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How to do a 5S audit with your Smartphone

How to do a 5S audit with your Smartphone

You're almost there: 5S principles have been implemented in all workstations and offices throughout the plant, and all employees have all the necessary tools to work efficiently and safely. The last step? Applying the 5th S, Sustain (Shitsuke in Japanese), recurrently. We have tested five applications for you that will help you accomplish this task.

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5S, organization method of workstations
To put yourself in the situation, let's take a look at this table to get a better idea of ​​what are the 5S and where the follow-up is compared to 4 others. Click on the image to enlarge it and print it as needed.

Download the PDF version of this table

 

 
The 5th S: sustain
The last S is often perceived as the hardest to apply, as it involves remaining steadfast in keeping up good practices. As such, it's often the most neglected.

The process is akin to someone who decides to start training to get in shape. The person chooses the best way to reach their objectives, develops a plan, and acts on it. If the initial plan is not followed and the person derails from their goals, the result (getting into shape) is compromised. As such, the "Sustain" step of the 5S calls upon self-discipline to continue good habits. Without this 5th pillar, the efficiency of the other S's is reduced.
We tested five apps for you
To make the job more comfortable for the manager who will guide each employee in evaluating their workstation, here are a few applications to help carry out the audit and the follow-up after the audit. They can be installed on a smartphone or tablet.

The mobile app is essential for a 5S audit. There are several available for iPhone or Android, and we have reviewed a few of them for you.
1- 5S Workspace Audit by Tulip
Tulip offers a variety of tools that can scan data from your business' production line. This development platform allows businesses to create specific versions of applications, including quality evaluation, 5S audits, primary cause analysis, and visual management.
(Visit their web site)

[caption id="attachment_14866" align="alignnone" width="1920"] (Source: Tulip https://tulip.co/app/5s-workspace-audit/)[/caption]

Tulip offers a variety of tools that can scan data from your business' production line. This development platform allows businesses to create specific versions of applications, including quality evaluation, 5S audits, primary cause analysis, and visual management.

Here are the Tulip app's features:

Create step-by-step instructions for your 5S audit that can be quickly followed by operators.
Incorporate pictures, videos, CAD, and other multimedia to guide workers through the audit process.
Easily define interactive forms to standardize workstation organization.
Provide automatic scores for the audit and track progress over time.
Let operators and supervisors provide feedback within the apps.
Connect your audit apps with IoT sensors, such as temperature and humidity, to ensure the right working conditions are being met.
Monitor audit compliance by worker, team, or area and visually track progress over time.
Through the "Connectors" feature, make action items visible to the entire team, and track progress against the action items.

Source: Tulip (https://tulip.co/app/5s-workspace-audit/
2- Lean 5S App
(Visit their web site)

Source Appli Lean 5S: http://www.apilean.com/appli-lean-5s

The Lean 5S app is a question-and-answer based model where the answers are selected from world-renown best practices by lean manufacturing experts. The questions cannot be personalized with the app, contrary to the other apps we reviewed. The only way to do so is by mandating Lean 5S App to do it for you. The app is available in 4 languages: English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Here are the available options:

Carry out a 5S audit broken down in 5 groups of 5 questions, thus giving you 25 questions that will guide you in searching for improvement opportunities.
Follow the evolution in time of the audit's result for a given perimeter
Get tips on how to do a 5S construction site
Configure auditors and perimeters
Filter past audits by perimeter, observer or date
Create a photo gallery relevant to the perimeter to see the evolution from a visual standpoint
Plan countermeasures with pilots and deadlines
Report gaps that have been immediately corrected
Set the time period you have available for the audit and be informed of the remaining time
Get an overall score of your 5S audit and a detailed score by group
Export your reports in PDF and fives formats
Import other 5S audits done on other devices fives format
Send the audit in one click to pre-registered recipients
Read the audit in the language of choice

(Source Appli Lean 5S: http://www.apilean.com/appli-lean-5s/)
3- GoCanvas

(Visit their web site)

The GoCanvas app provides continuity of audits, thereby ensuring consistency with regards to cleanliness, organization, and efficiency in your work environment. GoCanvas audits adapt to all work sectors. This tool can help oversee the quality of your work environment on a sustained and ongoing basis and a way for work teams to adhere to established standards.

The apps for each audit type can be built very intuitively and do not require in-depth programming know-how. All you need to do is drag-and-drop the features you want in the app, and give them the desired shape (calculator, drop-down menu, checkboxes, barcode, calendar, photos, etc.). These features distinguish GoCanvas from the rest of the apps. Its customer service is also noteworthy.

 

Here are the app's main features:

App builder
Image capture
Signature capture
Calculations
GPS
Barcode scanning
Mobile payments
Upload a database

(Source: https://www.gocanvas.com/mobile-forms-apps/2983-5S-Audit-Form)
Pricing: https://www.gocanvas.com/show_pricing_plans
4-  iAuditor - by SafetyCulture
At Flexpipe, we use iAuditor, which we consider to be among the best apps on the market. Its intuitive and adaptive interface can manage audits in other sectors, not only 5S audits. iAuditor also focuses on safety and inspections. You can prepare your audit model on the iPad and subsequently use it on your smartphone. Several audit models are suggested in the app's library.

