The tools of continuous improvement

Problems solving: Plan Do Check Act.

The PDCA cycle is a four-stroke engine,
associated with a continuous improvement approach.
Planning precedes implementation (Do); control and analysis of the results bring to conclusions; this will lead to an Action: new objective, new strategy... etc.

Fast serial tool changeover: Single Minute Exchange of Die.

An organization method to reduce systematically the time of serial tool changeover, with a quantified objective.
4 steps to reach that point :
1. to remove the useless operations, to reduce machine dowtown.
2. to simplify flangings and mounting.
3. to work in group.
4. to eliminate adjustments, tests and reduction of «stopped machine» tasks

Productivity improvement

1. To direct the personnel towards the key objectives of the company (direct measures)
2. To direct and coordinate the whole of tasks and functions
3. To adapt the objectives and the activities of the company to the social and environmental changes.

To reduce wastings

Principle: no real improvement of productivity or quality, if the wastings remain.
7 types of indexed wastings: overproduction, latencies, transport, useless stocks, manufacturing processes, useless movements, defective pieces.

Quick Reponse Quality Control

A quality approach aiming for fast problems solving.
Gen-jitsu reality (to examine real data, periodic synthesis)
Gan-ba real place (to discuss in the factory or in offices)
Gen-Butsu real things (to examine the defective part or product)

Effective prevention

A great number of accidents can be avoided, thanks to :
1. an effective prevention policy
2. observance of regulations
3. staff sensitizing

To reduce and sort waste

An environmental management allows the companies:
1. to minimize the impact of their activities on the environment
2. to prevent incidents
3. to fix an action plan and to improve their environmental performances