// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
SMED
SMED stands for Single-Minute Exchange of Die, which is a systematic method for reducing the time it takes to change over a process or machine from one product to another, often to single-digit minutes. It's a key technique for quick changeovers.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) is a lean manufacturing methodology developed by Shigeo Shingo to drastically reduce equipment setup and changeover times by converting internal setup activities (machine stopped) to external ones (machine running) and streamlining remaining internal steps.
BACKGROUND
Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of the secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a range of human activity, from handicraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are transformed into finished goods on a large scale. Such goods may be sold to other manufacturers for the production of other more complex products, or distributed via the tertiary sector to end users and consumers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Single-Minute Exchange of Die
- Quick Changeover
- Setup Reduction
USAGE NOTE
SMED is a powerful tool for improving machine utilization and enabling just-in-time production.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to SMED.
Develops and manufactures a wide range of quick-change and zero-point clamping systems, such as the VERO-S series. These systems enable machine fixtures and workpieces to be swapped out with high precision in seconds, directly addressing the core goal of SMED by drastically reducing setup times.
Staubli's Connectors division specializes in solutions for rapid changeovers, including robotic tool changers, multi-coupling plates for fluids and electricity, and magnetic clamping systems for injection molding machines. These technologies allow for the quick, simultaneous connection/disconnection of all necessary utilities, a key principle in converting internal to external setup tasks.
Provides a frontline operations platform that allows manufacturers to build custom applications for their shop floor. These apps can provide digital work instructions, guided workflows, and data collection tools specifically for changeover processes, helping to standardize procedures and identify bottlenecks for SMED initiatives.
A leading manufacturer of workholding components, including manual, pneumatic, and hydraulic clamps. Their products are designed for rapid and repeatable clamping, replacing traditional nuts and bolts to significantly reduce the time required for fastening and unfastening fixtures during a changeover.
Utilizes AI and computer vision to analyze manual processes on the factory floor. The technology can be used to record and automatically break down changeover procedures, providing precise data on every step. This helps teams identify non-value-added activities and optimize the process, which is fundamental to a SMED analysis.
Develops augmented reality (AR) systems that project visual work instructions directly onto a workspace. For SMED, this technology can guide operators through complex changeover sequences step-by-step, ensuring accuracy and speed while reducing reliance on paper manuals or memory.
A connected worker platform focused on training, knowledge sharing, and communication on the factory floor. It enables the creation and distribution of standardized digital work instructions and troubleshooting guides for changeovers, ensuring that all operators perform the procedure consistently and efficiently, a key outcome of a successful SMED program.