Homework SourseHammond Inc has analyzed the setup time on its computercontr
Hammond Inc. has analyzed the setup time on its computer-controlled lathe. The setup requires changing the type of fixture that holds a part. The average setup time has been 135 minutes, consisting of the following steps:
a. Why should management be concerned about improving setup time?
A (long/short) setup will result in a (small/large) production batch, which (decreases/increases) work in process inventory and (decreases/increases) lead time. (small/large) work in process inventory commits working capital that could be used for other purposes. Long lead times (decrease/increase) the company’s ability to respond to changes in customer demand.
b. Which of the following are the ways to improve Hammond Inc.\'s setup time?
1. limit the trips to the tool room to one round trip, rather than two.
2. change the location of the fixtures to reduce lathe setup time.
3. eliminate the tool room and instead locate the tools in a visible location near the lathe.
4. change the entire lathe room layout, so that fewer steps are required to turn the lathe on and off, as well as clean the lathe and change fixtures for the lathe.
5. All of these are ways to improve setup time.
How much time would be required for a setup, using your suggestion in (b)?
| Turn off machine and remove fixture from lathe | 10 | minutes |
| Go to tool room with fixture | 15 | |
| Record replacement of fixture to tool room | 18 | |
| Return to lathe | 20 | |
| Clean lathe | 15 | |
| Return to tool room | 20 | |
| Record withdrawal of new fixture from tool room | 12 | |
| Return to lathe | 15 | |
| Install new fixture and turn on machine | 10 | |
| Total setup time | 135 | minutes |
Solution
A long setup will result in a large production batch, which\" increases\"work in process inventory and \"increases\" lead time. large work in process inventory commits working capital that could be used for other purposes. Long lead times \"decrease\" the company’s ability to respond to changes in customer demand.
( A long setup time increases wip and funds get locked in wip and it tends to decrease the response time for a customer)
B) all these ways improve the setup time.
(limiting the trips, changing location of fixtures, making tools available immediately are some of the ways to improve setup time)
5. Setup time required after applying above recommended steps
=135 minutes - 20 minutes - 15 minutes - 18 minutes - 12 minutes
=70 minutes
