Arbetsstandard, tidsunderlag och förbättringsarbete vid manuella arbetsstationer

Sammanfattning: Brodit AB is a company located in Karlsborg, which manufactures holders for technical communication devices for mounting in vehicles. The manual manufacturing, where bending and assembly takes place, lacks a method for standardisation, a base for time scheduling, a base for manpower planning and a method for continuous improvements. The aim of this bachelor thesis was to develop a base for standardised work, time scheduling and manpower planning as well as a method for continuous improvements. To reach these aims a number of sub targets needed to be reached, which were to sustain an analysis of the current situation through observations and time studies, develop standard data for work tasks, divide the tasks into value adding work, non-value adding work and necessary non-value adding work, develop a suggestion to an improved work standard and develop a method for continuous improvements. To reinforce choices of methods and conclusions, a number of engineering areas have been studied. Based on the theoretical frame of references, a number of methods for the empirical study were formed.  The study was conducted of observations according to genchi genbutsu, grouping of work tasks, time motion studies performed with a time watch and SAM analysis, calculation of standard data times, evaluation of value adding-, non-value adding- and necessary non-value adding work, SMED analysis and spaghetti diagrams. The result of the empirical study was a base for time scheduling with calculated standard times for each work task, where every work task was evaluated as value adding, non-value adding or necessary non-value adding. Based on this, a base for manpower planning can be compiled. The compilation of standard data times as well as the SAM analysis resulted in cycle times far shorter than the cycle times measured in current production. Also, the setup times appeared to be long and irregular with several unnecessary work tasks performed. The result of the spaghetti diagrams also shows unnecessary movements. The conclusion of this is that non-value adding work tasks occurs in the process, that the work is performed in different ways which causes waste in the process and that the work performance rating is below 100 %. With a standardised way of work as well as eliminated non-value adding work tasks, the production could be increased with 60 %; alternatively, the manpower could be decreased with two workers. With the compiled improvement suggestions implemented, the cycle time at the bending working stations could be decreased with at least 50 % and the total setup time could be decreased with at least 57 %. A method for continuous improvements has been developed, based on a PDCA cycle. With improved conditions on each working station and a standardised way to work, possible improvements can be achieved in reduced setup times, reduced cycle times as well as the implementation of a culture of continuous improvements.