Peter Kuhlang

Systematic improvement of value streams - fundamentals of value stream oriented process management

Improving processes is a daily base challenge for enterprises. In particular improvement attempts occur in various different levels of detail and are commonly not linked methodically. Process management systems in general are suitable approaches to manage process improvements. A systematic routine to improve processes and value stream mapping (VSM) are integrated into the organisational framework of process management in order to enable a methodically fostered improvement of value streams in different levels of detail. The outlined approach to systematise the application of VSM is the conjunction of volatile and short-cyclic improvements of a value stream and the determination of target-conditions in order to develop the value stream towards an ideal-state which is specified by productivity and quality criteria.

Morphology of time data management – systematic design of time data management processes as fundamental challenge in industrial engineering

During the last 10 to 15 years, a renaissance of industrial engineering can be observed in manufacturing industry, as well as in scientific research. As a consequence, time and motion studies (TMS) become more important again. During the downturn of methodical approaches in industrial engineering in the 1980s, TMS-related competencies were lost in industry. Many companies are still missing the know-how for establishing a proper time data management (TDM). This paper presents a morphology of time data management (MoTDM), which was developed in order to create a comprehensive view on the processes of TDM as well as to detect relevant areas of improvement. The MoTDM can be used to optimise TDM processes within a company and also acts as scientific fundament for research in the field of industrial engineering.

Developments of traditional value stream mapping to enhance personal and organisational system and methods competencies

This paper presents developments of traditional value stream mapping (VSM) related to enhancing system and method competencies of both individuals and organisations. Since systematic immersions in traditional VSM – a highly accepted technique for improving production systems – are necessary, this paper describes from a production research point of view approaches for systematic productivity increases, reduction of lead time and an approach to improve sustainability indicators of value streams. The introduced developments of VSM focus on the entire flow and on details, thus creating synergies for designing and improving value streams, processes and work systems both economically and ecologically. On the one hand, this paper shows how practical approaches respectively rationalisation concepts (Lean principles, VSM, Process Management, short-cyclic improvement routine, Methods-Time Measurement) are used in industry in order to manage and improve processes and value streams. On the other hand, sustainability management can be supported on shop floor with utilisation of VSM. It aims to extend the view on value streams of both researchers and practitioners in sense of system and methods competencies.

Assistenzsystem zur Individualisierung der Arbeitsgestaltung

Kurzfassung Zur Bewältigung der steigenden Produkt- und Prozessdiversifizierung ist die menschliche Arbeit für produzierende Unternehmen weiterhin von zentraler Bedeutung. Wesentliche Herausforderung sind in diesem Kontext die demografische Entwicklung und die damit verbundene hohe inter- und intraindividuelle Streuung der Fähigkeiten der Beschäftigten. Im Rahmen einer menschengerechten Arbeitsgestaltung ist daher die Entwicklung innovativer Assistenzsysteme zur zielgerichteten Unterstützung der Beschäftigten zu diskutieren bzw. zu erarbeiten.

Systematic and Continuous Improvement of Value Streams

Abstract Within the framework of “Value stream oriented process management” value stream mapping and the short-cyclic improvement routine are integrated into the organizational framework of process management in order to enable a methodically fostered improvement of value streams in different levels of detail. Therefore an advanced and sustainable continuous improvement process is enabled.

Human Work Design: Modern Approaches for Designing Ergonomic and Productive Work in Times of Digital Transformation – An International Perspective

Today, enabling productive and ergonomic work processes, work methods and work systems plays a significant role and in the future, it is going to gain even more significance. The “Ergonomic Assessment Worksheet” (EAWS) is a screening tool to assess the physical workload on the human body in different workplaces. It was developed for ongoing production and for production planning in the automotive industry and similar industries. With EAWS, physical stress can be assessed in a very detailed way without requiring a lot of effort. Aspects of successive stress superposition can be greatly simplified for short cycle tasks. The results of the evaluation are the basis for the communication between management and workers councils. The new process building block systems Human Work Design (MTM-HWD®) describes motions of people in conjunction with an ergonomics assessments procedure - in this case EAWS - in one step. This way, it allows a direct correlation in designing productive and ergonomic work. This contribution presents principles, practical application cases and the standardized education concept of EAWS and MTM-HWD® in the light of their international application.

Das Projekt „PALM4.Q“

Kurzfassung Die Firma Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co.KG steht, genau wie viele andere Unternehmen in Deutschland mit dem Schwerpunkt in der manuellen Montage, vor diversen Herausforderungen. Um die Mitarbeiter auf aktuelle und zukünftige Anforderungen vorzubereiten, führt das Unternehmen das Projekt PALM4.Q am Standort Lüdenscheid durch. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Vorgehensweise im Projekt und die bisherigen Ergebnisse.

Perspektiven zur Gestaltung menschlicher Arbeit im Industrial Engineering

Im Industrial Engineering bzw. Industrial Management ist vor dem Hintergrund der Entwicklungen rund um die Industrie 4.0 eine fundierte Kenntnis der Prinzipien und der Grundlagen manueller Arbeit bzw. guter Arbeitsgestaltung ganz wesentlich. Die Planung und Gestaltung produktiver, menschlicher Arbeit auf Grundlage einer international anerkannten, belastbaren und bewahrten Bezugsgrose wird in der Smart Factory besondere Bedeutung erlangen, da Menschen, Maschinen und Computer sowie weitere Ressourcen unmittelbar miteinander kommunizieren und interagieren (werden).

Productivity improvement in logistical work systems of the genuine parts supply chain

Within the entire value stream of spare part supply, packing is one of the main issues in the distribution system and its productivity is mainly affected by a particularly high proportion of manual work. Considering the total value stream of supplying original spare parts, picking and packaging are two of the most important activities in the distribution system and they are mainly performed by intensive manual tasks. As practice shows, the methods Value Stream Design and Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) have proven to be suitable for improvement work and consequently for increasing productivity especially in work systems with manual work. This paper shows how the process building block system “MTM logistics data” contributes to planning and specifying parameters of target-conditions of value streams. It also presents a methodical approach to support practical improvement work in logistical value streams and within their work systems.

Systematische Verbesserung von Wertströmen

Kurzfassung Wertstromdesign und die kurzzyklische Verbesserungsroutine werden im Zuge des Modells des Wertstromorientierten Prozessmanagements in den organisatorischen Rahmen des Prozessmanagements eingebettet, um eine systematische Verbesserung von Wertströmen in verschiedenen Betrachtungsebenen und Detaillierungsgraden methodisch zu unterstützen. Somit wird eine vertiefte und nachhaltigere Umsetzung des kontinuierlichen Verbesserungsprozesses ermöglicht.