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Cell (U-shaped)
A cell is a group of production equipment laid-out in the sequence of the process and operated by an autonomous and versatile team. The cell works in one-piece flow or small batch, which results in a very small work in process and an extremely short lead time. The U-shape, not always possible, minimizes walking distances, facilitates mutual assistance, allows for adjusting the number of operators to takt and favours the implementation of standardized materials supply.
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Chaku Chaku
Flow production method, using machines equipped with automatic part ejection. In chaku chaku, the operator loads the machine, starts it, picks the previously produced part that was ejected and goes to the next machine where he repeats the same sequence. This type of operation follows the principle of man/machine separation. Chaku chaku ensures one-piece flow and minimizes labour, without using high cost automation.
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Champion
Name given in the SixSigma organization to someone who supervises and supports the execution of a project. Usually someone hierarchically responsible for the project leader, the champion has superficial knowledge of the statistical techniques involved. His role is to define the project objectives, make sure that the team has the necessary resources and is not deviated from the objectives.
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Checklist
The checklist is a tool which can help reduce the potential errors due to a failure of memory or attention. Its proper use can ensure that relevant actions, however simple and obvious, are taken. The checklist is neither an operating procedure nor a work instruction. It can t neither be considered an error-proofing device (poka-yoke) preventing completely the error from occurring. Originated in the world of aviation, the checklist in now applied in many processes, being healthcare one of the most relevant applications, given the serious health complications its use can prevent. There are two basic types of checklists: The "stop-do" type which make us, at a given defined moment (stop point), read it and take the action described. The "stop-check" type which, at a given stop point, make us check if the prescrbed action has been taken.
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CIP/SIP
Cleaning and sterilization methods and systems used for prevention and for product changeover in the pharmaceutical and in the food and beverage industries, among others. CIP/SIP allows for cleaning and sterilizing pipes and vessels in a systematic and repeatable way, without having to disassemble and reassemble them at each time. Before, up to the 50s, in the above-mentioned industries, cleaning and sterilization was mainly a manual job, involving prior disassembly of circuits. Cleaning in Place / Sterilization in Place is a more reliable and repeatable process, capable of meeting the ever more demanding standards of industries and regulatory bodies, faster, less labor-dependent and safer for people and environment.
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Cross-Dock
A facility or logistic infrastructure serving as a transfer point for materials received from several suppliers and materials delivered to several customers. There is no material storage, the materials are unloaded from inbound vehicles and immediately moved to shipping docks where outbound vehicles. Cross-docking allows for materials flow acceleration, inventory reduction and delivery time shortening.
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Cycle time
The time elapsed between two consecutive parts exiting a process. It is the reverse of the production rate. For example, for a machine producing 1200 parts per hour, the cycle time is 3 seconds.
