Lean management, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement are the key words that are often mentioned in our process of optimizing production processes, reducing waste (finding the best way to eliminate waste) and seeking improvement。Modern companies need to pay more attention to these issues in order to remain competitive in the long run。RK Rose+Krieger has always been committed to lean management, and thanks to our rich product diversity and variability, we can provide customized solutions that are exactly suited to your needs。

In the design of the station, the working conditions should be adapted to the people, rather than the people to adapt to the given working conditions."。

Ergonomic design in the production/manufacturing process is often considered a major cost factor。This is wrong。On the contrary, ergonomics can bring many benefits to the workplace。For example, it has a positive impact on employee performance, health and motivation。Ergonomic design can also make up for the lack of professional ability, which should not be underestimated。

Ergonomic work stations should be designed to ensure a balanced work load。Either too much or too little work will not create a pleasant working atmosphere。In order to achieve the best results with low health burden, ergonomic design is fundamental。Therefore, ergonomics can make a significant contribution to a company's added value and competitiveness。

Independent lean production station with RK structure

Compared to a standard workbench or work table designed for a single application, the modular station has a distinct advantage: the components are rich and can be freely combined。For example, the modular RK workbench can be easily modified when changing models or introducing new technologies。The RK Rose+Krieger modular system offers a variety of expansion or replacement possibilities。

The setting of the optimal working height is one of the foundations of station design, especially when different employees are working on the workbench。Height adjustment can be easily and comfortably achieved with an electric lifting post。In addition to the maximum adjustment of working height, employees can switch between sitting and standing positions, contributing to efficient, fatigue-free and healthy work。

Get employees actively involved in lean upgrades

If an assembly station needs to be upgraded to a modern lean manufacturing station, it makes sense to involve employees at that station in the planning process as early as possible。No one knows the process better than they do, and no one is better at judging what can go wrong and where mistakes often occur。They can provide valuable feedback on detailed improvements, further improving their productivity。By asking employees to contribute their ideas, they also increase their acceptance of future changes。

Lean production stations are ergonomic and can be individually adapted to work processes

What is single-piece pipelining？

The one-piece flow principle can also be called employee-bound workflow。In the traditional conveyor production process, the same production activities are always carried out at a fixed location。For example, 50 gearboxes are produced one after another in the same production steps。However, it took a long time for the company to realize that the final product was actually unprofitable, because a large number of gearboxes had already been produced by the time they discovered the production error。Reworking these 50 products at this point would be very expensive。

In the case of single-piece flow work, the employee needs to complete the various assembly/machining steps along with the workpiece, so he must master all operations。This can reduce the distraction caused by monotonous work and increase employee motivation through a variety of work steps。Every final product is tested for quality/functionality to facilitate early sales of these products。

Characteristics of a single line work station:

 ■ Faster quality feedback

 ■ More flexibility to respond to customer needs

 ■ Less space required

 ■ Reduce inventory or intermediate inventory

 ■ Shorten the production cycle

 ■ Improve production efficiency

 ■ Interesting working environment

 ■ Reduce total cost

 ■ Ergonomic work stations

Production mode comparison: traditional production mode vs single-piece flow operation

5S management is just one of many methods that have a positive impact on workstation design。Although the 5S is often used as a basis for further work, it can bring very useful results on its own。For example, by reorganizing and cleaning the stations, the search time can be reduced, thus reducing the risk of accidents。

5S is the most important basic method of lean management。It can increase efficiency, improve quality, order, and ensure cleanliness and safety。Translated from Japanese, the five S's are:

 ■ 整理

 ■ 整顿

 ■ 清扫

 ■ 清洁

 ■ 素养

The purpose of the 5S management method is to leave only what is really needed at the station。Each work device has a clear location and workflow is standardized, and employees are encouraged to continue to maintain and improve this situation。

The foam packing area ensures a clear arrangement of tools

Do you want to focus your resources on something else and are currently looking for a trusted partner？Our experts can work closely with you to develop the right solution for you。

 ■ Field service: On-site consultation is available

   Our key account managers and sales consultants will be happy to visit you on site to work with you on specific solutions。

 ■ Outline your requirements

 ■ Discussion - Determine the required components

 ■ Our product experts develop solutions for you

 ■ Implementation and delivery

   Your solution will be fully delivered or installed on-site and put to use。

Lean workstations can be extended with a variety of auxiliary systems:

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