Assembly Cell - Lean Six Sigma Glossary

What is an Assembly Cell?

Assembly cell refers to a manufacturing process where multiple components are brought together to form a complete product. It is a critical aspect of modern manufacturing and plays a significant role in the efficiency and productivity of a factory.

Components of Assembly Cell

Workstations: This includes tables, conveyors, jigs and fixtures, and other tools needed for assembly.
Robotics: Organizations often use robots in assembly cells to perform repetitive tasks, such as welding, painting, or material handling.
Control System: This includes the control panels, computer systems, and other hardware necessary to manage the assembly process.
Feeding System: This includes material handling systems and other components that feed raw materials into the assembly process.

Advantages of Assembly Cell

Increased Efficiency: Assembly cells help streamline the manufacturing process, reducing the time and effort needed to produce a product.
Improved Quality: Assembly cells enable manufacturers to maintain consistent quality standards. The use of robotics and other automated systems reduces the risk of human error.
Enhanced Flexibility: Teams can quickly reconfigure assembly cell to accommodate changes in product design or production volume.
Cost Savings: By reducing the time and effort needed, assembly cells help lower manufacturing costs and improve profitability.

Types of Assembly Cells

Fixed Assembly Cells: These cell designs are to produce a specific product, with no flexibility to accommodate changes in design or production volume.
Flexible Assembly Cells: These cell designs are flexible. The teams can quickly reconfigure them to accommodate changes in product design or production volume.
Hybrid Assembly Cells: These cells combine the advantages of fixed and flexible assembly cells, offering the ability to produce a specific product while also allowing for some degree of reconfigurability.

Factors to Consider when Designing Assembly Cells

Product Requirements: The design of the assembly cell must meet the specific requirements of the product.
Space and Layout: The assembly cell must be designed to optimize the use of available space, with consideration given to material handling, access to tools and equipment, and other factors.
Equipment and Technology: The assembly cells must include the right equipment and technology to meet the needs of the product.
Safety and Ergonomics: The assembly cells must be designed to ensure the safety and comfort of workers, including proper ergonomics, ventilation, and lighting.

Assembly cells play a critical role in modern manufacturing, enabling manufacturers to increase efficiency, improve quality, and lower costs. When designing an assembly cell, the team should consider the specific requirements of the product. The available space and layout, the equipment and technology needed, and the safety and ergonomics of workers. With the right design, an assembly cell can help a manufacturing facility achieve its goals and remain competitive.

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Sachin Naik

Passionate about improving processes and systems | Lean Six Sigma practitioner, trainer and coach for 14+ years consulting giant corporations and fortune 500 companies on Operational Excellence | Start-up enthusiast | Change Management and Design Thinking student | Love to ride and drive