Obeyaka / Lean Layout
Short Description
The layout of each production or assembly line significantly drives the overall operating costs. A lean layout enables further lean activities, which further reduces total costs. Obeyaka is the arrangement of stations and operators which are sorted according to a clear structure of materials, men and machines (3M).
Why do you have to achieve a Lean Layout?
Make sure operators work close to each other. It becomes much easier to balance the line, as nearby operators can be balanced far better than those working in separated work areas
When all operators are on one island it becomes far easier to balance the line, unnecessary operators can be removed. Make sure the line supply happens from outside the line without interrupting the operators. Machines have to be moved outside the operators island
Further Benefits:
How do you achieve a Lean Layout?
Big packaging prevents operators from being close to each other.
Use small-sized packaging and move stations according to an one piece flow to achieve a lean layout.
Avoid batch production and try to have a common takt time across all stations
Each time the line is fed with material, the operators get interrupted.
Try to separate line feeding and line picking side to have two independent areas, one for the line supply, the other for the operators
Lean Examples
The Highway
Streets and highways are the structural foundation of all cities around the globe. It connects people, buildings, shops, airports and everything we can think of.
Similar to the production, we have to assimilate the needs of an assembly line. Distances have to be short, material flows transparent and operator close to each other.
