ABSTRACT
Optimization requires that quality material is available on time and in the quantities needed to support the production schedule. This entails reliable suppliers, compliant material, accurate inventory control, good scheduling, and the operational discipline to ensure raw material and components reach their intended shop floor destination on time and without incident. Holistically, optimization of manufacturing operations requires knowledgeable and skilled people, standardized processes, reliable equipment, consistent materials, and a controlled environment, among other things. Collaboration is necessary because optimization needs the collective knowledge and skills of an experienced workforce working together to experiment, learn, and achieve sustainable improvements. Effective collaboration can only occur when cooperation exists. There are several different methods that can be employed in the optimization of manufacturing processes and systems. They include process characterization, design of experiments, value stream design, and constraint management to name a few.
