An Optimized Model for Reduction of Cycle Time Using Value Stream Mapping in a Small Scale Industry

Abstract

In recent times, lean manufacturing applications have become essential for manufacturers all over the globe. The manufacturers have gradually shifted from mass production to flexible manufacturing and customers are looking for customized and unique products. Productivity becomes a very important element with multiple product need. Passenger vehicle seat manufacturing industry is found to be poorly affected by manufacturing problems due to more cycle time, unbalanced workload and improper layout. The main aim of this paper is to study the existing system of a seat manufacturing industry and to improve productivity using lean methodology without much affecting current working systems. The critical non value added activities are identified and chances required for improvement has been recognized. The total lead time was reduced from 2.55 days to 2.438 days after implementation of applications of VSM. Using spaghetti diagram the current layout was optimized and the total cycle time was reduced by about 26.28% after implementing the proposed layout to meet the customer demand.