[Article] How to Reduce Lead Time and Inventory in Low-Volume, High-Variety Production

Case Study on the Utilization of Manufacturing Execution System (MES): "Approaches to Reducing Lead Time and Inventory in Low-Volume, High-Variety Production"

As we have transitioned from mass production of a few varieties to an era where small-batch production of many varieties and production of varying types and quantities are mainstream, are you facing the following challenges? - The production process has become more complex, making it difficult to grasp production conditions based solely on the intuition of the site. - It is challenging to reduce inventory levels and shorten lead times due to small-batch production of many varieties and production of varying types and quantities. - It is difficult to advance lot size reduction at the appropriate timing and quantity. Utilizing digital tools is one effective means of understanding the production conditions of complex processes like small-batch production of many varieties and production of varying types and quantities. A "Manufacturing Execution System (MES)" that visualizes the operational status of manufacturing equipment is one of the effective tools for solving common challenges encountered when advancing small-batch production of many varieties. With a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), you can "connect to PLCs and servers to collect equipment data and visualize the operational status of equipment throughout the factory." Now, let’s introduce some examples of how to advance "small-batch production of many varieties" using a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).

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