November 3, 2017
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All News, Case studies
Reducing downtime for truck operators
What was the Problem?
- Every truck in the UK has to have a safety and condition inspection every 6-weeks
- The management and team of a major truck dealer were introduced to Lean thinking
- They then saw the waste in every regular inspection: walking, searching, variation of method
- Interruption of other techs to help with the inspection – affecting quality and efficiency
Countermeasures:
- Observe and map process to identify waste
- Propose experiment of two technicians working together to do a truck inspection
- Test and improve new method and layout of tools
- Establish standard method (best way we know how, today) and teach it to others
Two technicians doing Express Truck Inspection
Outcomes:
- 2 technicians, synchronised, doing minimum of 2.5 hours work in 1 hour
- Next target: 45 mins = 166% efficient
- Other technicians’ work is more efficient as they are not interrupted
- Parking problems on site are significantly reduced
- Appointment time means customers now bring trucks in midweek for inspections
- They plan for driver to wait for 1 hour, mid-route instead of leaving the truck over the weekend
- Work previously turned away at weekend now accepted
Profit increase estimated at £180,000 p.a.
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