Changeover

Describes the process to convert a production line or a workstation from producing one reference to another. Changeover time is defined as the duration between the last part of the old reference and the OK 1st part of the new reference. The changeover process includes the cleaning and organization of the old materials, tools, and equipment to designated places. Then comes the set-up of the line with new materials, tools, and equipment and the change of process parameters at the machines and fixture. The last item is the start-up process, in which the first product of the new reference is produced. Once this product corresponds to the defined quality requirements, the changeover is completed.