What is a Pacemaker in Lean?

Описание: Pacemaker
 
In a process, the process steps can have different cycle times. Some processes may be quicker or slower, where stock is being completed and also if we account for any ‘waits’ during the process. There is no flow in the process at these moments. Having a Pacemaker in the process can help to stabilise this variation. The Pacemaker acts as a process or step where the start of production is determined. After this point, the process must carry on as continuous flow or as FIFO. Once the sequence has been determined, it is no longer acceptable for products to overtake each other. The speed of flow has been determined and this is called the Pacemaker.