SMED

Concept

A method for shortening changeover and setup times on machines by separating the work that needs the machine to be stopped from the work that can be done while it runs, and then simplifying both.

Description

SMED stands for single-minute exchange of die. It is a method for shortening the time a machine is stopped to change from one product to the next. The central idea is to separate internal work, which needs the machine to be stopped, from external work, which can be done while it still runs, such as fetching tools and preparing material.

Teams then move as much work as possible from internal to external, and simplify what remains, for example with quick fasteners, standard settings and fixed positions. Shorter changeovers allow smaller batches, less stock and faster reaction to orders. The name does not promise a time under ten minutes. It describes the direction. SMED is part of lean management.

Related topics in brief

• iFAKT GmbH · Related to · Organization
  Stuttgart-based consulting company and software specialist for Industry 4.0, founded in 2001, that helps manufacturers plan and optimize production and logistics processes; developer of the Polaris software.
• Polaris Optimizer · Related to · Product
  Module of iFAKT Polaris that automatically generates optimized production plans under constraints such as resources, shifts, zones, qualifications and capacities.
• Lean management · Related to · Concept
  A management approach derived from the Toyota Production System that creates more value for customers with fewer resources by removing waste, improving flow and involving the people who do the work in continuous improvement.
• Kaizen · Related to · Concept
  A lean practice of small, practical improvements made close to the work, often run as short kaizen events or workshops by the people who run the process.
• Production manager · Related to · Job / role
  Leads production in a plant or area and is responsible for output, quality, schedule adherence, cost and the people on the shop floor. Corresponds to the German Produktionsleiter.
• Setup time · Related to · Concept
  The time a machine or line is stopped to switch from one product or batch to the next, from the last good part of one to the first good part of the next.
• Batch size · Related to · Concept
  The number of units made or moved together before the next step starts. Large batches cut changeovers but raise stock and lead time; small batches do the opposite.

Glossary

Experts and companies for this topic

• Mirko Peters · Microsoft MVP

Maintained by Mirko Peters (Microsoft MVP) · Last updated: 2026-11-11