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OPSIDA RESEARCH

Research

Short, sourced answers to the questions manufacturing keeps asking. Every issue states what the evidence supports, how strong that evidence is, and where it stops.

  1. OR–001Evidence level: A–BReading time: 60 sec

    Does OEE really improve production performance?

    No. Not on its own.

  2. OR–002Evidence level: B–DReading time: 60 sec

    Does 5S really improve productivity?

    Yes. When implemented well and sustained.

  3. OR–003Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does Standardized Work really improve productivity?

    It can. But the strongest role is creating stability for improvement.

  4. OR–004Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does SMED really reduce setup time?

    Yes. When changeover work is redesigned—not merely rushed.

  5. OR–005Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does TPM really improve manufacturing performance?

    Yes. When it is implemented as an integrated operating system.

  6. OR–006Evidence level: B–DReading time: 60 sec

    Does Value Stream Mapping really improve flow?

    It can. When the map leads to implemented process changes.

  7. OR–007Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does production leveling really stabilize manufacturing?

    It can. When demand variation can be absorbed without creating new waste.

  8. OR–008Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does Poka-Yoke really prevent manufacturing defects?

    It can. When the process prevents or exposes the error at its source.

  9. OR–009Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does Kanban really reduce inventory and improve flow?

    It can. When work-in-process is deliberately limited and replenishment follows demand.

  10. OR–010Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does cellular manufacturing really improve flow?

    It can. When the cell is designed around real product families and flow.

  11. OR–011Evidence level: B–CReading time: 60 sec

    Does Visual Management really improve shop-floor performance?

    It can. When the visual makes the right condition obvious and triggers action.

Evidence level key

A
Systematic review / Meta-analysis
B
Multiple strong peer-reviewed studies
C
Single peer-reviewed study
D
Case study / Industry report
E
Expert opinion / General acceptance