Original Date: 07/21/2003
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility’s Simultaneous Machine Shop Operation uses either two Computer Numerical Control machines, or one Computer Numerical Control machine and a manual machine, or two manual machines. Significant cost savings have been realized using any of these combinations.

Previously, each operator in Electric Boat Corporation, Quonset Point Facility’s (EBQP’s) Machine Shop set up and ran only one machine at a time. For long-run jobs, an operator’s idle time was not used productively. The average lot size was four pieces with numerous one- and two-piece jobs. To address operators’ idle time, EBQP implemented a Simultaneous Operation for its Machine Shop as a cost reduction measure. Simultaneous Operation is two machines engaged concurrently in either an operating/operating or a set-up/operating mode.

Initially, Simultaneous Operation was tested over a 60-day trial period, and once proven effective, was incorporated into EBQP’s procedures. As an incentive, an additional $2 per hour was given to employees who ran concurrent machines. A unique code in the Automatic Time and Attendance (AT&A) System authorizes payment of the while- engaged premium rate. EBQP’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are located face-to-face to accommodate operator access while running concurrent machines.

To assist the operators, tool wear was calculated and tool change points were included in the program to reduce the chance of broken or worn tools or defective parts. On average, 50 machinists processing 10% of the overall workload are qualified to use Simultaneous Operation. On average, 385 labor hours per week or approximately 17,000 hours per year are spent using Simultaneous Operation, which has resulted in a 4.7% reduction in Machine Shop labor hours.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.