Bye-bye paper! You can write your notes directly in the app for each item evaluated.

[caption id="attachment_14845" align="alignnone" width="814"] Gabriel's workstation, an assembler at Flexpipe, is evaluated by Remi, responsible for the continuous improvement.[/caption]

 

Rémi uses the app to document Gabriel's workstation and add photos to it.

Pictures of the workstation being evaluated can be taken in the app and linked to the element being evaluated. These pictures act as proof and as a reference to instill discipline. They can also be used as illustrative purposes for the team when posted on information boards.

 

[caption id="attachment_14848" align="alignnone" width="814"] The workstation used by Gabriel, an assembler at Flexpipe[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_14851" align="alignnone" width="814"] The workstation used by Gabriel, an assembler at Flexpipe[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_14882" align="alignnone" width="814"] At Flexpipe, audits are also carried out on the first-aid station.[/caption]

Here are iAuditor's features:

SMART FORMS: The drag and drop template builder makes it easy to create customized forms
INSPECTIONS: Complete inspections from anywhere on any mobile or tablet device
WORKFLOWS: Build workflows to manage your inspection and reporting procedures
REPORTING & ANALYTICS: Detailed inspection reports to get insights and fix problems faster
INTEGRATIONS: Connect iAuditor to your business software systems
SITESNEW: Know how your sites are performing in real-time.

Once the audit is finished, the app produces a report which can be quickly sent by email or printed for use at a later date.

Download a 5S audit report done at Flexpipe
The perception of a 5S audit
Managers have much to gain by promoting a positive image of a 5S audit. It's not a question of a verification; instead, it's more about ensuring that existing standards are respected. It must be perceived as a way to make the employee's work easier.

We sat down with Éric, who is a team leader and assembler at Flexpipe. After receiving training on 5S principles, audits now make perfect sense to him. He actively participated in standardizing workstations. The efficiency he gained following the standardization process translated into a significant reduction of production time. Where he once walked between 5 and 6 km per day on the production floor, that number is now between 3 and 3.5 km. Also, given that there is less handling to do, the risk of injury has decreased. He is convinced that audits are necessary so that the benefits keep paying off following the changes.

[caption id="attachment_14860" align="alignnone" width="814"] Éric, team leader and assembler at his Flexpipe workstation[/caption]

Éric concludes by saying: "In the spur of the moment, we tend to choose the easy way out. It's easy to stray from the standardization that was implemented and revert to old habits. In the end, it's a losing proposition. Audits are a way of reminding us of this."

The lack of discipline and rigor comes at a high price for manufacturing companies. Material that is only used occasionally is, ultimately, an unnecessary expense. Furthermore, work-related accidents are insurance costly. One can conclude that the benefits of upholding standards are measured in dollars, energy spent, space occupied, and are, as a result, not negligible.

____________________________________________________________________________

WHAT CAN FLEXPIPE DO TO OPTIMIZE YOUR PLANT EFFICIENCY?

Flexpipe Modular industrial pipe racking system can help you with implementing continuous improvement principles. Your team’s creativity can result in a 10% increase in productivity per year. It has been a proven system for more than 50 years now.

When should I draw with CAD or do a freehand sketch?

When should I draw with CAD or do a freehand sketch?

https://www.flexpipeinc.com/ca_en/structure/cart/Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Is training your staff to use 3D CAD software to design a structure necessary for all your projects? In our opinion, absolutely not! Depending on the complexity of the required structure, a freehand sketch may be faster than a computer drawing with CAD software. Read on to know when to design a structure using CAD software versus only doing a freehand drawing.

At Flexpipe, when we need a structure for internal use, we draw by hand instead of using CAD. When we say this to clients that are using 3D CAD software, they are quite surprised!

First, we carry out some "try-storming" with sketches, and, once tested and approved, we do reverse engineering and create a 3D design. This way, we speed up the process considerably rather than waiting for the design department to model a structure that we're not 100% quite sure will work.

In 90% of cases, you'll want to change and improve the initial concept after just one day of use. A pipe and joint system will allow you to tweak and fine-tune the structure easily. If you make the design process longer, you'll end up wiping out the quick improvement advantage of the product.

In some cases, a CAD design is not what the situation calls for.

With these wise words in mind, "Problem in the morning, solution in the afternoon," we'd rather waste a few pipes and joints on a quick structural test rather than spend a long time thinking of the ideal design in front of a computer. Our motto is "Fail fast – Learn fast – Improve fast!"

 
Benefits of freehand sketching
One of the significant benefits is that freehand sketching is a simple solution that requires only a few types of equipment. There's no need for software or computer or special skills that require you to be in an office setting. You can draw the sketch where the action is taking place and with the people who are most impacted by the structure.

