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Lean logistics is an application of lean manufacturing principles. The core of lean logistics is to eliminate all non-value-added activities (waste) within productions, movements and storages. It reduces lead time, cuts cost, and improves quality. In order to be competitive, enterprises in western countries widely use lean manufacturing and logistics principles in automotive industries, especially for engine manufacturing system due to its high contents of assembly work. However, in China, lean logistics and its applications are fairly new to many companies. This article analyzes the current status of lean logistics in engine manufacturing in China, summarizes lean logistics principles, put forwards application of lean logistics principles based on a real case study of a new manufacturing system planning.

In order to meet the requirement of Flexible Manufacturing System, tool management, including tool preparation and tool setting, has to be planned systematically at the beginning of manufacturing engineering planning and flexible manufacturing line planning based on lean manufacturing principles. The objective of this article is to study the tool management factors that lean and flexible manufacturing system required, based on the planning of tool management in a new engine factory. This article introduces the main contents of tool management systems, analyzes the process of tool management, and summarizes the steps of tool planning process. In details, this article includes planning on tool management procedures, plant floor layout and information system. In addition, the article puts forwards a formula for calculation of tool presetting time, so that the demand of tool equipment quantity and personnel in a tool presetting room can be decided.