A REPORT ON ONE DAY INDUSTRIAL VISIT
Industrial Venue: Stanley Black & Decker (Pune)
Date: 12th October 2023.
The Second Year Management Students of Operations Specialization from CRKIMR & CIMR along with faculty Prof. Hemant Jog visited Stanley Black & Decker at their manufacturing unit in Chakan near Pune.
The students had the privilege of visiting the Stanley Black & Decker manufacturing facility in Pune, India. This report provides an overview of the student’s one-day industrial visit and highlights the key concepts that Students observed and learned during their visit. The visit aimed to gain insights into various aspects of lean manufacturing, process improvement, and operational excellence, such as 5S, root cause analysis, Six Sigma, Kanban, and Kaizen.
1. 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain): During the visit, Students observed the application of the 5S methodology, which is a fundamental concept in lean manufacturing. The facility was well-organized, clean, and efficient. The principles of 5S were evident throughout the plant :
- Sort: There was a clear separation of tools and materials, ensuring that only necessary items were available in the workspace.
- Set in order: Tools, equipment, and materials were arranged in a systematic and easily accessible manner.
- Shine: The entire facility was impeccably clean, promoting safety and reducing waste.
- Standardize: Standard operating procedures were in place and followed by all employees.
- Sustain: Regular audits and continuous training ensured the maintenance of the 5S system.
2. Root Cause Analysis: The Stanley Black & Decker team emphasized the importance of root cause analysis in identifying and addressing the underlying issues behind production problems. They employed various methodologies such as Fishbone Diagrams (Ishikawa Diagrams) and the 5 Whys technique to dig deeper into problems. By addressing root causes, they aimed to prevent recurrent issues and continuously improve their processes.
3. Kanban: Kanban, a pull-based system for managing inventory and production, was prevalent in the facility. The use of Kanban cards and boards ensured that materials were replenished only when needed, reducing overproduction and waste. This lean approach enabled efficient production and just-in-time delivery to customers.
4. Kaizen: Stanley Black & Decker promotes a culture of continuous improvement through Kaizen, which involves small, incremental changes to processes and operations. The students witnessed how employees at all levels were encouraged to suggest and implement improvements. This philosophy has led to ongoing efficiency gains and a commitment to innovation.