Here are other benefits of doing your project design on paper instead of using computer software:

Lower development costs: a CAD drawing can get expensive as each picture requires an average of 5 hours of staff time.
Reduces wastes, improves efficiency and saves on costs when improvements are implemented within a shorter timeframe.
Stronger employee involvement: a key for better engagement is to act fast, especially when operating with a suggestion system!
Increased employee reach because freehand sketching is easily accessible to everyone. The employee suggesting a new structure or improvements on an existing structure is, logically, the best person to do the sketch.
It's easier to think outside the box because you are making multiple drawing iterations; ideally 7 - see our 7-Ways Idea Template to Avoid Tunnel Vision article. Getting various departments and workers participating in this brainstorming process is invaluable and can reap numerous rewards, such as different perspectives and diversified work techniques.

 

Benefits of making a CAD drawing after a first structure is built
Most of the time, we suggest making a 3D CAD drawing once the prototype phase is over because the final result will be accurate measurements, a bill of material, and a precise cut list.

Here are some other benefits that it's essential to document, using CAD software, a project that will be reproduced:

Avoid the occurrence of mistakes or leaving details up to an assembler's preferences. It's best to stick to a final design, so each structure is identical.
Reduces the time spent cutting pipes and assembling the structure. This is especially true when making multiple copies of an existing and tested structure.
Keeps a detailed record of your structure's components if you need to build additional units in the future. Regardless of who makes the structure, the "recipe" will be the same.
Enables you to share improvements made to structures with other departments or factories to share best practices and standardize work methods.
Helps you order the exact quantity of material needed or calculate the cost of a large project.
Makes requesting quotes from pipe and joint suppliers easier. Though we hope you'll choose Flexpipe!

 
Better to develop a concept with CAD software for these types of structures
For complex structures with over 20 pipes and 50 joints - for example, a flow rack 60" long with five levels and a 40" depth with multiple roller tracks. A CAD design will make it easier to draw up a bill of material, reduce the risk of errors and reduce waste, and save money.

For critical structures with a heavy loading capacity exceeding 1000 lb - for example, a WIP (work-in-progress) cart that will hold parts weighing 1200 lb and is to be moved around the production floor. Calling upon the CAD design team members is a wise move as they are specialized in calculating loading capacities and optimizing work methods.

For projects bringing about resistance to change - for example, replacing workbenches that have been used for the last 15 years by new workstations. Some projects generate more passionate debate than others. In such cases, presenting a 3D CAD drawing with multiple perspectives to the team can provide reassurance, bring about product improvement suggestions, and motivate employee engagement.

Projects that require a significant financial investment - for example, new kitting carts to reduce the use of wood pallets and forklift traffic. These types of projects generally require formal approval as it takes a certain amount of time to recoup the investment. Therefore, a 3D software design will help justify the expense of key decision-makers. They will be able to visualize the project and understand its benefits.

It's essential to evaluate the scope of the structure that you want to create; that is, don't overthink the process. Large projects should be done on CAD once the prototype phase is done. Major projects should be drawn on CAD once the prototype is done. Other than that, we suggest that you encourage people to keep it simple: do a freehand sketch, start assembling the structure, and test it quickly!

A coated pipe is less than a $1 per foot, and you will be able to reuse the casters and joints if the structure does not work or has to be improved upon—but at least you'll be getting closer to a structure offering top-notch efficiency.

Why buy 8-foot pipes instead of 4-meter pipes?

Why buy 8-foot pipes instead of 4-meter pipes?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Are you wondering about which pipe length you should buy to reduce costs? Read on for details about transportation and scrap costs in the comparative study we did on eight different projects built with 4-meter and 8-foot pipes.

True or false #1: buying 8-foot pipes reduces freight costs?
True or false #2: 4-meter pipes generate fewer scrap pieces?

In 2017, we began offering 4-meter pipes to accommodate some of our customers' needs. Recently, we decided to look into the benefits of these 4-meter pipes and did some investigating of our own. Keep reading to learn the reasons why - following our tests - we recommend purchasing 8-foot pipes instead of 4-meter pipes.

We know that the industry norm in pipe and joint systems are most likely 4 m pipes because Japan's Yazaki introduced the product in 4-meter lengths many decades ago. However, when it comes to standard building materials such as plywood or timber, 8-foot lengths are most often used. This is mainly due to housing construction standards, and for reasons regarding health, safety, and freight costs.

The table below compares the cost of purchasing 8-foot versus 4-meter pipes for use in 8 different pipe and joint projects. Since most of our customers obtain 4-meter tubes from our competitors, we've since introduced Creform 4-meter pipe pricing. To round out the table, we also calculated the monetary value of scrap pieces shorter than 12 inches, since they are generally not reusable.

*Prices based on 2022 regular catalogs from Flexpipe and Creform.
 

According to the numbers in the table, it's safe to say that the average piping cost per project is just about the same. While the value of the scraps under 12 inches long is a little less expensive in the "8 feet" column, we can affirm that you'll get better reusable scrap pieces with 4-meter pipes.

