Lean manufacturing in a mass customization plant : improvement of Kanban policy and implementation
Name
773585296-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
5.55 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
c8dcd07bc24fe1e36b9fdf9802f8055c
Author(s)
Chen, Wu, M. Eng. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Advisor(s)
Stephen C. Graves.
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
This thesis documents the application of the principles of lean manufacturing and supply chain planning at Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates. Varian is a manufacturer of ion implantation machines, and supplies and services equipment for most of the leading semiconductor manufacturers. The demand for the company's products is uncertain. The products are customizable, and the production schedules change from day to day to comply with customer requests. In situations where variability - whether in product features or logistics, use of lean manufacturing techniques like Value Stream Mapping and Waste Elimination helped to highlight the main problems. The main problem at Varian was the chronic part shortage from suppliers. Further investigation revealed improper supply chain and inventory management. Specifically, the Kanban policy is found to have a majority impact of current shortage situation. Lean manufacturing principles and supply chain planning were implemented to analyze and remedy chronic part shortage. Improper supply chain and inventory management practices were identified. A new Kanban policy was used to improve the shortage situation. Recommendations included a shorter lot size review period, larger safety factor and a new lot size decision making strategy based on historical demand.
Description
Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-64).
Subjects
Mechanical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
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