Definition
A principle of lean thinking based on the idea that by reducing the set-up time between jobs that run on the same equipment, the overall operating efficiency is improved.
Application
Some key concepts in set-up time reduction include:
Reduction of internal set-up time. Internal set-up time is associated with adjustments that must be done to the equipment while it is shut down for set-up. In contrast, external set-up time is spent on work that can be done before the change-over starts while equipment is still running a previous part. Standardization. Standardizing changeable parts to reduce adjustments that must be made after they are installed reduces the internal set-up time. Examples of this are standard die locator pins, shut heights and clamp locations.