Regarding work-related illness and injury, 4-meter pipes need to be handled with greater care than 8-foot pipes. There is an increased risk of self-injury or harm to others, regardless of whether you are handling the pipes manually or using a forklift. For these reasons, and to adhere to ergonomic guidelines, we decided to keep 8-foot pipes as our main product offering.
Drawbacks of 4-meter pipes:

Require extra-long forks to handle 4-meter pallets. This can be a waste of time for the forklift driver.
Require a more considerable amount of floor space to get the pipes out of the truck and to move non-standard pallets throughout the plant.
Require a more significant footprint or specialized racking to store the pipes vertically or horizontally.
Require a larger cutting table, thus take up more space.
Require a wood crate for handling and shipping, which is an additional cost.
May require time or money to get rid of the wood crate.
It cannot be shipped by UPS or FedEx, as the authorized maximum length is 10 feet.
Increase freight costs by 42% (see below).

 

As a side note to the freight costs mentioned above, 8-foot pipes can be shipped with regular carriers, while the 4-meter ones must be sent with LTL carriers.

In the chart below, you will find prices listed on freightcenter.com, which were calculated on October 25, 2018, with an $80 overlength fee. Since summer 2018, most LTL carriers charge an overlength fee on material exceeding 8 feet. We prioritize carriers offering delivery over two business days.

8-foot shipment values ; 24x96x30 500 lb
4-meter shipment values ; 24x157x25 500 lb
 
Drawbacks of 8-foot pipes:

Generate more reusable lengths to manage (exceeding 12 inches long).
Higher in cost if you are a one-time user and do not intend on re-using the scraps.
Require the use of AP-CNNCT or AP-CNNCT2 pipe connectors to build structured over 8 feet long - which is not always recommended!

 

So, to answer the first true-or-false question, which was, "Buying 8-foot pipes reduces freight costs?" The answer is TRUE: you will save on freight costs with 8-foot pipes and avoid the hassle of handling 4-meter units in the plant.

For the second question, "4-meter pipes generate less scrap?" the answer is also TRUE: 4-meter pipes reduce leftovers mostly for long structures. However, if you regularly build structures, you will be able to re-use leftovers quickly since most of them exceed 12 inches.

If you frequently work on continuous improvement projects for the plant, you are better off with 8-foot pipes.

If you use industrial pipe racking systems only occasionally for specific quantity projects, e.g., a contractor who builds new carts or FIFO rack for a client, you are better off with Flexpipe 4-meter pipes. If you use pipe and joint systems for small or in-house projects, opt for 8-foot pipes as they can quickly be shipped via courier.

We hope this comparison test was helpful to you. If you have any questions, please contact your project manager. He will be happy to provide any assistance you might need.

 

Why should I use Sketchup instead of my usual design software?

Why should I use Sketchup instead of my usual design software?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
After a particular time, we sometimes get set in our ways of doing things. To a certain extent, familiarity can breed a certain level of efficiency. However, if you're in a continuous improvement environment, have you considered new ways to speed up the freehand drawing process?

Whether you're using AutoCAD, Inventor, Catia, SolidWorks, or any other 3D computer design software, read on to learn how our team at Flexpipe cut design time in half.

Up until 2011, the Flexpipe design team used Solidedge software. We were drawing sketches rather quickly; maybe not the fastest out there, but we thought we were pretty good nonetheless! All our joints had already been drawn previously, and we were producing complete computer designs in about 4 hours. Some took just an hour, such as for boards, while others took an entire day, an elaborate kitting cart, for instance.

The problem was that sometimes we would spend 5 to 8 hours drawing a single sketch, and, in some cases, the project would not get the go-ahead. To reduce this time waste, we developed an extension for Sketchup, which eventually allowed us to cut our drawing time by half! This was a huge gain for our designers who were sketching all day long! In 2016, we decided to offer this time-saving feature to our customers. As of 2019, the extension is available to all pipe and joint users, even if they are not Flexpipe customers.

 
Benefits of the Flexpipe Creator Extension for SketchUp
The developed extension has several benefits that will reduce your drawing time in half for you too!

1 - Converts lines into pipes with the desired Flexpipe color in 1 click, which makes the design more straightforward and faster to create. You can quickly change your structure with one click to go back to the sketch with lines.

2- Finds and places the right metal joints – and suggests alternatives – in one click for all the pipe intersections. That way, you don't have to know all the joint options and speed up design time considerably. The Flexpipe Creator extension can spots metal joints that conflict with others to avoid any incorrect design features. It also accelerates the assembly process.

3- Suggests other accessories and puts them in the most appropriate locations. He also offers visibility options to hide pipes, joints, and accessories, allowing you to modify a drawing faster.

Once your structure design is complete, you will be able to generate a bill of material in an Excel format, including a cutting list for pipes, roller tracks, and decking. This will speed up the purchase request and avoid any retyping waste.

You'll also get an optimized cutting list and a visual diagram to reduce pipe, roller track, and decking wastes. The Flexpipe Creator extension has links to Flexpipe's online store so you can evaluate pricing, create a shopping list that you can share, or place the order right away!

