Asiatrak Production Efficiency Improvement Through Value Stream Analysis

AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd, a Caterpillar Inc. component company, manufactures and supplies undercarriage product for hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors. Faced with a competitive market, AsiaTrak has to continuously optimize its processes based on its products and management situation. The subject in this research is Track Roller production line of AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd. The thesis utilizes scientific management methodology to analyze and solve the problem of product quality, order delivery and cost.This thesis consists of three parts. The first part mainly introduces the current market environment and development status in the field of construction machinery & equipment, including tremendous challenge and competition in the market that are faced by all engineering machineries industries.The Second part mainly introduces the production management methodology - Lean Production background/development, and incorporates production process improvement. Additionally, the thesis focuses on introducing some value added tools in value stream approach similarly to VSM, eight wastes and so forth.In the last part, the thesis points out how to apply the value stream approach of Lean methodology to carry out a comprehensive analysis and assessment. Through the research, the action plan is established to improve the production process. As a result, the output efficiency of the production process can be increased to achieve cost reduction. Without increased capital investment, the company will meet customers'increasing demands, help enterprises improve their competitiveness and support long-term development and expanse the market shares.