I need your help!
It all started with a simple email. A friend sent me a video clip last week that that sparked a quite a bit of debate between the two of us. Ten or so email exchanges later, and we agreed to disagree. Now I want you to weigh in!
Last year, Wired produced a video series entitled A Peek Inside Tesla’s Robotic Factory. In the three part series, we get a detailed look at the end-to-end process – from incoming raw materials through final inspection – for the assembly of the modern marvel of automobile engineering and design that is the Tasla Model S. The factory, set in the former NUMMI production facility, is simply awesome to see in action, with more than 160 high-tech robots performing an intricate mechanical ballet to assemble the sleek sedan. And while there are many words that we could use to describe the process, would “Lean” one of them?
The Tesla Model S process: Is it Lean???*
I’ve linked to the three videos below. Watch for yourself and let me know what you think! Share your comments in three different ways:
- Click on the title of this article and use the comments section at the bottom of the page.
- Follow me on Twitter and tweet at me (@TheKaiZone).
- Connect with me on LinkedIn and post a reply to the thread for this article.
I will update this page throughout the week with a summary of all three discussion threads. Check back often and make your voice heard!
*I am asking this question knowing full well that it is highly flawed. There is no right or wrong answer. However, the debate gets to the core of exactly what is “Lean”, and that’s something from which we can all learn a great deal.
Good morning! Early emails coming in on the side of Tesla = Lean. See below.
“It seemed like there was very little stoppage from the time parts started out of rolled aluminum until a car rolled out the door – 3 days to complete!…that’s pretty quick!”
“The automation can run with the lights on, doesn’t go on strike, go to meetings, get caught up in projects, have to travel, call in sick, go on vacation, get carpel tunnel syndrome, with the lottery and quit…Plus, it’s FAR more precise and can replicate the range of motion and placement of components with limited variation.”
“They do have some inventory, but those presses are re-tooled to make multiple parts in short runs to make use of the capital investment. Trust me, somewhere at the Camry plant, there are 50 hoods somewhere ready to go onto a car. Plus, the Camry sells FAR more units than Tesla. For the sales units they have, compared to Toyota, I’d say 3 days is pretty good.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK??? AGREE OR DISAGREE???
Impressive set up but don’t forget Ford was making cars in 81 hours from mining ore in the ground to final automobile leaving the plant without any automation over a hundred years ago! Automation is beneficial only when used in the right situation otherwise the hidden costs (downtime, maintenance, capital depreciation, human resources to support) will eat your lunch. I’d be interested in knowing how much it really costs to keep this operation running! http://bit.ly/1mtsSeQ