Waterspider

Introduction: Waterspider

The Waterspider (Japanese: Mizusumashi, also known as Waterstrider) is a key role in Lean production systems, responsible for maintaining smooth workflow and supporting operators on the shop floor. By managing materials, equipment, and support tasks, the waterspider ensures that operators can focus entirely on value-adding activities.

Background

The concept of the waterspider originates from the Toyota Production System (TPS). The Japanese word Mizusumashi literally translates to “water strider,” an insect that moves swiftly and efficiently across the surface of a pond. This image symbolises the waterspider’s role in Lean: constantly moving across the production floor to supply materials and resources exactly when and where they are needed. Whether called waterspider or waterstrider, the role serves as a vital link that sustains flow and balance within Just-In-Time (JIT) operations.

Key Elements/Features

• Material Supply: Ensures a steady flow of parts and components to workstations, preventing shortages or interruptions.
• Changeover Support: Assists in machine or line changeovers to minimise downtime.
• Tools and Equipment: Provides and maintains the tools operators need to stay productive.
• Maintaining Flow: Monitors processes and proactively removes obstacles to keep production smooth.
• Coordination Role: Acts as a bridge between production, logistics, and maintenance teams to maintain overall process stability.

Applications/Examples

• Manufacturing: Delivering materials just in time to assembly lines to sustain continuous production flow.
• Healthcare: Ensuring nurses and doctors have the right tools and equipment available at all times.
• Warehousing: Providing order pickers with ready-to-use materials and packaging supplies to improve throughput.

Relevance/Impact

The waterspider role enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and strengthens collaboration. By allowing operators to focus solely on value-adding tasks, it:

• Improves efficiency and resource utilisation.
• Reduces waste, including waiting, motion, and excess inventory.
• Enhances communication and workflow coordination.
• Supports flexibility in dynamic environments.
• Improves quality and shortens lead times through proactive support.

See also

• RRS (Runner, Repeater, Stranger)
• Pitch
• Pacemaker
• Takt Time