In manufacturing and systems management, a is the complete process of converting a machine or production line from making one product to another. It is a critical period where a machine is "down" and not creating value, making its efficiency a top priority for lean operations. The Anatomy of a Changeover
A changeover isn't just the moment a switch is flipped; it involves four distinct phases: The Changeover
: Gathering tools and materials before the current batch ends. In manufacturing and systems management, a is the
The gold standard for optimizing this process is the method. The goal is to reduce changeover times to "single digits"—meaning less than 10 minutes. Change the Way You Think About Changeover – Part 1 The gold standard for optimizing this process is the method
: Physically adjusting or replacing parts like dies, molds, or blades.
: Removing leftover materials and cleaning the equipment.
: The "ramp-up" period until the machine reaches full speed and quality. Reducing Downtime with SMED