Want to see the Flexpipe Creator extension in action?
Watch our quick demo

 
Key benefits of the Sketchup program include:

Low cost for the commercial license;
Minimal hardware requirements;
Access to the Sketchup 3D Warehouse - a comprehensive list of extensions and API;
Access to the Sketchup Library: other CAD models created by other users;
Easy to use;
Flexpipe Creator Extension is available!

The best way to design an optimal structure is to focus on the concept and the structure's purpose. Try to spend more time with people on the floor to ask them about their needs and what type of structure they have in mind. They usually have already thought about a concept, but sometimes merely need to explain it in their own words.

As you can well guess, we're all about efficiency. Therefore, with LEAN principles mind, we strive to reduce time wastes in the various sketching steps, i.e., putting in measurements, changing pipe colors, finding the right connector, putting together the cut list. So you can craft your design in the most efficient way possible.

If you need more information on Flexpipe's Creator extension, please contact your project manager. He will be happy to provide any information you might need.

Top 6 tools for cutting

Top 6 tools for cutting

The plastic-covered metal tubes used for Flexpipe structures are relatively easy to cut. Throughout the years, we've tested several different tools and gotten feedback from our customers and our team about the ones they most commonly used to cut the tubes.

We highly recommend drawing up a list of all the cuts that need to be made, so you don't waste a considerable amount of time and materials. With that in mind, here's a list of 6 cutting tools we recommend, along with their respective pros and cons. You'll also find a list of tools you should refrain from keeping your workplace safe.

Estimated reading time: 3 min 34 sec.

 

 

 
6 - The Sawzall -$$

The Sawzall is a portable cutting tool as it's cordless. This feature makes the device easier to use on existing structures.

Tip: If the piece needing to be cut is not already assembled, we highly recommend using clamps. Without proper support, you can end up cutting in the wrong place.

You need to know that the Sawzall can be heavy. It can also be challenging to keep stable. Make sure your arms have adequate support to maneuver the device securely. Safety can be an issue due to the sparks flying from the blades. Hence safety glasses are a must. For these reasons, the Sawzall is a tool to be used if you have no other on hand.

 
5 - The Tube Cutter -$

Tube-cutters are available in varying grades of quality and whose execution speed can vary. This tool makes clean, straight cuts and is easy to use. Given that the tube cutter is a manual hand tool, it's less dangerous, and the risk of injury is reduced. This tool is the safest among those listed in this article and you can add it to your order now by clicking here.

Using this tool requires a fair bit of vigor on the employee's part. For this reason, it's best to have established beforehand all the cuts needed before starting the project. Not only will this save you quite a bit of time, but you'll also cut only that which is necessary.

Tip: To avoid applying undue force to the tool, be sure to use a consistent circular movement. To do this, do not overtighten the screw knob when starting. As such, there'll be sufficient flexibility when cutting your tubes.

While the tube-cutter can be handy at times, it's not one of the quickest. We recommend using this tool for small projects.

 
4 - The Portable Bandsaw -$$

The portable bandsaw is an excellent tool to use regularly. We suggest the smaller models as they are lighter. This ergonomic tool is suitable for existing structures. Another plus is that the bandsaw has a moderate noise level. You can add it to your order now by clicking here.

Contrary to the metal cutting bandsaw, the portable model can only cut one tube at a time. Also, the lack of adequate support can result in crooked cuts.

 
3 - The Metal Cutting Bandsaw -$$$

The metal cutting bandsaw is ideal for projects of all sizes. It can cut up to six tubes simultaneously—which makes it one of the most efficient tool of this list. If you are cutting tubes daily, this tool is perfect for the job.

The standard model is more than enough, and no blade lubricant is required when cutting Flexpipe tubes. This bandsaw is very quiet and is the least dangerous electric tool.

Tip: This is the saw we use in the Flexpipe crib, we highly recommend you use it if you buy one.

You'll need to establish a location for a stationary bandsaw. As such, consider using an area that is safe and easily accessible. This bandsaw, as opposed to the portable model, cannot do cuts on structures that have already been built.
2 - The Cold cut saw -$$$$

The Cold cut saw, just like the metal cutting bandsaw is ideal for projects of all sizes. It can also cut up to six tubes simultaneously—which makes it one of the most efficient tool of this list. If you are cutting tubes daily, this tool is the best investment you can make.

Just like the metal band saw you'll need to establish a location for a this saw. As such, consider using an area that is safe and easily accessible. This saw, as opposed to the portable model, cannot do cuts on structures that have already been built.

 
1 - Portable power tubing cutter for steel and aluminum -$$$
Shop this product now

Precision Cutting: Ensures clean and accurate cuts, reducing the need for post-cutting adjustments.

User-Friendly Design: With ergonomics in mind, it offers a comfortable grip and simple operation.

Portable: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.

Durability: Designed for extended use with minimal wear.

Tip: When using the Portable Power Tubing Cutter, ensure that the tubing is securely held in place and free from any obstructions. This not only guarantees the best possible cut but also extends the life of the cutter by reducing unnecessary strain. Additionally, for optimal performance and longevity, periodically check the blade for wear and replace it as needed. Proper maintenance and care can significantly extend the tool's lifespan and maintain the quality of its cuts.

