Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) Documentation & Review Checklist

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Introduction & Scope

1 of 11

Defines the purpose of the checklist and the scope of the SMED process being reviewed. Confirms alignment with overall manufacturing goals.

Project Name/Die Change Process Identifier

Brief Description of the Die Change Process Being Reviewed

Current Average Die Change Time (Minutes)

Date of Last SMED Implementation/Review

SME Category (e.g., Production, Maintenance, Engineering)

Scope of Review (e.g., Full Process, Specific Area)

List of Personnel Involved in SMED Review (Name & Role)

Upload of Current Die Change Process Flowchart (Optional)

Process Mapping & Analysis

2 of 11

Covers the documentation and analysis of the current die change process, identifying all steps and associated times.

Describe the Current Die Change Process (Step-by-Step)

Current Average Die Change Time (Minutes)

Upload Process Flow Diagram (Current State)

Number of Steps Identified in Current Process

List the Types of Dies Involved in This SMED Review (e.g., stamping, molding)

Which categories of waste were observed in the current process? (Select all that apply)

Describe any challenges or bottlenecks observed during the current die change process.

Number of operators typically involved in the die change.

Date the current process map was last updated.

SME Identification & Involvement

3 of 11

Addresses the identification and engagement of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) crucial for the SMED process.

Describe the process used to identify potential Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the die change process.

Which departments/roles were involved in identifying and selecting SMEs?

Number of SMEs initially identified.

Briefly describe the criteria used to select SMEs (e.g., experience, knowledge, communication skills).

Were SMEs from different shift teams included?

Upload a list of identified SMEs with their roles and contact information (if available).

Describe the initial onboarding or briefing provided to the SMEs regarding the SMED project and their responsibilities.

Standardized Work Documentation

4 of 11

Focuses on the documentation of standardized work instructions for the die change process, including illustrations and visual aids.

Describe the overall structure of the Standardized Work Instruction (SWI) for die change. (e.g., numbered steps, visual aids, etc.)

Upload a copy of the complete, current Standardized Work Instruction (SWI) document.

Number of visual aids (pictures, diagrams, videos) included in the SWI.

Which elements are included in the SWI?

Are the time standards for each step clearly defined and documented?

Describe the methods used to ensure clarity and understandability for operators (e.g., clear language, diagrams, color coding).

Date of last SWI review and update.

Does the SWI include a section on potential problems and troubleshooting?

Die Change Sequence Optimization

5 of 11

Reviews the optimization steps taken to reduce die change time, covering techniques like parallel operations, trial runs, and process simplification.

Original Die Change Time (minutes)

Current Die Change Time (minutes)

Describe the key steps taken to optimize the die change sequence.

Which optimization techniques were implemented? (Select all that apply)

If 'Other' was selected in the previous question, please specify:

Number of Parallel Operations Introduced:

Were any die change steps eliminated? (Yes/No)

If 'Yes' to the previous question, please detail the eliminated steps and rationale:

Upload 'Before' and 'After' Process Flow Diagrams (if available)

Equipment & Tooling Standardization

6 of 11

Evaluates the standardization of equipment and tooling used for die changes to ensure consistency and reduce variability.

Number of standardized quick-change clamping points per die.

Which tooling is standardized for die alignment?

Describe the process for managing and maintaining standardized tooling (calibration, replacement, storage).

Upload a list/inventory of standardized tooling used for die changes.

How is tooling version control managed?

Number of different types of quick-change adapters used.

Describe any modifications made to existing equipment to facilitate standardized tooling. (if applicable)

Material & Parts Preparation

7 of 11

Addresses the preparation of materials and parts needed for the die change process to minimize downtime.

Describe the current method for preparing dies and associated parts before the die change.

Which of the following materials/parts are routinely prepared in advance?

How much time (in minutes) is currently spent preparing each die (Upper & Lower)?

Detail any specific tooling or equipment used for die/part preparation.

Are pre-staging areas used for die/part preparation? If so, describe.

Date of last die/part preparation process review

Safety & Ergonomics

8 of 11

Covers safety considerations and ergonomic improvements incorporated into the SMED process.

Describe any identified hazards related to the die change process.

Which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for die changes?

Detail any ergonomic improvements implemented during SMED to reduce operator strain. (e.g., new lifting aids, adjusted work heights).

What is the maximum weight an operator is allowed to lift during a die change?

Describe the lockout/tagout procedures used during die changes. Include specific steps.

How are potential pinch points addressed during the die change?

Upload images or videos demonstrating safe die change procedures and ergonomic improvements.

Training & Communication

9 of 11

Focuses on the training provided to operators and the communication plan for the SMED process.

Describe the initial training program for operators performing the SMED die change.

Which training methods were utilized? (Select all that apply)

What is the average time allocated per operator for initial SMED training (in hours)?

Date of the last SMED training for all operators involved.

Communication channels used to inform operators about updates to the SMED process. (Select one)

Describe the process for documenting operator competency in performing the SMED die change.

Upload training material examples (e.g., checklists, visual aids).

Is refresher training conducted? (Select one)

If refresher training is conducted, approximately how often (in months)?

Performance Metrics & Monitoring

10 of 11

Evaluates the metrics used to track the performance of the SMED process and the monitoring system in place.

Average Die Change Time (Before SMED)

Average Die Change Time (After SMED)

Reduction in Die Change Time (%)

Number of Die Changes per Month

Data Collection Frequency

Description of Data Collection Method

Are Data Trends Being Analyzed?

Summarize Key Findings from Data Analysis (If applicable)

Date of Last Performance Review

Continuous Improvement & Documentation Updates

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Addresses the process for ongoing improvement and the plan for keeping SMED documentation up-to-date.

Frequency of SMED Process Review (Months)

Date of Last SMED Process Review

Summary of Changes/Improvements Made Since Last Review

Areas Targeted for Improvement in Next Review Cycle (Select all that apply)

Specific Actions Planned for Improvement (related to selections above)

Document Version Control Status

Attach Updated Documentation (if applicable)

Person Responsible for Document Updates

Date of Next Scheduled Review

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