The Benefits of SMED

In manufacturing, one of the manager's never ending duties is to find ways to continually optimize and streamline the facility's operations. Even little incremental changes can have a huge effect in improving worker efficiency and output flow. Every level of the assembly line must be analyzed for weaknesses and problems so that the issues can be properly addressed. Anything that can cause a slowdown or pause during any phase of production is an enemy of any factory setting. One common source of work stoppage is the routine shift and employees changes. Aside from creating a backlog that can be very difficult to recover from, such occurrences also cost the company precious time and money. Lost profits can easily amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars through accumulated interruptions. One excellent way administrators can deal with this matter is with the introduction of Quick Changeover Simulations into their Human Resources Department's employee curriculum. Also called SMED games, these simulations are classroom activities that can be practiced during regularly scheduled HR appointments, or dedicated company-wide team building excursions. A SMED offers many advantages to any firm running an assembly line in the manufacturing industry. Foremost among its many gifts is its ability to instill in employees the proper techniques that can reduce shift change downtime to its very minimum. Through constant practice and repetition, workers get to understand firsthand the actual reason why certain protocols are in place instead of just blindly following their boss's instructions. This is useful when you want to institute stricter measures, but don't want it to negatively affect workforce morale. Running a SMED will also provide employees a safe venue to fail and mess-up operational processes without having it threaten the wellbeing of neither the company nor the workers themselves. In this way, people can learn how to avoid repeating their mistakes without hurting anyone. Finally, a SMED is also an effective team building tool. It allows the workers to build relationships and a sense of camaraderie with each other. This leads to increased employee morale which statistics show has a direct effect on a person's work rate, efficiency and production output. Never forget that happy companies are also profitable companies.
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Light Tables vs Inspection

Anyone who performs quality control in a laboratory or industrial environment knows the importance of adequate lighting. Without the proper level of illumination, it is nearly impossible to perform quality control to expected standards. This could result in serious legal penalties, fines, and even a shutdown of the facility. Equipping heavy, medium, and light duty tables with illuminated table tops ensures that this will not happen. A standard industrial table outfitted with lighting is offered with optional casters that make the workbench a mobile unit. Hydraulic lift units adjust the height of the table to accommodate seated or standing users while a hydraulic tilt unit moves the work surface to an ergonomically convertible angle. A deluxe version of this table features additional light panels that provide adequate illumination for inspection of the smallest items. When the ultimate in mobility is needed, light duty tables are often not the solution. An inspection cart featuring a light panel, casters, and hydraulic lift makes the perfect workbench. It can be pulled around the facility floor as needed or used in training applications. Other optional features expand the number of potential applications for this work cart. This unit is the perfect partner for a heavy duty industrial table. Fluorescent lighting used in lighted tables is covered by frosted glass. Consumers can specify the size of the glass area, with 12-inch multiples available for the width. A dimmable switch is included with the lighting and each fluorescent bulb is a maximum of 40 watts. Though standard sizes of light duty tables with lifting functions are available, custom dimensions can also be specified. When customizing this industrial table, a consumer can choose other features designed to meet the special needs of the user or work environment. Light duty tables are not the only versions available with illuminated table top lighting. Most of the workbench styles offered can usually be ordered with illuminated surfaces. Whether a lab or cleanroom table is needed, consumers will not need to go without the light feature. Ordering directly from the manufacturer, allows for more flexibility in terms of final product design. Many manufacturers can build light table furniture to meet your exact specifications. In labs where space is at a premium or where room dimensions are irregular, it is often difficult to find light duty tables and storage options that are compatible. A manufacturer has no problem designing furniture, shelving, and cabinets that will fit into tight corners or small square footage. Most of these items are delivered pre-assembled, eliminating time and frustration for the consumer. Everything arrives ready to use once it is removed from its packaging. Ordering heavy, medium, or light duty tables with tabletop lighting, casters, hydraulic lifts, and other features is not difficult. When shopping online, consumers simply enter the height, depth, and width of the table, the width of the lighted area, and finish or colors for the frame and top. They can even view samples of optional features and access live help if they have any questions.
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