Power Dependency: Unlike manual cutters, it requires a power source, which might limit its use in certain situations.

Initial Cost: Typically, power tools have a higher initial cost than their manual counterparts.

Cutting tools to avoid
Here's a list of tools you should stay away from as there is a high risk of worker injuries when using them. Besides, these tools will not provide peak performance. Remember that regardless of which one you use, wearing safety is essential.

Table Saw;
Miter Saw;
Handle Lopper;
Hand Saw
Cut-Off Saw

 
Conclusion
You are now more familiar with how Flexpipe tubes are easy to cut with these four tools. Depending on how many cuts you'll need to do to complete your project, you have all the necessary information to choose the tool best suited to cutting your Flexpipe tubes. Remember that fully grasping the scope of your project as well as establishing that needs to be cut before beginning the work will prevent you from wasting precious time and material.

You don’t have the tools in house to cut your Flexpipe material? Or, the order volume is not large enough to justify the purchase of a stationary band saw? This is the opportunity to take advantage of our cutting service.

Top 5 tools for assembling

Top 5 tools for assembling

Assembling a Flexpipe structure can be an easy process and can be made even quicker if you use the appropriate tools. All Flexpipe joint sets are assembled with the same nuts and bolts. As such, you’ll just need a 5-mm hex head tool to carry out your project.

Depending on the scope of the project, it’s essential to know which tool can save you the most time and money. Here’s a list of the five tools we recommend, with their respective pros and cons.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

 

 

 
5 - The 5 MM Hex Key (Allen Key)

The hex key, or Allen key, is found in most toolboxes. This inexpensive tool, which is available in many stores, is perfectly adapted to carry out adjustments on existing structures or to build small projects. The hex key’s modest size enables you to work in those hard-to-reach places that other tools are unable to access.

TIP: Did you know that you can cut a long hex key into several pieces? These pieces can subsequently be used as a hex head on your drill. However, this tip does not work for impact drivers.

We don’t recommend using a hex key for assembling larger projects, as this may be painful for your hands and wrists. While the hex key is convenient, it’s not intended to be a time-saver.

 
4 - The Hex Socket (Dynamometric) Wrench

A hex socket wrench is a useful, light tool. One can choose a 5mm (1/4’’) unit with a preset cutting range of 2-100 inches per pound (9.8 Nm). This cutting range is the ideal strength to assemble Flexpipe structures. As such, your bolts will always be correctly tightened.

TIP: You may find it challenging to locate this preset tool, so we’ve done the searching for you! The tool is available for purchase on seekonk.com (US-based, delivery to Canada is possible).

While this tool is faster than the hex key and the T-handle, you’ll find others listed in this article that are quicker to use. You should keep in mind that a preset torque wrench is not a standard tool, and it can be challenging to find; it can be expensive, too.

If the one you are using is not preset, you’ll need to pay close attention to the torque setting. If it’s too tight, the bolt heads may become stripped, and you won’t be able to use the bolts again in future projects.

 
3 - The Cordless Drill

A cordless drill is a highly useful tool for projects that only require short assembly time. Given that most people have already used a drill, little employee training is necessary. Furthermore, you probably have one on hand in your facility!

It’s essential to adjust a drill before using it. You must select the “V1” speed setting: that is, the drill speed will be moderate, but with a high level of power. Failure to adequately set the speed level can lead to a wrist injury.

Also, be ready to compose with the tool’s weight when assembling a large-scale project. Speed is critical here; make sure you have the right torque setting, so you don’t strip the bolt heads and render them unusable for future projects.

 
2 - The T-Handle Hex Key

As a useful complement to the impact driver, the T-handle hex key is handy to tighten bolts, which are hard to reach. Its rubber grip makes it more ergonomic and comfortable than the hex key, and it is also very affordable.

As is the case for the hex key, this tool is not suitable for large-scale projects. If you do choose to use it, nonetheless, it may be painful for your hands and wrists. While it won’t provide the quickest execution time, the T-Handle hex key can prove to be useful in certain situations.

 
1 - The Impact Driver (Impact Gun)

The impact driver, also known as an impact gun, is the tool we recommend most. Why? Because it’s powerful, fast, and quite affordable. It’s best to set it at medium power for top performance.

Be sure to have the proper torque setting to avoid stripping the bolt heads, or else they will be useless for other projects. We also recommend purchasing a replacement battery, so your assembly process is not interrupted by a dead battery.

 
Tip about Flexpipe nuts and bolts:
All Flexpipe joint sets are assembled with M6-N nuts and M6-25B bolts. The term M6 refers to the outer metric diameter of the head, which is 6 mm.

 
Conclusion
Now that you know all the characteristics of these assembling tools, you should be able to determine which is the right tool to assemble your Flexpipe structures. Remember that it’s essential to evaluate the scope of your project correctly, so you purchase the tool that best suits your needs.

The 10 steps for a successful project

The 10 steps for a successful project

When it comes to setting up the process to assemble pipe and joint projects, there are certain principles you'll want to keep in mind. We've drawn up the following list of 10 steps to follow, so the construction of your structure goes as smoothly as possible. Read on for the details!

