How to improve and increase production in simple steps?

3MRO,

Here, are methods that will definitely improve and increase production:

1- "5s" is a method that keep a work cell/area clean, organized, and safe. It
... stands for five Japanese words describing the methods. You can find a
... free booklet at http://www.duralabel.com/thankyou.html on the Internet.
2- “Kaizen” is a method of continuous improvement that employs a strict set
... of rules to manufacturing to improve a workcell or process incrementally.
... You can find a free booklet at http://www.duralabel.com/thankyou.html
... on the Internet.
3- “Just In Time” and Kanban are both methods to reduce waste and improve
... the time it takes to produce a product. You can find a free booklet at
... http://www.duralabel.com/thankyou.html on the Internet.
4- “Lean Manufacturing” is similar to “JIT”, but it can be used with “Six-
....Sigma” to produce leaps in improvement. You can find an explanation of it
... at:
... http://www.georgegroup.com/lean.php?OVRAW=leam%
... 20manufacturing&OVKEY=lean%20manufacturing&OVMTC=standard

I hope this points you in the right direction.

Oldcoach

Before you apply the above principles, you need to have the basics in place. Start with a good preventative maintenance program, replacing know wear parts before they fail. Fix leaks. Even a small leak let go lets profits run out on the floor. Unscheduled shutdowns due to mechanical failures disrupt production often producing start up and shut down scrap. They also leave much of production out of control. They also demoralize the employees. It is hard to motivate employees to do their best, if management doesn't seem to care.

Explain how preventative maintenance differs from predictive maintenance? And help us decide which is better?

First of all, let me apologize for any confusion. The duralabel website has a free booklet on 5s along the left edge of the page under "free".

Secondly, here are two other sites that may interest you:

http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/1848/japan21.html

http://www.georgegroup.com/mobilizing_kaizen.php

Just copy/paste them into your browser or just left-click either of them.