Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) or QCO (Quick Change Over) is a process designed to reduce the setup time of a production machine or line. The aim is to reduce inventory by changing the machine over to a new production process without disrupting the production flow or to increase the flexibility of machines, equipment and processes using a proven method. Here video analysis, time analysis, work standards are used In several iterative steps the setup time is improved first by organizational and later by technical measures. To minimize costs, it is important that the steps are run through in the specified sequence. The sequence is carried out in 4(5) steps:Separation of internal and external setup processes (organization)Transfer of internal to external setup processesOptimization and standardization of internal and external setup processesElimination of adjustment processes(parallelization of setup processes)Various techniques are used for optimization, for example: Preparation of production changeoverUse of clamps instead of screwsSliding tables instead of cranesSeparate preheatingIntermediate clamping devices for adjustment outside the machineParallelization of setup operations ? simultaneously instead of one after the other ? i.e. instead of one, use several employees (often also considered as a fifth step)Elimination of adjustmentsMechanization Standardization of setup activitiesStandardization of tool dimensionsLiterature: wikipedia.de