Previously, we talked about non-value added activity. Let's look more closely at that topic and focus on the activity of walking.
Walking to and from the shop for tools is a common non-value added activity (so is walking to and from a workbench in the shop for tools). Roll-away toolboxes have wheels; take advantage of that. If it’s impractical for techs to be rolling toolboxes through the plant (especially if there are ramps or long distances), consider buying and stocking a roll-away toolbox near each piece of critical machinery. The money saved in eliminating needless walking will probably pay for this purchase the first time the machine goes down.
Wasted walking also happens when techs need spare parts (such as common fuse), cleaning supplies, trouble lights, inspection mirrors, and other such things. The solution is to install cabinets at strategic locations and task someone to keep those stocked. If the problem is big enough, you’ll save money by hiring a person just to manage these cabinets.
Be constantly vigilant for ways to keep techs working instead of walking.
