Continuous Flow in Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Flow in Lean Manufacturing Continous Flow In the majority of the lean manufacturing production systems, a U-shaped workcell is used.   This is because with a worker positioned in the interior of the U, one would save time by minimising movement of both the parts and of the worker by simply turning around and sending it to the next work station. In the case of very heavy parts,   mechanised conveyor belts are usually added to help the parts along from one value adding process to the next at a constant rate, however it is to be noted that manual push or gavity conveyors are the ideal method for moving parts, as their reliability is very high and their down times are low owing to their lack of complexity in their design. The corners of this workcell can cause alot of problems, as they have a tendency to slow down the production rates by holding some parts in that possible dead space.   For this reason, a ball roller transfer section is generally used to combat the dead space areas around the corners of the system. There may some instances where non-cyclical work has to be done to a part.   If this were to be passed through the system like normal, it would cause disruptions to the system.   To fix this problem, these operations are done outside the cell by support workers. Simplicity To cater for continuous-flow, one-at-a-time manufacturing each work station is made as compact as possible to reduce the waste of space, as well as to reduce possible storing space of parts and sub-assemblies, making batched processes imposible in this confiuration whilst also eliminating useless steps by the worker whilst in operation. To reduce the ammount of   floor space used, one must avoid standardised machines and instead specially designed machine bases must be used.   It is important to note that each machine base can vary from workstation to workstation to further optimise assembly subprocesses.   For the sake of convienience, modularity and cost, extruded aluminium members are bolted together to form the above mentioned machine bases.   Another essential reason   why the above set up is very effective is that due to its flexibility, it allows for quick and continuous improvements, which therefore directly impacts the set up time of the machine. Workplace Organization To ensure that no time is wasted looking for misplaced tools, all tools used at a work station has its own designated toolholder.   This would ensure the immediate detection of a displaced tool.   To further improve on this idea, some plants use modular tools holders to add more flexibility to the work station and therefore increasing the utility of the said workstation. Another trick used to reduce the downtime is to have backup tools available to the worker, but also out of their way   until they are required.   To this end, many companies tend to use tool holding structures that can be swung or slid into or out of the workspace with little to no effort required. So as to help the workers make fast decisions and to put them into effect, an information board is used.   The information board is a simple way of supplying relevant information at the workplace with anything from assembly processes, to production targets.   This feature takes out the need to chase down a busy supervisor, thus dramatically reducing the production downtime.   So as to increase its flexibility in the workplace and reduce waste, it is generally modular and reusable. Parts Presentation To reduce the number of interruptions to a minimum, all parts are generally supplied to each workstation outside of the workcell via gravity feed bins.   These bins are designed with simplicity and high reliability in mind to reduce the down times of the production line.   To make the bins even more flexible, they are usually designed to be stackable and to be fastened using key studs, thus further increasing the reconfigurability of the production line. In the case of larger parts however, the above system is shunned and a system of gravity feed conveyors are used instead.   On the other hand when parts are very heavy, a case lifter is used to raise the parts to the work station using electricity, pneumatics, or hydraulics. Reconfigurability To reduce the time wasted in the setting up of the line, reconfigurability is a very important factor to take in account when designing a workcell.   In light of this, quick-change fixtures are used due to their rapid changeover process.   Another perk of using this type of fixture is that since it is very compact, many fixtures can be stored at the workstation, further shortening of the changeover time is experienced. This arrangement allows for quick reconfiguration and movement to different parts of the workcell to accomodate for a new product, whilst also facilitating the change of the machine or workstation by using lockable casters. Quality One of the advantages of one-at-a-time manufacturing is the fact that a visual inspection can be done for every assembly.   In the case that gages are required, they would be mounted to the workstation while still allowing for quick and easy replacement. Some of the quality problems encountered may come from a malfuntioning machine or a faulty process.   These problems can be quickly solved be restructuring the machine frame system via the replavement of the bolted members. In the case of a faulty machine, this can also be quickly fixed, by first disconnecting all of the pneumatic or electric lines and then disconnecting the said machine to the frame via the lockable casters, eliminating the reluctance to change and improve the machines.   This in turn increases the quality of the assembly appreciably by not allowing anyone to settle for a part that is almost right. Maintainability So as to drastically reduce down times due to maintainance, a modular structural framing system is used.   This is to ensure that whilst the machine, or the machine frame is being serviced, another can easily take its place, minimising the already small downtime   of the reconfigureable defective part in question. By using this approach, one can standardize the components for most of the machine bases, guards, and workstations.   This significantly reduces the number of tools needed   to maintain the work cell, which in turn reduces the time needed to maintain the said structures.   It is also important to note that since most of the parts are standardised, the company needs less inventory space to house the spare parts needed for maintainance. Ease of Access By using aluminium framing system discussed above, all components can be easily accessed and the positions of the various accessories such as the bins, shelves and tool holders can be optimised to increase efficiency. Another advantage of using the above system is that not only is it possible to insure accessability for every worker by adding and repositioning components, but it also greatly increases the ease of maintainance of the work station by removing the parts in question via simple hand tools.

