iPolymer and ENIDINE both heavily emphasized Lean Cellular Assembly in their manufacturing businesses. With low volume and high product variation, our Assembly Cells were configured for one to six employees. Each Assembly Cell was equipped with a full complement of assembly tooling, fixtures, and free-issued consumable goods.
Frequently, Operational Management must be supported and inspired to spend the extra dollars from that scarce expense budget to ensure that every Assembly Cell has all the required tooling, fixtures, and devices necessary to allow all Assemblers to stay on station. This should even include test and label devices where possible.
One key goal is to reduce physical movement of your Assembly staff. The goal is to minimize foot traffic and the need for Assemblers to ask for clarification/help. Cell Work Instructions with sufficient clarifications or an F.A.Q. database (via old school color printed binders or modern iPad/tablets computers) will assist in this process.
