Lean Manufacturing Video - Work balance example

This kaizen example video is a good illustration of work balancing. 

There are 3 primary operations, but the middle one takes twice as long as the other two. The first team member prepares the work piece for the second operation. Then, while the second team member is handling the press in the background, the first team member does the finishing. 

So, as a classic example of a u-shaped cell, the same person handles the WIP going in and the FG going, balancing two shorter operations, with one longer. The benefits of having a U-shape versus a straight line are clear, as it enables the team member to cross over and do both operations.



Video link is here, if the embedded video doesn't play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFLs6DjwR68