5 S Methodology

5 S Methodology came from the Japanese management system. It enhances the working conditions. And the productivity at the work place.

This methodology asks for the workplace organization that is every thing is at its place. Organized and systematized working environment enhances productivity, and from work study point of view it ensures no fatigue or lesser fatigue.

The people at the work station are made accountable and responsible for maintaining the work place clean and organized. This empowers the people at work stations, and makes them feel the ownership of that particular workstation.

Kaizen

Again we have an effective methodology from the Japanese system of management.

Kaizen in English mean “improvements for the better”. It is a never ending process; it keeps asking questions for the improvement. It calls for continuous improvement. If you have achieved level one in your performance than what will it takes to reach to the next level, this is the underlying principle of the continuous improvement. The improvements can from any corner across the organization. So everybody on board the ship (organization), from the CEO to the worker can contribute in the process of improvement. And virtually all the processes / functions in an organization can ride on this wave of continuous improvement. It aims to eliminate waste.

There is always a room for improvement, and this is the underlying theme of Kaizen. In Japanese language, “kai” stands for “change” and “zen” stands for the “better”.

An Overview of ISO 9000 Standards

ISO 9000 Quality management system is defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). The series ISO 9000 includes – ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO 9004 and ISO 10011.

They (ISO 9000 standards), were originally written in 1987, and were further revised in 1994, 2000 and more recently in 2008, that’s why the standards are termed as ISO 9001:1994, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 9001:2008.

Initially ISO 9001:1994 were more focused on the product / service quality. With the revisions in 2000, the focus has shifted more on the process – by which the products are produced and the services are delivered. There has been a significant change in quality perception, it’s not the product that has to be controlled but it’s the process which has to be controlled. A good controlled process is bound to deliver a good quality service or product.

Project and Process

When some activity is an ongoing activity i.e., repetitive, then that activity is a process. We encounter processes in regular production run in an organization.

In a bearing manufacturing company, the heat treatment done to enhance the hardness and other properties like tempering and annealing is a process. It’s repeated again and again with every lot.
In a service provider organization like in a bank the processing of loans through a set of operations is a process.

In above two examples, the activities are repetitive in nature and cannot be considered as projects, but what if we were to set up a new heat treatment plant or line.

How A Bearing is Named ?

How a bearing is named?

Though it is very simple device supporting a rotating or sliding shaft, but its nomenclature is very intriguing. A bearing name usually contains initial 4 numbers. So what does each number convey? Each has its own value and they tell a lot about a particular bearing. (we are talking about the metric bearings here, so the dimensions are in mm). The first number tells us about the type of bearing. The second number denotes the cross-section/series. The third and fourth number taken together tells about the bore or inner diameter. Let’s take an example:

PDCA Cycle

PDCA cycle is an iterative method to solve a problem. This method was made popular by Dr. W. Edwards Deming. The other names of this methodology are PDSA (“Plan, Do, Study. Act”), Shewhart cycle, and Deming Cycle.

It is a simple approach towards problem solving; the following steps are performed sequentially:

1. Plan: We first need to identify a problem, clearly define it. This is the most important step; here we need to find exactly what the problem is? What are the causes of this problem? Brainstorming, root cause analysis, are a vital activity among problem solving team. If the problem and its root cause are identified then the road map is prepared to how to move on to solve this problem at hand. Once the road map is laid down, the next step is to implement the plan, to have the problem solved or rectified.

Cutters used in Machining

In machining, a cutting tool (or cutter) is a tool used to remove material from the work piece by means of shear deformation.

On the basis of point of contact, a cutter can be – single point cutting tool and multi – point cutting tool. Single point cutting tool is used in turning, shaping, plaining whereas multipoint cutting tools are used in milling, drilling.

In single point cutting tool, the metal is removed by one cutting edge.

In multi point cutting tool the multiple edges are used to remove the material.

Quality management principles

This is an overview of the quality management principles as defined in ISO 9000:2005 and ISO 9004:2000. There are eight quality management principles; they are the basis of the ISO 9000 series. They are namely:-

1. Customer Focus: As per International standards, the definition says “Organizations depend on their customers and therefore should understand current and future customer needs, should meet customer requirements and strive to exceed customer expectations.” Here the term customer is generalized for the external (end user), as well as for internal customers. Ensuring that you meet and exceed the expectation of the customer. Maintain and establish a strong customer relationship chain – the feedback system, the grievance redress system. Understand that the customer is at the focal point for the very existence of an organization. The objective of everybody and every function of the organization should be linked to the customer needs and expectations, and the same to be properly communicated through out the organization. A satisfied customer brings more profit.

How to read a vernier caliper

How you take measures with a Vernier calipers.
A Vernier Caliper is a handy device in a tool room. This is a simple versatile device, can measure the length, diameter of the shafts and other external dimensions. This can also be used for measuring inside dimensions (though limited) like inside diameter. So here we have a general procedure to take reading of that measuring device:

Cutting Fluids in Machining Operation

Cutting fluid is a type of coolant and lubricant designed specifically for metalworking and machining processes. Most metalworking and machining processes can benefit from the use of cutting fluid, depending on work piece material. There are some exceptions to it like in machining cast iron or brass, which are machined dry. Also, interrupted cuts, such as milling with carbide cutters, are usually recommended to be used dry due to damage to the cutters caused by thermoshock. Major functions of Cutting fluids are:

Johari Window

Johari window – named for its creators, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham – is a cognitive psychological tool to help people to better understand their interpersonal communication and relationships.

Quadrants in a Johari Window:

The Johari window has four quadrants or Window that represent the four parts of an individual.

Swot Analysis

SWOT stands for :

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Swot analysis is done to find the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture.

SWOT analysis is performed by specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective.

So actually what it is done in SWOT analysis?