商务英语 Level 6 Unit 1 Part 3 Vocabulary【Manufacturing Terms】

Vocabulary【Manufacturing Terms】

cycle time
In manufacturing, cycle time is the time period when an operation begins to when it ends.
Manufacturers try to make operations more efficient to cut cycle time.
If an operation started on Monday and finished on Wednesday, its cycle time was two days.

error-proofing
Error-proofing involves taking measures to prevent defects in a process.
During error-proofing, possible errors that an operation can generate are identified.
An example of error-proofing is a machine shutting down automatically if it malfunctions.

proof: 检验，证实
defects: 缺陷
malfunction: 发生故障

Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a method that is used to improve the quality of a business's products or services.
It commonly follows a five-step methodology: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control.
Manufacturers use Six Sigma to identify and remove production defects.
If a product has a defect, the root cause will need to be identified and a solution implemented.
Afterwards, the solution will be monitored to see if the problem was fixed.

cell
A cell is a grouping of people, supplies, and machines used to manufacture products.
Cells improve efficiency and prevent overproduction in a manufacturing process.
Because a cell is closely grouped, defects can be identified and fixed faster.

Radio Frequency Identification
Radio frequency identification, or RFID, uses radio waves to read and receive information.
RFID technology can check components from suppliers, improving shipping accuracy before manufacturing.
It identifies the misplaced items in real-time, which reduces the impact of human error in production.
It can be used to synchronize production flow so that production lines can run smoothly.

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Question

1. The manager was dissatisfied becuase the operation's cycle time took two days longer than expected.
2. Defects cause materials to be wasted, but through error-proofing we can prevent that from happening in the first place.
3. The RFID system identified that there were 20 bags of sugar missing from the shipment.
4. In a cell, people, supplies, and machines are arranged in close proximity.
5. Product information is automatically entered into the system, eliminating the possibility of human error.

proximity: 接近