From the Archives of a Common Sensei Volume 22: CONCEPT OF COMPONENT SEQUENCING PARTS STAGING FOR ASSEMBLY

As an illustration of an assembly parts staging methodology, the attached drawing (rough as it is) was one that we used during the start of Toyota’s US Lift Truck manufacturing operation in the early 90’s.

The basic philosophy was to:
1) Establish a method to receive and distribute material in the most cost efficient, timely, and orderly manner
2) Provide a base method/procedure on which improvement will take place

For further explanation, below are the different “Part Types” used to identify how various parts were to be used. Keep in mind that at the start of the US lift truck operation, several key parts were sourced through the parent company (TAL) in Japan while efforts were started to shift most of the component sourcing to the US.

Japan Supplied Parts:

Kanban – small, inexpensive parts ordered by Kanban

Set Parts – large, more expensive parts designated for specific order (i.e., engine, mast, muffler, drive axle, etc.)

Replacement – replacements for damaged parts

Local Parts:

Supplied in the US (tires, batteries, counterweights)

Keep in mind that this example is from the very initial practices used during start-up of the production efforts. I have displayed it in this blog as an example of how beginnings take place. By referring to “From the Archives of a Common Sensei Volume 21” you will learn about the sequencing of product production. In this volume, we discuss how materials can be staged and prepared for sequentially ordering for sub-assemblies and the main assembly line. For clarification, the US Toyota Lift Truck assembly process has made multiple upgrades and has built on the original “basic philosophy” multiple times during the last 31 years. Today it is an example of a highly sophisticated, efficient, and effective processing organization built on multiple improvements using the Toyota Production System principles and behaviors. This operation has expanded multiple times and today is the leading producer of lift trucks. Click on the URL to get a better understanding as to how far the Toyota Lift Truck operation has matured over the last 30 years. https://youtu.be/P-bDlYWuptM

By looking back over our previous volumes of From the Archives of a Common Sensei where we try to demonstrate the intricate path of acceptance and use of Toyota methods in the US, it is astounding how much progress has been made and the kaizen principle of continuous improvement continues the path toward uncompromised excellence. It has been a long and meaningful journey for many of us who have had similar experiences! Toyota is perhaps the leader in the advancement of TPS and Lean, but there are other organizations where advances have also been made as well. It’s my experience of working with approximately 300 organizations over my career, the ones that succeed in TPS (Lean) advances require continuity of management that is willing to get involved and lead by the same principles espoused by Toyota.