PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY OF LEAN PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES: A3 REPORT, OBEYA AND SMED

Abstract

Today, products' life curves are shortened and diversity is increased. Production systems where smaller parties and more flexible production can be realized in the market conditions where competition is intense, has become a necessity for enterprises. Therefore, this philosophy must become a part of the corporate culture in order to ensure the continuity of lean thinking practices and their permanence in order to compete. In this study, A3 report of lean production is mentioned with a theoretical based approach to Obeya and SMED techniques. The A3 Report, which provides permanent solutions to the underlying problems, is a system that increases the ability of decision making and communication in the company as well as preventing the problems that may occur by taking precautionary measures. Obeya, a tool for assisting managers and teamwork in solving problems, shortens the need for information, saves time, and accelerates production. By using SMED which is another technique that reduces mold change time, increases product variety and quality, reduces stocks, increases flexibility and facilitates job security, enterprises obtain high efficiency.