The Human-Centric SMED

Abstract

The Human-Centric SMED (H-SMED) is an evolution of the classical methodology introduced by Shingo to manage the setup process, which is particularly suitable for companies where the setup involves activities with high human content, that can be hardly transformed into external operations to be performed during the machine uptime. The H-SMED integrates Industry 4.0 tools, as the MES Data Analysis, Lean Management and Ergonomics with a new attention to the centrality of workers, in order to guide the transition towards the next Industry 5.0. The H-SMED methodology is developed into four phases, devolved to: (1) understanding the changeover process; (2) identifying potential improvements; (3) moving from proposal to practice; (4) training and control, in a continuous improvement cycle. The case study of a world-wide known company in the fashion eyewear industry is proposed to validate the framework, reporting a 44% reduction of setup duration.