In the world of manufacturing and logistics, efficiency is crucial. One way to increase the efficiency of a factory is through Lineside Engineering. This approach enables companies to transform the way they manage their production processes and production lines. In this article, our Lineside Engineering expert, Kevin Messak, explains the concept.
Why Lineside Engineering?
In the realm of assembly, efficiency is becoming increasingly crucial. Customer demand is constantly rising, necessitating companies to be flexible in order to swiftly respond to the market. This can lead to situations in the manufacturing industry where production lines need to be reconfigured, resulting in suboptimal processes and spatial constraints. Consequently, this leads to increased logistical costs. Additionally, introducing a new product into an existing production line or setting up a new production line requires an efficient approach. Lineside engineering provides a solution for these challenges.
The Basics of Lineside Engineering
Lineside Engineering is more than just a concept; it is a versatile strategy aimed at redefining the relationship between the production floor and the logistics department. At its core, it revolves around the idea that space optimization and process efficiency can enhance the entire production cycle. To achieve this, consideration is given to the sequence in which materials are used and how production workers prefer them to be presented, all while taking logistical costs into account—the so-called Line Back Principle. In practice, we sometimes see production engineers designing the layout of the production line without a thorough logistical approach. This can result in complex Linesides where logistical issues are overlooked.
How Does it Work?
The first step is to carefully collect and analyze data. This phase focuses on understanding the existing layout, materials, and processes. For the successful implementation of Lineside Engineering, this step is crucial.
Subsequently, the success of a Lineside Engineering project heavily depends on teamwork. Ideally, a team consists of experts from various functions and, perhaps most importantly, an operator or team leader from the production line. Roles that are important in a successful Lineside Engineering project include Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Logistics Engineer. A Lineside Engineer takes a guiding role and collaborates with the team to find solutions for improvements in the process flow. Within Nobleo Manufacturing, we possess the necessary competencies to successfully complete such a project.
Implementing a Lineside Engineering project inevitably brings about change. Changes typically encounter resistance, especially from operators on the production floor who are accustomed to their routines. The key is to involve them in the process. The insights of the operators are invaluable; they understand their workstations the best. Their feedback can lead to changes that significantly enhance efficiency. Our engineers, through years of experience, know how to address this resistance to change and can assist an organization in successfully completing the project.
When dealing with complex Lineside Engineering, we also utilize simulation tools. Simulations aid in determining the most efficient configuration for the production line. For example, we can consider various scenarios: what if we have less bulk storage? What if we change the scale of the operation? Simulating these options provides valuable insights and can help the organization in convincing stakeholders of the proposed improvements.
Duration of a Lineside Engineering Project
The duration of Lineside Engineering can vary depending on the project’s complexity and the level of collaboration. In some cases, a project can be completed within four weeks, while others may take several months. The degree of support and engagement from the client is crucial in this aspect.
Improving Process Flow: Practical Examples
Lineside Engineering has led to significant improvements in process flow for various clients of Nobleo Manufacturing. For instance, at one of these clients, materials were positioned on both sides of the production line, hindering visibility and consequently efficiency.
The Lineside Engineer started by inventorying the necessary materials and optimizing their packaging. By adjusting the layout of the flow racks, fasteners were moved to both ends of the production line. This allowed employees to access all necessary materials from these flow racks at the beginning of their shifts, resulting in substantial space savings per workstation. Costly kitting processes were eliminated by bringing them back to the production line. This approach demonstrates how a logistical approach can significantly enhance space efficiency.
The concept of Lineside Engineering is not only relevant to this manufacturer but can also be applied to other companies. Regardless of their industry, businesses can implement Lineside Engineering to optimize their own logistical and production processes. The goal is to achieve space efficiency and process improvement, which can be crucial for companies with limited space and the need for continuous improvement.
Lineside Engineering: A Path to Transformation
Lineside Engineering is a transformative approach that enables companies to create a seamless fusion between production and logistics. It allows us to identify and correct inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity. The collaborative nature of Lineside Engineering fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
With practical insights and a hands-on approach, Nobleo Manufacturing offers a comprehensive solution to make your production process more efficient and effective. By reducing logistical waste and optimizing process flow, costs can be saved, and growth can be more easily achieved.
Attached to this article is a fictitious case study illustrating how the layout of an assembly line was adjusted after the application of Lineside Engineering.
