SMED: The road to total flexibility

Abstract

This articles lays out the methodology of SMED (data change in a minute digit) as an alternative tool towards total flexibility that serves as a vital component for the competioion in the current market. Steps to conduct this tool are explained, a case study using this instrument is discussed, and this means is identified as an essential decision tool for time reduction due to model change, thereby enhancing the eficiency of the products. Today´s market is characterized by elements such as the globalization, a slow US economy and an emergent Asiatic industry. These components impact the way the companies operate worldwide, due to the facts that the companies must implement strategies such as: 1) reduction in production costs, 2) increase in quality, and 3) increase in flexibility and the response time.