Gather and Record Data

It will be the first step and the most significant one. In this step, all the technical data needed for designing the cell have to be captured. As much detail as possible about the technical details of the processing operations has to be collected. The following is a typical technical description that require to be collected.

1. Generate mix & volume that is expected to be manufactured in the cell

2. The technical characteristics of the parts that make the family or group may include

• Size and shape
• Material
• Lot size or volume
• Process steps or unique processes

3. Routing and process sheets for all the parts that should include

• Equipment, tooling and gages
• Likely upgrades or process changes

4. List of equipment available for the cell

• Capacity constraints, if any
• Common equipment required for other cells

5. Planning guideline

• Product life cycle
• Future volume predictions
• Key design changes or new product information
• Management constraints

6. Operation guidelines

• Contractual or other constraints
• Floor area
• Annual working days
• Special utilities
• Material flow and service relationships with other facilities

7. Cost and staffing baseline data