Group technology is a philosophy used in manufacturing that groups similar parts together as a part or product family.  There are two major tasks in implementing group technology:

1. Identify Part/Product Families.
2. Arrange or Rearrange Machines and Layouts into Cells.

  Design for six sigma is a method or approach used in designing products and processes which attempts to create and provide products and processes that adhere or comply with six sigma quality or approximately 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

  Visual management is a way to visually communicate and manage various standards, metrics, improvements, safety requirements and expectations. All forms of visual management should be clearly displayed and understood with no explanation other than visual analysis by everyone. 

  Active Inventory is inventory that is to be used or sold within a defined period.  Such as a specific accounting year. 

  The 5S system is a visual workplace management system that promotes safety, efficiency and teamwork while making abnormalities visible. 

  A dedicated line is one that is configured to run, produce or supply either information or parts one piece at a time.  This allows production to move from station to station at a more rapid pace and ultimately improves quality, efficiency and eliminates waste.  Dedicated lines should be established only after analysis as they often times require larger investments.