%0 Journal Article
%T Integration of Lean Approaches to Manage a Manual Assembly System
%A Qian Wang
%A Nick Bennett
%J Open Journal of Social Sciences
%P 226-231
%@ 2327-5960
%D 2014
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/jss.2014.29038
%X <p class=\"MsoNormal\">
	<span lang=\"EN-US\">Today, importance of flexibility and
reconfigurability needs to be addressed when designing and implementing a
cost-effective and responsive manufacturing system. Such a system should be
able to accommodate dynamic changes of product varieties and production volumes
by maximizing its production capability and minimizing its production costs,
this is particularly useful for a SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) to
remain competitive in the market. For a manual assembly line, it is always a
good practice using a highly skilled workforce that each assembly worker is capable
of performing multiple tasks. Ideally, each worker is fully trained to complete
assigned tasks of a unit from start to finish. This paper presents a case study
of incorporating 5S management rules into an assembly system using so-called
skillful and dynamic walking workers as a combination of lean management
approaches to improve productivity and efficiency of a shop floor production
line at a local plant.</span>
</p>
%K Lean Management
%K Lean Production
%K Assembly Systems
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=49194