SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) Checklist

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Preparation & Planning

1 of 10

Focuses on pre-exchange activities to minimize downtime. Includes planning, tool preparation, and setup optimization.

Brief Description of the Die/Tool Being Exchanged

Current Exchange Time (in minutes)

Date of Last Exchange

Frequency of Exchange (e.g., every shift, daily, weekly)

Initial Hypothesis for Potential Improvements

Attachment: Current Exchange Process Flowchart (if available)

Target Exchange Time (Initial Goal)

Potential Areas for Improvement (Select all that apply)

Team Members Involved in the S.M.E.D. Review

Current State Analysis

2 of 10

Details the existing exchange process, identifying time-consuming steps and bottlenecks. Includes time measurements and activity mapping.

Total Exchange Time (Current)

Number of Steps in Current Exchange Process

Detailed Description of Current Exchange Procedure (Step-by-Step)

Time Spent on Each Step (Record for Representative Exchanges)

Equipment Involved in Exchange Process (e.g., forklift, crane)

Activities Requiring Machine Stop (Select all that apply)

Observations & Challenges Encountered During Current Exchange

Process Flow Diagram (Current State)

Internal Activity (While Machine is Still Running)

3 of 10

Focuses on activities that can be performed while the machine continues production. Aims to overlap exchange activities with production.

Time Saved (Minutes) - Pre-Staging Die/Tool

Detailed Description of Pre-Staging Activities

Die/Tool Transport Method

Distance Traveled (feet) – Die/Tool Transport

Observed Issues with Current Transport Method

Estimated Time for Pre-Positioning Die/Tool

Resources utilized during internal activity

Notes on Operator Training Needs Regarding Internal Activities

External Activity (Requires Machine Stop)

4 of 10

Activities that *must* be done while the machine is stopped. The goal is to minimize the time spent in this category.

Current External Exchange Time (Minutes)

Detailed Description of External Activities Performed

Number of Operators Required for External Activities

Current Method for Die/Tool Transport

Potential Causes for Long External Exchange Times

Distance Die/Tool Needs to be Moved (meters)

Current Method of Alignment (if any)

Describe any difficulties encountered during alignment

Tool/Fixture Preparation

5 of 10

Covers the preparation and movement of dies, tools, and fixtures, including pre-staging and quick-change mechanisms.

Die/Fixture Weight (kg)

Pre-staging Location of Die/Fixture

Distance Die/Fixture is Moved (m)

Material Handling Equipment Used (e.g., hoist, cart, forklift)

Description of any quick-change mechanisms used

Condition of Pre-staging Area (Cleanliness, Organization)

Photograph of Pre-staging Area

Time to Retrieve Die/Fixture (minutes)

Setup Procedures - Die/Tool Attachment

6 of 10

Focuses on the actual attachment of the die/tool to the machine, including alignment and securing.

Current Die/Tool Attachment Time (minutes)

Detailed Description of Current Attachment Procedure

Attachment Method (e.g., clamping, hydraulic, pneumatic)

Number of Hand Tools Used During Attachment

Description of any alignment aids or fixtures used

Photo/Diagram of Current Attachment Setup

Current Alignment Method

Describe any challenges or difficulties encountered during attachment

Setup Procedures - Machine Settings & Adjustments

7 of 10

Covers adjustments to machine parameters (e.g., pressure, temperature, speed) following die/tool change.

Target Cycle Time (New Settings)

Current Cycle Time (Existing Settings)

Machine Parameter 1: (e.g., Pressure)

Value Change for Parameter 1

Machine Parameter 2: (e.g., Temperature)

Value Change for Parameter 2

Notes on Parameter Adjustments

Calibration Required?

Calibration Date (If Required)

Verification & First Piece Inspection

8 of 10

Details the process for confirming the die/tool is correctly installed and the machine is producing acceptable parts. Includes first piece quality checks.

Target First Piece Cycle Time (seconds)

Actual First Piece Cycle Time (seconds)

First Piece Quality - Visual Inspection

Detailed Observations - Visual Inspection

Dimensions Measured (Number of points)

Dimension Measurement Results

First Piece Acceptable?

Reason for Rejection (if applicable)

Date of First Piece Verification

Operator Signature

Standardization & Documentation

9 of 10

Ensures the improved exchange process is documented, standardized, and consistently followed. Includes training and visual aids.

Detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Description

Updated Visual Work Instructions (e.g., Photos, Diagrams)

Training Materials Distributed (Check all that apply)

Number of Personnel Trained on Updated Procedure

Date of Last Procedure Review & Update

Name of Person Responsible for Maintaining SOP

Documentation Location (Physical/Digital)

Summary of Change Log / Revision History

Continuous Improvement

10 of 10

Addresses ongoing monitoring, data analysis, and refinement of the SMED process for ongoing optimization.

Current Exchange Time (Minutes)

Target Exchange Time (Minutes)

Date of Last S.M.E.D. Review

Summary of Recent Improvements/Changes

Number of Times Process Has Been Performed Since Last Review

Areas for Further Investigation/Improvement (Select all that apply)

Specific Actions Planned for Next Review Cycle

Overall S.M.E.D. Effectiveness (1-5, 1=Poor, 5=Excellent)

Next Review Date

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