Before setting up a process to assemble a lean pipe structure, we suggest your pipe builders receive basic training on how to use the Flexpipe product. Also, make sure to have a suitable environment equipped with sufficient space and tables, a minimum of raw material, and all necessary tools so your team can carry out the work efficiently.

Our customers build lean pipe structures using different processes which differ depending on the company size, history with Flexpipe products, etc. In some companies, the designated builders change every week, which means that their processes will be different from companies who always use the same builders.

 
1 -  Fill in the 7-ways idea sheet
The first step consists of coming up with seven different ways to solve the problem at hand. To get you started, read the article Our 7-Ways Idea Template to Avoid Tunnel Vision. Then, download the Excel the 7-Ways Idea template.

Remember to use your wits, instead of reaching for your wallet – and try to think outside the box! Often, a bit of innovative thinking can go a long way and doesn't require additional investments.

 

2 -  Select and hand sketch the chosen idea
Usually, at this point, you'll have a pretty good idea in which direction to head in, but, if not, don't waste any more time on brainstorming and start "try storming." No more excuses: get things started and test the prototype! After, you can draw another sketch in greater detail, which includes what material you will need.
Download your printable project sheets here.
For more information on hand-sketching:
 

 
3 -  Draw up a list of what material you need and how much
Allow us for a moment to use a cooking analogy. As you know, pretty much every meal has a recipe. Try to cook a meal you've never prepared before without the recipe, and you'll most likely fail. The same goes for your project. Without a material list, odds are you're not going to get anywhere. Have a proper bill of material on an Excel sheet or at least on a list that you've jotted down by hand.

 
4 -  Order the required material
Unless you keep an inventory of parts at all times (a practice you should avoid, in keeping with the Lean philosophy), you will more than likely need to order some components — but try to use what you have on hand as any good moonshiner would!

 

5 - Make sure all material is available before starting to build
Have you ever noticed the one thing that all cooking shows have in common? The reason most chefs can complete a recipe within 30 minutes is not just thanks to the magic of video editing. Instead, the answer lies in the fact that they have all the recipe's ingredients in front of them ready to be used. So coming back to the assembly project, when you have all the materials available, you will drastically speed up the assembly process.

 

6 -  Mark the location of the project on the ground with tape
This is where your 5S floor marking skills will come in handy. If you're not familiar with floor marking principles, learn more on the 60 seconds visual workflow blog article. There are also plenty of great resources in online forums such as lean.org.

 
7 -  Build a prototype and see if it works
This principle is called a one-piece flow, and it is responsible for a drastic change in many manufacturing industries. According to this rule, building one product at a time from start to finish is more efficient than doing just one operation to many units before carrying out the next step. This will ultimately save you from making the same error on every unit.

 
8 -  Record the actual quantity of material used to construct the project
Document everything. This is a no-brainer. Well, many people - including us - often forget or underestimate the importance of documenting. This will become critical when the time comes to scale the project. Document how many components you use and feel free to record any individual building processes with which you might have had a problem.

 
9 -  Improve upon the first concept
This wouldn't be a lean method without including notions of continuous improvement. This step is all about optimizing your project before scaling it. Unlike step 7, the purpose of this step is to test the prototype and refine its design to make it more efficient in all aspects. Once you've reworked your prototype, build a second structure.

 
10 -  Calculate the benefits of the project once it's complete
There are many ways to calculate your ROI ("return on investment"). These will vary depending on the nature of the project and the KPIs ("key performance indicators") you choose.

Most of our customers use the Moonshine Shop to improve takt time or to decrease injury risks and floor space. These metrics are usually easy to calculate. However, they are just examples of the standard indicators we see in our industry. This method is versatile, and the results can be surprising.

To conclude, if you apply these steps correctly, you should quickly see the benefits generated from this process every time. No one likes to waste time, and, as we all know, time is money. We want to make sure that your time – and budget – are well spent!

Along those lines, we encourage you to consider using a Flexpipe crib, which is a storage structure for Flexpipe parts. You'll be surprised by the extent of its potential and see just how useful it is in your work environment.

Everything you need to know about our modular system starter kits

Everything you need to know about our modular system starter kits

First time are you using modular systems? Well then, a kit is the best way to ease your team into using this type of equipment because all the parts and examples of plans are already included. Read on for more detailed information about this kit and all the pieces included.

Who should use starter kits?

You’ve done your due diligence and have finally gotten approval to buy Flexpipe equipment. Your team and management are on board, but now you’re racking your brain trying to figure out which parts you need to order and which structures the team must build. Flexpipe’s starter kits are going to make your job a whole lot easier. We know time is money; let us help you save on both.
What’s included
Based on our experience and that of our customers, we’ve created each starter kit in such a way that it contains the parts and their corresponding unit count, most commonly used to build various types of structures. We ensure that there is a proper ratio of units (i. e.: screws, connectors, and tubes) so you’re not stuck with unnecessary leftover parts. Depending on the structure you want to build, we supply you with its essential components (such as conveyors for flow racks, for instance). We also include up to 7 structural plans if you want to get a head start on assembling your structures.

