Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

The technique known for dramatically shortening changeover times is Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED). SMED is a systematic approach to reducing the time it takes to complete equipment changeovers. The core principle of SMED is to minimize the non-value-added time involved in the changeover process, thereby allowing for quicker transitions between production runs.

This technique involves analyzing the existing changeover process and identifying opportunities to streamline it. By separating internal changeover activities (those that can only be performed when the machine is stopped) from external changeover activities (those that can be performed while the machine is running), SMED seeks to convert as many internal activities to external ones as possible. This transformation can lead to changeovers that can be accomplished in under ten minutes, hence the term "single minute."

Utilizing SMED effectively contributes to increased flexibility in production, reduced lead times, enhanced productivity, and less wasted time during operational transitions. It is particularly beneficial in environments where demand can shift rapidly, necessitating quick adjustments to production processes.