Slide line operation

One per operator is the optimum for obvious. 3 to 4 per operator is more typical. The number is not as important as the type and time. Like don't have someone handle 2 different TO92 part nrs., splitting them up to different operators eliminates the chance for error. Each operator should have unique parts as best you can. Also, different parts have different times for insertion. Time study it out. Remember that your slide line will only be as productive as the slowest person- crack the whip. I balanced many slide lines back in the day, up to 25 women per line. Mine always used one hand. I was amazed at seeing Asian slide lines where operators used 2 hands. My typical times per component worked out to be about 6 seconds per component on average when PFaD- Personal Fatigue and Delay.

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Maybe these folk can help you with your MTM issues. http://www.mtm.org

We appreciate the desire to balance the line with respect to standard insertion time, number of insertions, and number of assemblers. In reality there are too many variables for time & motion studies to be much real help. We start by dividing the number of part numbers by the number of troop that will be on the line. This the number of parts each troop will insert. As good starting point is 4 to 5 parts. Balance the line by: * Considering staffing. Do you have extra's to handle bin fills or restroom breaks? If not, the line will have to stop or slow down considerably when an operator has to step away. * Assigning similar looking parts that could easily be confused to different stations. * Recognizing that operators with more experience can insert a few more parts * Preparing for immediate continual processing into a wave or racking * Performing part preping and PCB preping off-line prior to assembly. * Removing parts that are not candidates for line assembly from the kit for the line. Then determine how those parts and when those parts are added. * Developing proper documentation for each separate station. This would include a drawing of the board with each part inserted at that station colored differently and the bin for that part with a mark of the same color on it to correspond with that part on the drawing. * Balancing the line by moving a part from the operator that has boards backing-up to the operator that sits when this happens.

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