Which one of the following techniques is most commonly associated with reducing set-up time?

The technique that is most commonly associated with reducing set-up time is changeover reduction. This focuses specifically on minimizing the time it takes to switch from one production run to another. By analyzing and optimizing the changeover process, organizations can significantly enhance their efficiency and productivity, which is crucial in environments where operational flexibility is necessary to meet varying customer demands.

Changeover reduction often involves using methodologies such as Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), which provides a structured approach to shortening set-up times. This is particularly important in manufacturing settings where longer set-up times can result in increased downtime and reduced overall throughput.

While the other techniques mentioned can lead to improvements in various areas, they do not focus as directly on set-up time reduction. Kaizen emphasizes continuous improvement in processes, Six Sigma aims to reduce defects and improve quality, and value stream mapping is a tool for visualizing and improving the flow of materials and information. However, none of these are as specifically tailored to the challenge of set-up time reduction as changeover reduction.