OTED - One touch exchange of a die

Really closely related to SMED - OTED means that changeovers are reduced so that they can be performed in a single step (one touch). It is slightly different to SMED but more difficult to implement.

Depending on your field of industry the defined times to perform a changeovers varies between 1.5 and 1 minute.

To run OTED successfully following actions are required upfront:

• Reduction of adjustments needed down to zero

• No fastening with screws needed

• 100% positive locking between die and tool carrier

• Proper fitting methods

• Separation between tooling and function

The target is simply explained: The exchange of a die is done with one single motion.

When having a look at the development of improving changeovers the first step is to implement the single-minute exchange of a die (SMED). SMED helps you in the beginning to figure out how to perform the changeover with less motion. OTED is then the high level of changeovers. As mentioned as SMED can be also understood as single digit exchange of a die, yes this means everything under 10 minutes is SMED, OTED stands for the ultimate target. Through continuous improvement actions on SMED you are striving to reach the state of being able to exchange tooling in the takt of your line with one single motion.

In the end with OTED you have to deal like with all the other Lean Tools, don’t just apply it to be cool and “lean”. If it doesn’t make sense for your operation or process don’t do it. But when you decide to strive for OTED and you and your team are convinced by the promised improvements , make sure to understand the process flow first then take action.