There are many benefits of cellular manufacturing for a company if applied correctly. Most immediately, processes become more balanced and productivity increases because the manufacturing floor has been reorganized and tidied up.

Part movement, set-up time, and wait time between operations are reduced, resulting in a reduction of work in progress inventory freeing idle capital that can be better utilized elsewhere. Cellular manufacturing, in combination with the other lean manufacturing and just-in-time processes, also helps eliminate overproduction by only producing items when they are needed. The results are cost savings and the better control of operations.

There are some costs of implementing cellular manufacturing, however, in addition to the set-up costs of equipment and stoppages. Sometimes different work cells can require the same machines and tools, possibly resulting in duplication causing a higher investment of equipment and lowered machine utilization. However, this is a matter of optimization and can be addressed through process design.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of cellular manufacturing. Discussion will highlight the effects on productivity of traditional productions systems and several root causes. Three case studies will be reviewed depicting real applications of cellular manufacturing in diverse environments. The organizations range from fine art publishing and framing to report assembly and distribution to integrated pressure systems.

Speaker Bio:

rodrigo cantu, pmp, cpim Principal Engineer Systems Characterization and Validation Section Information Systems Engineering Department Automation and Data Systems Division Southwest Research Institute M.S., Industrial Engineering, St. Mary’s University, 1999 B.S., Industrial Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1990 Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training, The George Group, 2005

 
Mr. Cantu has over 18 years of industry experience working with government, healthcare, education and manufacturing organizations implementing innovative process improvement methodologies and techniques such as Lean Enterprise. His contract engineering project expertise includes business process reengineering, operational assessments, systems design and development, process redesign, productivity improvement, workforce development and training, enterprise resource planning systems selection and implementation, facility layout planning and design and project management.

Mr. Cantu has fulfilled key roles in assisting companies lead change initiatives, streamline business processes, facilitate strategic planning sessions and coach cross-functional teams through transformation projects.

Mr. Cantu is an adjunct instructor of the Alamo Community College District and a part-time faculty member of St. Mary’s University.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS: Project Management Professional, Certified in Production and Inventory Management.

MEMBERSHIPS: Project Management Institute and American Production and Inventory Control Society.