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So why not think creatively from get-go and put a factory floor information system in place that can help you and your company move forward with Lean concepts of identifying problems, flow of parts, and measure change over times? Just because Toyota did not use electronic information systems, does not make it wrong to install them on floor. To contrary, it is American Manufacturer that has opportunity to improve on these Lean concepts with information systems that can be married into a Lean process improvement program. 1. Make sure entire factory floor is involved with system and that they are empowered to identify problem/alert situations.
2. Allow system to provide a JIT production approach, which is dynamic and can be reactive to customer and floor demands.
3. Find a way to record changeover times tracked to specific assets and people.
4. Identify opportunities for process improvement and keep a record of it.
5. Allow floor personnel access to better communications like email where appropriate.
6. Improve operator’s access to data by providing electronic “paperless” display of current, as well as, newer style electronic image and video documents.
7. Make quality checks part of process and capture it electronically so alert conditions of non-conformance conditions can be captured in real-time.
Implementation of Lean Manufacturing through a factory floor system can save time and money and put you in driver seat towards more profitable production.
Think creatively. Use information tools creatively. Use information tools that are designed to improve process.
For more information, visit MDSS-manufacturing shop floor software company
About MDSS: Since 1984, MDSS has been a leader in the development, implementation, and support of software products for manufacturing companies. MDSS sells products that help manufacturers better manage inventory, shrink cycle time, and increase productivity. The current focus of MDSS is on FACTIVITY, a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with modules for time and attendance, shop floor management, machine monitoring, and more.