Constantly improving the amount of workers in a production cell to match the volume of demand and type which has been given to the unit requires that training is provided to every worker in various process steps. The layout of the work cell is done in a circular or U-shaped layout, where the number of operators performing can vary and be adjusted. The capacity and ability to have an adjustable manufacturing process is relevant to meet the demand profile and have a sustainable growth.

Ever thought if there was a particular way through which you can use less manpower but produce more? Needless to say, there is a way through which you can do this: Maximizing the output while simultaneously minimizing the input is a business 101 idea and theory that we carry with us since inception, and strive hard to completely tackle for the whole of our careers.

There certainly is a way through where you can do more with less, and that way is known as Shojinka. It is also referred to as "flexible staffing" or "flexible manufacturing." Shojinka is again a Japanese term, and it was born from the lean manufacturing principles of Toyota. There is no denying that the idea of "flexible staffing" has proven to be the best performer in lean theory.

So what can be understood as Shojinka

Primarily, Shojinka is defined by two elements. The first one is the operators are trained on several workstations and following a qualification matrix. The second one is the layout for the work cell, of cause preferable in a U-Shape layout rather than a straight old fashioned line, but this has to be discussed in all cases separately.

Let’S have a look on the Pros and Cons of Shojinka

Pros

Flexible staffing, as its name suggests, has the biggest advantage in that the staff is flexible. This means that the operators have been provided with training in almost every part of the production following the qualification matrix.

This will enable them to work in areas of production where there is more demand or will allow them to switch quickly as the demand changes. Unlike a highly specialized working environment or fixed linear manufacturing, flexible staffing allows you to keep your efficiency high under every type of manufacturing demand, rather than an ideal pre-determined set. In addition to this, Shojinka also provides an opportunity for operators to work on improving products or on the various side whenever the demand falls all across the board. It will not only enable your staff or the operators to become more effective and efficient at changing levels of demand, but it will also allow them to swap between these specific levels on a shop floor that has been properly and correctly set up.

The inputs and the final outcomes are kept on the identical and corresponding sides of the work cell due to the U-shaped manufacturing line, which ultimately helps your organization of logistics and transportation. Furthermore, it also enables the operators to move conveniently between the first process step and the final process step on an assembly line without the need to walk its whole or complete length.

Cons

As soon as it has been implemented and applied, there are almost no cons to the Shojinka assembly line.

But to start off implementing flexible staffing you need to clear of some major obstacles to get started. If not already implement you have to install a training matrix and train your operators accordingly, to get them qualified to handle all aspects of your operation. Undoubtedly, it may require you to make some investment upfront.

Simultaneously with the training of your operators you will need to standardize every process step in your production. By doing so you will reduce the amount of training and therefore qualification needed in order to fulfill the requirements for the single process steps, as they are broken down to the simplest operation.

Clear and simple “Standard Operation Instructions“ (SOI) will be required to explain the operation and guide operators through the qualification and later performing the process step. By this due to variation of operators in a assembly cell they can get fast into new work requirements. In addition the supervisor can always react faster as the standard process is always described and if deviation occurs the cause is faster detected and eliminated.

So the cons can be wrapped up as investments upfront. Paying all of the expenses at the initial stages for the purpose of integrating and incorporating Shojinka will prove to be worthwhile in the end. There is no denying that your workforce will ultimately become significantly streamlined and that Takt Time of goods will be flexible to the max.