Original Date: 02/09/1998
Revision Date: 04/22/2003

UE recently implemented a Standardized Work (Kaizen) approach to review its production process in the 120 workcell. With this approach, process operators identify incremental improvements for their production process. Previously, Engineering performed the reviews and provided the results to the workcell operators for implementation. This method did not work very well because Engineering spent little time looking for improvements, and lacked first-hand knowledge of the detailed process. A better method was needed. UE now lets the process operators handle the review and improvement aspect of the entire 120 workcell operation. A team leader and a group leader work with other operators within the workcell and with Engineering to investigate potential improvements.

The 120 workcell team spends up to 0.5 hour per day reviewing a particular aspect of the process and looks for ways to perform the operation easier, quicker, and cheaper. By using a Kaizen approach, operators can identify a simple improvement to increase quality and ease, or reduce time and cost. This approach consists of listing process steps in detail, performing time studies, reviewing consolidation of processes, and sharing improvement techniques among operators. Other aspects of the production process that are reviewed include fixturing, employee comfort, and overall work environment.

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