both responsiveness to external market demands and internal control of factory operations.

Originality/value

The QCD approach is a support system for the development of completely new machines and is also particularly effective in upgrading existing ones. QCD's practical application is demonstrated using a case study concerning a vertical spindle machine.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 34 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Amer Jazairy, Emil Persson, Mazen Brho, Robin von Haartman and Per Hilletofth

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into…

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into the logistics management field.

Design/methodology/approach

Rooting their analytical categories in the LMD literature, the authors performed a deductive, theory refinement SLR on 307 interdisciplinary journal articles published during 2015–2022 to integrate this emergent phenomenon into the field.

Findings

The authors derived the potentials, challenges and solutions of drone deliveries in relation to 12 LMD criteria dispersed across four stakeholder groups: senders, receivers, regulators and societies. Relationships between these criteria were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

This review contributes to logistics management by offering a current, nuanced and multifaceted discussion of drones' potential to improve the LMD process together with the challenges and solutions involved.

Practical implications

The authors provide logistics managers with a holistic roadmap to help them make informed decisions about adopting drones in their delivery systems. Regulators and society members also gain insights into the prospects, requirements and repercussions of drone deliveries.

Originality/value

This is one of the first SLRs on drone applications in LMD from a logistics management perspective.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Darshan Pandya, Gopal Kumar and Shalabh Singh

It is crucial for the Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to implement a few of the most important Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and reap maximum benefits of…

Abstract

Purpose

It is crucial for the Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to implement a few of the most important Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and reap maximum benefits of sustainability. This paper aims to prioritize I4.0 technologies that can help achieve the sustainable operations and sustainable industrial marketing performance of Indian manufacturing MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

I4.0-based sustainability model was developed. The model was analyzed using data collected from MSMEs by deploying analytic hierarchy process and utility-function-based goal programming. To have a better understanding, interviews were conducted.

Findings

Predictive analytics, machine learning and real-time computing were found to be the most important I4.0 technologies for sustainable performance. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the results. Business-to-business sustainable marketing is prioritized as per the sustainability need of operations of industrial MSME buyers.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates literature and practitioners’ insights to explore I4.0’s role in MSMEs sustainability in emerging economies. It fills a research gap by aligning sustainability goals of industrial buyers with suppliers’ marketing strategies. Additionally, it offers practical recommendations for implementing technologies in MSMEs, contributing to both academia and industry practices.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2023

Muhammad Dan-Asabe Abdulrahman and Nachiappan Subramanian

The study aims to develop and test a supply chain wide green product development framework of focal firms and their major suppliers, in the context of the Chinese automotive…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to develop and test a supply chain wide green product development framework of focal firms and their major suppliers, in the context of the Chinese automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth case studies approach is adopted for this study. Three automotive sector upstream supply chains involving 17 firms and 51 experts as respondents were interviewed on the importance and implementation effectiveness of 6Rs (reduce, redesign, recover, remanufacture, reuse and recycle) across the manufacturer and their respective tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers.

Findings

The results indicate that the Chinese automotive sector supply chains are mainly focused on “reduce” practices with immediate environmental and economic benefits. The investigated firms however had future implementation plans for “redesign” and “recovery” practices to become comprehensive in green product development (GPD).

Research limitations/implications

The study facilitates automotive firms, industry policymakers and researchers the understanding of incorporating comprehensive GSCM practices across the upstream supply chain to achieve circularity. The study focused on upstream supply chain due to the concentration of major production practices in this section of the supply chain. However, the downstream supply chain equally deserve attention as well as the need to understand the mediating and moderating roles of the different Rs to tease out the pros and cons of achieving overall environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

There are very limited studies on comprehensive GPD for achieving optimal GSCM and sustainability. By simultaneous looking at a focal firm and its upstream supply chains GSCM practices, this study addresses a system-wide comprehensive GPD issues from implementation of 6Rs perspectives in the supply chain.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000