Reducing the time spent on changeovers using the SMED method, in the component production process using hydraulic-press

Lean Manufacturing is belived to be the most effective way of significantly increasing productivity, limiting waste and shortening the production cycle. The wide range of tools and techniques used in this method results in a very good outcome for the companies using it. We can observe that it increases their competitiveness in comparison to the companies which did not decide to apply the above mentioned methods. The goal of the research is to apply one of the crucial elements of the Lean Manufacturing, namely SMED (Single minute exchange of die- changeover of the machine under ten minutes). The object of the analysis is the hydraulic-press used in the manufacturing plant. For the aim of the research the changeover process was analysed and improving actions that could result in shortening the time needed to change the components were suggested.