Use of a Feedback Package to Reduce Machine Set-Up Time in a Manufacturing Setting

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment package designed to improve machine set-up time in the extrusion department of a rubber manufacturing company. After the steps required for rapid and accurate set-ups were determined, subjects were instructed regarding these steps and were given detailed written and verbal feedback concerning whether or not the performed the steps a propriately. Videotapes of set-ups were use this in this process. After the initial intensive intervention, an attempt was made to maintain treatment gains by teachin supervisors how to provide information concerning set-up performance. Results, collected under a multiple baseline design, indicated that the average weekly set-up time for each machine waa significantly below the baseline level during the initial intervention an remained there over the course of the study.