Takt Time in Pull Systems for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

摘要

Large scale industrial manufacturers have for several years, as part of Lean manufacturing initiatives, used the metric of takt time to ensure that goods flow through their manufacturing systems at optimum efficiency to achieve customer demand. However, there has been no specific research into how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use takt time within their systems to meet customer demand. The aim of this research is to analyse how takt time can be used to help SMEs meet customer demand efficiently. This research compares literature findings with common practices identified through two case studies, the first with a consultant who has expertise in this area and the second with a New Zealand SME. The findings of this research identify a method of takt time use for SMEs and develop a framework to optimise the throughput of pull manufacturing systems.