The Bean Trees – Tone

Don’t Be Too Serious Let’s say that someone handed you something unexpected. It could be anything: a computer, book, even a guitar! However, what if it was something of great value? What if it was a baby that was handed to you? Odds are, you’d probably freak out and hand the baby over to the authorities or something similar to that. But not Taylor Greer in the novel The Bean Trees! The words that Barbara Kingsolver chooses to use show a tone of informality and humor. One way Kingsolver establishes an informal tone is by using long, run on sentences and everyday words.When Taylor gets a job at Tuscon after she stops traveling, she says, â€Å"I lasted six days at the Burger Derby before I got in a fight with the manager and threw my red-so-called jockey cap in the trash compactor and walked out. I would have thrown the whole uniform in there, but I didn’t feel like giving him a free show† (Kingsolver 88). In this quote, Kingsolver shows informality b y making the first sentence extremely long, and the second sentence shows humor when Taylor jokes about not wanting to give him a â€Å"free show. † Kingston also uses words that people use in everyday conversations, thus creating an even more informal tone.Another way Kingsolver shows humor is by what Taylor names the baby that is handed to her. When Taylor first meets Lou Ann, she asks, â€Å"’How do you know her name’s Turtle? ’† Taylor replies, â€Å"’I don’t. I named her that’† (Kingsolver 97). The fact that Taylor chose to name the baby â€Å"Turtle† shows humor. Taylor could have chosen any other name†¦ A name â€Å"suitable† for a baby girl. However, she chose the name â€Å"Turtle. † Turtles are sea animals, and it’s rare for someone to be named â€Å"Turtle. † Why would Taylor have chosen that particular name for the baby? Kingsolver most likely wanted to convey a light, humorous tone for herAn informal tone is created by Kingsolver when Taylor speaks. When she tells Estavan about feeling like a foreigner, she says â€Å"’Sometimes I feel like a foreigner too†¦ People don’t look the same, talk the same, nothing’† (Kingsolver 181). The first sentence is relatively normal. However, in the second sentence, Kingsolver reveals an informal tone by the way Taylor speaks. The way she talks to people is very informal. Because of this, we know that Kingston is purposely avoiding making Taylor a serious, somber character like she could’ve been. Another way that Kingsolver creates an informal tone is by the things Taylor does. I lifted Estevan’s hand from my ribcage and kissed his palm† (Kingsolver 189). This quote reveals an example of how Kingsolver establishes an informal tone through Taylor’s actions. In this particular quote, Taylor falls asleep with Estevan on a couch. When she wakes up, she thin ks about what Esperanza has been through, and makes a conscious decision to leave. Kingsolver could have simply stated, â€Å"I got off the couch and went to my own bed. † However, she chose to create a more informal tone by showing what exactly Taylor did when she was getting off the couch.In this novel, The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver, a humorous – but more informal – tone is created by the sentence structure, characters’ dialogue, and description of events. The tone was effective because it made the novel more interesting, and less dull. Also, it was easy to see that Kingsolver used lots of informality and humor in this novel, so that made the tone more noticeable. Because of the tone that Kingsolver created, the main character Taylor Greer was able to go through the negative events in her life a bit better than a more serious character would have been able to.

