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Lean Definition: Cellular Manufacturing System

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In general, batch manufacturing (the opposite of a Lean cellular manufacturing system) is oriented around a process. You might have a cutting group, a welding group, and a grinding group, etc. Each workgroup is structured based on what they do. These cells produce long runs of a product according to a work schedule and delivered piles of work-in-process to the next operation in the value stream. Note about Work Cells»

In the Lean cellular manufacturing system, this changes to a layout based on how the product should flow.

Batch Manufacturing is organized by process; Lean Cellular Manufacturing is organized by product.

A key component of cellular manufacturing is, obviously, the cell, or work cell. Cells are characterized by a focus on a single product or product group. They are arranged for flow with machines and stations located in close proximity.The goal should be to set up single-piece flow in the Lean work cell. The most efficient configuration is the u-shaped cell, but you may also see work cells arranged in other (less effective) configurations, such as a straight line or an ‘L’.

Typically, products are grouped using a tool called PQ/PR analysis (Product quantity/Process routing, or Parts Quantity/Process Routing). This Lean tool lets you form work cells based on similar process requirements.

Here’s a confusing point. Often these process based groups are referred to as ‘cells’. This process based ‘cell’ does not make the company a cellular manufacturing.

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