ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the differences may experience when working in a manufacturing cell. In a manufacturing cell, the equipment and workstations are arranged close together in the sequence of the processing steps. The simple change of arranging machines in a process flow means operators may need to learn how to run different types of equipment to support the process. Cross-training enables employees to perform different functions within a process and let’s teams take full responsibility for their processes. The flexibility to change how people work together in a cell comes from cross-training. To run several machines in sequence, an operator needs to work standing up rather than sitting down. Smaller machines can be used for cellular manufacturing because the goal is to process one or a few items at a time, instead of large batches. Machines for cellular manufacturing also need to be flexible.
