What is Single-minute exchange of die?

Single-minute Digit exchange of die is one of the many lean production methods for reducing waste in a manufacturing process. It provides a rapid and efficient way of converting a manufacturing process from running the current product to running the next product. This rapid changeover is key to reducing production lot sizes and thereby reducing uneven flow , production loss and output variability.

The phrase "single minute" does not mean that all changeovers and startups should take only one minute, but that they should take less than 10 minutes. Closely associated is a yet more difficult concept, One-Touch Exchange of Die, , which says changeovers can and should take less than 100 seconds. A die is a tool used in manufacturing. However SMED's utility is not limited to manufacturing.