Customized ESD workflow developed from a LEAN perspective

3M is a company that constantly works for and looks towards the future. With wholehearted investment in innovation, development, and efficiency. The company is located at different places around the world, including Värnamo in Sweden where research and certain manufacturing takes place. When the production in the small town wanted to take a new approach to LEAN adapting their ESD workplace, we got the chance to design the solution. The result? A successful project with clear benefits on both efficiency and ergonomics.

When we are visiting 3M in Värnamo to get an insight of how the products work in their production, we meet up with Malin Sundqvist who has worked at the company for 25 years, currently as Lean Leader.

– The products in the cell have been running for about six months now and so far, we are incredibly satisfied with the result! The starting point for the project was our desire to improve the workflow in this specific cell. We aim to work from a LEAN perspective and constantly want to develop our approaches and processes to make our production more efficient, both in terms of time and place, Malin Sundqvist, Lean Leader at 3M begins.

CUSTOMIZED WORKBENCHES

Focus on flexibility, efficiency, and ergonomics

The project started back in 2021 and began with a requirement specification, where one of the most decisive demands was height adjustable ESD workbenches.

– One of the most important things for us was the ability to raise and lower the workstations. In many of our cells, the operator must shift between a standing and sitting position at each rotation. Therefore, that feature was a key requirement from our side. The tables that we have implemented together with WFI are easy to adjust, which has increased both ergonomics and flexibility, Malin continues.

– What stands out the most are that the workflow in the cell is more even and that the operators are pleased with the change, which of course is very crucial and significant for us. The operators feel a change in the workflow which has contributed to fewer get ups, better structure of the material, and that the workplace is more stable. Then it is a matter of habit that the work area is a little smaller, as it affects how you can pick and place the material. Now, this was meant to be a pilot project, but we are already thinking about implementing the solution to more of our cells, which is a good rating!, Malin concludes.

Smart workbenches based on flow rack systems
The system that 3M has implemented is built on a flow rack system where roller strips and plastic bins creates a flow of material to each and every operator. Also known as First In, First Out.

– The solution that we have developed and designed is constructed based on this specific cell and thus very customized. Based on the desire to save space we have reviewed each work task, which resulted in slightly smaller workspaces and more closeness to the material. This also based on 3M’s LEAN thinking were, for example, every bin must be emptied before grabbing a new one. It is a system that we look forward to continuing to improve and develop!, says Fredrik Jönsson, product manager at WFI.