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Single Minute Exchange of Die

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) is a lean manufacturing technique that focuses on reducing the time it takes to complete equipment changeovers, allowing for more frequent production of smaller batches. This process-oriented approach aims to optimize the changeover process and minimize downtime, enabling manufacturers to be more responsive to customer demands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. SMED is a key component of lean manufacturing, as it helps reduce waste and increase efficiency in the production process.
  2. The goal of SMED is to reduce the changeover time to less than 10 minutes, which is considered a 'single-digit' or 'single-minute' changeover.
  3. SMED involves analyzing the changeover process, separating internal and external setup activities, and streamlining the process to minimize downtime.
  4. Internal setup activities are those that can only be performed when the machine is stopped, while external setup activities can be done while the machine is still running.
  5. Implementing SMED often requires the use of specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures to standardize and simplify the changeover process.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique is used to improve efficiency in a manufacturing process.
    • The Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique is used to reduce the time it takes to complete equipment changeovers in a manufacturing process. By analyzing the changeover process and separating internal and external setup activities, manufacturers can streamline the changeover process and minimize downtime. This allows for more frequent production of smaller batches, making the manufacturing process more responsive to customer demands and reducing waste. The ultimate goal of SMED is to reduce the changeover time to less than 10 minutes, which is considered a 'single-digit' or 'single-minute' changeover.
  • Describe the role of Kaizen in the implementation of the Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique.
    • Kaizen, the Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement, plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique. Kaizen emphasizes the gradual, step-by-step improvement of working practices, personal efficiency, and productivity. In the context of SMED, Kaizen principles are applied to the changeover process, where small, incremental changes are made to streamline the process and reduce the time required. This iterative approach, combined with the analysis of internal and external setup activities, helps manufacturers achieve the goal of a 'single-minute' changeover, which is a key tenet of lean manufacturing.
  • Evaluate the impact of implementing the Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique on a manufacturing company's ability to respond to customer demands.
    • Implementing the Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) technique can have a significant impact on a manufacturing company's ability to respond to customer demands. By reducing the time required for equipment changeovers, the company can more easily and quickly adjust production to meet changing customer needs. This increased flexibility allows the manufacturer to produce smaller batches more frequently, reducing the need for large inventories and enabling a more responsive supply chain. Furthermore, the improved efficiency and reduced downtime resulting from SMED can lead to increased overall productivity, further enhancing the company's ability to adapt to customer demands. Overall, the SMED technique is a powerful lean manufacturing tool that can help manufacturers become more agile and customer-centric.