ABSTRACT
Lean principles focus on elimination of waste by applying tools such as just-in-time, level production, standardized work, quality at the source, and continuous improvement. This chapter discusses the application of Lean concepts to designing and organizing a manufacturing cell. A brief description of the system engineering approach as well as a summary of common sources of waste, is also presented. A methodology to organize a cell using a 6S (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Safety, and Sustain) program along with a point system that can be designed to account for the 6S, is explained in detail. An audit of the cell will yield a score. Making necessary changes and taking into consideration waste reduction will improve the score. Periodic audits should be conducted to assure continuous improvement.