For new customers, one of our project managers can assist you in designing the structures to meet your specific needs. From there, one of our draftspeople can create two 3D plans for you. Once the plans are approved, the parts list is updated to make sure all the units to build the customized structures are part of the kit. Additionally, all tubes come with information relating to their cut length. This will make assembling the first few structures much easier.
Advantages
A starter kit is a terrific way to learn the ropes on how to use a modular system because no pre-assembled tube-and-joint structures are available for purchase. Skip having to design plans; you can start building the structures right away! Gone are the headaches of making sure that you and your team have all the necessary parts. Our goal is to ensure that learning to use our system is as easy as possible. With the purchase of any starter kit, you will get the ultimate starter box, which includes all tips and tools needed to get started as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
The possibilities of a starter kit
If you want to improve your production floor’s operations, personalizing the equipment your employees use to fits their needs is a win-win for efficiency, budgetary, and ergonomic concerns. With a modular system, the structures can be easily and quickly improved upon, and as often as necessary. Whether it be adjusting their height, size, or adding a turntable, shelves, drawers, or shadow boards, adaptability is vital here, and that’s precisely what Flexpipe pipe and joint systems deliver.

With a starter kit, you’ll be able to build 4 or 5 sizeable structures. We recommend you start by creating a structure that is not too complex. Remember, even a simple project can have a considerable impact on operations!

Options
Once you’ve placed your order, our customer service team will contact you to confirm which color you would like the tubes to be. What’s more, should you want to alter the list of parts, we’ll be happy to make the necessary changes.

Training
Need help building your first structure? Your team can take advantage of training sessions at Flexpipe’s headquarters—free of charge! If you prefer, our assembly experts can carry out the training for your facilities. To get the basics down pat while in practice, a starter kit is essential.

 

6 essential personality traits of the ideal assembler

6 essential personality traits of the ideal assembler

Now that you have determined the people most suited to building your Flexpipe structures, here's a list to help you choose the perfect candidate according to their primary personality traits.

The factor which will most influence the success of your project is the personality of the individual or the team who is assembling the structure. Please note that there's no precise order to this list. The more characteristics the chosen assembler has amongst it, the higher your project's success rate!

Haven't yet chosen the best people to assemble your modular system? First, take a moment to read our article on eight most likely people for an in-house assembly.

Estimated reading time: 3 min 20 sec.

 

 
1 - Be Creative
Customized modular structures; a significant asset for efficiency

Modular systems, such as Flexpipe, mainly need creative assemblers to be fully effective. This attribute is most useful during kaizen events, but also when creating custom-made structures.

Remember that tube and joint systems are used to build all kinds of structures suited to various needs. The goal is to create a structure that you couldn't find in a store.

 
2 - Have a clear and straightforward perspective
The design's simplicity is key!

Flexpipe structures need to be simple, economical, and easy to test before implementation. The best designs can solve complex problems thanks to their simplicity and flexibility. This is one of the modular system's most significant advantages.

We can, therefore, establish a parallel to the KISS principle, which means "Keep it simple, stupid." This principle aims to eliminate any unnecessary complexity whenever possible when designing the structures.

 
3 - Be skillful and resourceful
Think outside the box

Although Flexpipe parts are easy to cut and assemble, complex manipulations can be needed. That said, we recommend using the person with the best skill set for this job. The use of specific tools may be necessary.

We believe that most individuals can assemble the Flexpipe system, with the help of a single training session on which tools to use. To find out more, read our articles Top 4 tools for cutting and Top 5 tools for assembling to determine the most appropriate tool for your project.

 
4 - Be ingenious
Knowing how to push back the limits

The Flexpipe system offers a multitude of accessories to customize your structures and maximize their potential. A skilled assembler will find what he or she needs to complete his project.

You may need more than pipes and joints to complete a project, however. Whether you choose to use a whiteboard, foam protectors, fasteners, or supports of any kind, the possibilities are just about endless!

 
5 - Have a lean mindset
An adapted work environment designed to be effective and ergonomic

You don't need to be a six sigma black belt professional to have a lean mindset! Knowing the basic concepts of lean production will help you optimize the structures of your modular system.

An ideal assembler should have assimilated 5S techniques beforehand.

 

 
6 - Be constant and committed
A stable workforce with high potential for adaptability

The use of tubes and connectors is a gradual process and requires continuous improvement. It's also worth noting that there's a significant learning curve when it comes to designing and assembling various structures of the system. The assembly of each new type of structure is sure to make an assembler proud!

This person should also be able to adapt and improve the initial structures. Keep in mind that assembling structures should not be a temporary assignment that comes to an end when the training session is over nor when the assembler is called back to the production line.

 
The best of the best
Modular systems are simple, customizable, and progressive. The person responsible for the design and assembly should primarily reflect the same characteristics as the product itself. An engaged assembler will be more likely to design the best structures according to your project and improve them over time.