Poems, American Culture and Values Essay

The poems â€Å"America† written by Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes’ â€Å"I, Too† are two of the most controversial pieces in American Literature. The two poems acquire such attention because of the subject they discussed and the points and issues they presented. Ginsberg’s â€Å"America† and â€Å"I, Too† by Hughes tackled values and ethics that is deeply embedded in the American Culture. They integrated in their writings issues about racism and various social problems that has plagued the American system, and has characterized American way of life. However, although the two poems raised identical issues, the manner in which they were presented was different. Furthermore, the prevailing emotion from the two poems was different as Ginsberg work showcased raged, anger, hatred and hopelessness to the system while in Hughes work hope for better future for things is evident. The poem America is conversational in tone and discusses the grievances and disappointments of the writer to the existing American System during that time. Ginsberg is a member of a group called the Beat Writers and the rage he expressed in writing the poem is the organization’s manifestation of hatred to the State of American Culture (Foster, 1992). As one reads the poem he may found himself lost to the illogical manner of presentation of different ideas of the poem. This hopeless illogical way of presentation, mirrors the hopeless and illogic state of American Culture. He even pointed out the insanity of American society going to war such as the â€Å"cold war†. He expressed the ridiculousness of the country, bragging itself as the â€Å"home of the free†, but is in the forefront of oppressing various countries and minority groups. All in all, Ginsberg presented irritations and frustration and how people have lost their individuality with the advent of mass media and technology. On the other hand, Hughes â€Å"I, Too† provided a different view of the social problems present in American Culture. The primary topic is oppression of minorities particularly the isolation of African Americans and whites. The use of â€Å"I† was empowering since it discusses separation and segregation of the American Culture. It iterates that African Americans are also citizens of America and should be treated equally with whites. Unlike the poem America, I, Too states that although the author understand and knew the current social dilemma he is not worried. Hughes stated that the society is slowly realizing the problems at hand, and thus soon everything will turn out write. He does not complain and instead patiently wait for the day that everyone will recognized them as part of America and eventually see how wonderful and beautiful they are as an integral part of the country. As Ginsberg’s work presented hopelessness to the present system, Hughes poem is a picture of great expectations as he viewed a better society for the American people. References Foster, E. H. (1992). Understanding the Beats. South Carolina: University of South Carolina Press.

The Assassination of Shaka Zulu (September 24, 1828)

Shaka kaSenzangakhona, Zulu king and founder of the Zulu empire, was murdered by his two half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana at kwaDukuza in 1828—one date given is September 24. Dingane assumed the throne after the assassination. Shakas Last Words Shakas last words have taken on a prophetic mantle—and popular South African/Zulu myth has him telling Dingane and Mhlangana that it is not they who will rule the Zulu nation but white people who will come up from the sea. Another version says swallows will be the ones to rule, which is a reference to white people because they build houses of mud as do swallows.​ However, the version which is probably the truest rendition comes from Mkebeni kaDabulamanzi, King Cetshwayos nephew and grandson of King Mpande (another half-brother to Shaka)—Are you stabbing me, kings of the earth? You will come to an end through killing one another. Shaka and the Zulu Nation Assassination by rivals to the throne is a constant in monarchies throughout history and around the world. Shaka was an illegitimate son of a minor chief, Senzangakhona, while his half-brother  Dingane was legitimate. Shakas mother Nandi eventually was installed as the third wife of this chief, but it was an unhappy relationship, and she and her son were eventually driven away. Shaka joined the military of the Mthethwa, led by chief Dingiswayo. After Shakas father died in 1816, Dingiswayo supported Shaka in assassinating his elder brother, Sigujuana, who had assumed the throne. Now Shaka was the chief of the Zulu, but a vassal of Dingiswayo. When Dingiswayo was killed by Zwide, Shaka assumed leadership of the Mthethwa state and army. Shakas power grew as he reorganized the Zulu military system. The long-bladed assegai and the bullhorn formation were innovations that led to greater success on the battlefield. He had ruthless military discipline and incorporated both men and youths in his armies. He forbade his troops to marry. He conquered neighboring territories or created alliances until he controlled all of present-day Natal. In doing so, many rivals were forced out of their territories and migrated, causing disruption throughout the region. However, he was not in conflict with the Europeans in the area. He allowed some European settlers in the Zulu kingdom. Why Was Shaka Assassinated? When Shakas mother, Nandi, died in October 1827, his grief led to erratic and deadly behavior. He required everyone else to grieve with him and executed anyone he decided was not grieving sufficiently, as many as 7,000 people. He ordered that no crops be planted and no milk could be used, two orders sure to induce famine. Any pregnant woman would be executed, as would her husband. Shakas two half-brothers tried more than once to assassinate him. Their successful attempt came when most of the Zulu troops had been sent north and security was lax at the royal kraal. The brothers were joined by a servant, Mbopa. Accounts vary as to whether the servant did the actual killing or it was done by the brothers. They dumped his body in an empty grain pit and filled the pit, so the exact location is unknown. Dingane assumed the throne and purged loyalists to Shaka. He allowed the troops to marry and set up a homestead, which built loyalty with the military. He ruled for 12 years until he was defeated by his half-brother Mpande.