Honda has developed the world’s first mass-production automobile assembly line with a main line that incorporates a flowing cell production system. Called the Assembly Revolution Cell (ARC) Line, the new assembly line has already been introduced at Honda’s new Prachinburi plant in Thailand, which became operational in March 2016. The tenth-generation Civic is produced at the plant.
The ARC Line is different from a conventional line production system, and promises significant improvements in production efficiency. In a conventional line, each production associate takes charge of a single process and installs parts to vehicle bodies flowing on a conveyor.
However, in cell production, one production associate takes charge of a broader range of production processes and installs multiple parts instead. In the case of Honda’s ARC Line production, four production associates get on board an ARC Unit, a unit of a conveyor that carries one vehicle body along with a complete set of parts that will be installed to the vehicle body.
The production associates will assemble the vehicle while moving along the production line together with the vehicle. With this system, it reduces any incidental movements by production associates. For instance, selecting the proper parts that will be required for the next vehicle body coming down the line, and installing them while walking along with the vehicle body.
Although these assembly movements are non-essential, they are unavoidable in a conventional production line, hence the introduction of the ARC Line production method. Additionally, as each of the four production associates will be dedicated to installing multiple parts to a vehicle body at a time, it allows for them to gain a broader range of production knowledge and skills compared to installing just one component.
Honda expects the ARC Line system to have a positive effect on the development of proficient production associates who will be capable of providing feedback from the production team to the development team in the future.
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1.5bil got include this method?
Yang Develop Kereta = Jepun
Yang Design Kereta = Jepun
Yang Test Kereta = Jepun
Yang Design Line= Jepun
Yang Supply Equipment = Jepun
Yang Supply Parts = Kompeni Jepun
Orang Thailand? = Operator Kilang Sahaja
Yang Dapat Gaji – Operator Kilang Thailand.
Like a sushi belt… =D
This is adopted from Toyota Production System a.k.a TPS.
Yes you’re right. Toyota TPS production method had been introduce to Thailand since 8 or 9 years ago. Toyota has the best nationwide service centers and a good long history in Thailand’s automobile industry and it’s growing faster by the day than you thought
The new ARC line is a step up from the conventional line production. I can see how it could improve the overall production efficiency, however, is there a concern that there will be an increase in human error now that each employee has more responsibility?