The sixth Lean in Europe visit took place on the 16 & 17 April 2015 at EPCOS OHG in Deutschlandsberg, Austria.

EPCOS OHG is part of the TDK Group Company, a leading electronics company based in Japan, and is the competence centre for ceramic components of the Piezo and Protection Devices Business Group.

After a preparatory lecture by Prof. Richard Keegan of Enterprise Ireland, the 20 participants from 11 EU Member-States were given a tour of EPCOS’s manufacturing facilities. The tour was focusing on “Working Key Indicators on the Shop Floor” and especially process chain "EPC 4/Piezo". EPCOS’s representatives explained how they had introduced Lean and best practices principles into their company and manufacturing processes.

Agenda:

08:00 Meet in the hotel lobby, departure by coach to EPCOS OHG

09:00 - Welcome – Presentation about EPCOS, TDK, products, etc.

10:30 Coffee Break

10:45 Presentation of the process chain "EPC 4/Piezo" Presentation of the system "EPC 4/Piezo" (Software Gamed, SPC, monitoring of degree of utilisation, processing time, productivity, visualisation)

12:00 Lunch and Networking

13:00 Plant tour - especially process chain EPC 4

Focus on mentioned topics: Software Gamed, SPC, monitoring of degree of utilisation, processing time, productivity, visualisation)

15:00 Q&A / de-briefing

15:30 Group photo and airport transfers to Graz Airport