Kyle Wood Scholarly Article Critique 03/21/13

H.A. Salaam, S. B. How, M. F. Faisae - Productivity improvement using industrial engineering tools

The purpose of this article is to explain how industrial engineering can effectively improve production, in particular with small medium enterprises (SME). The author thoroughly describes the different methods used by industrial engineers to try and improve quality, profit, and the overall manufacturing process; the seven QC tools, also known as Total Quality Management tools (TQM), are briefly mentioned in the beginning of the article, however, it is not until further in that their importance is brought to light. As the article progresses the author, Salaam, mentions several key factors that go into choosing a proper SME; these factors include: no prior involvement with hired expertise to improve the line, the quality of the product being produced, as well as the number of products produced with defects. These specific features found in any SME allow for the best possible results when it comes to improving the production line. After taking everything into consideration, the chosen SME was a paper box company in Kuantan, Pahang, which is located in the third largest state in Malaysia. Once the company was chosen, several preliminary visits took place before any actual changes were made. During these visits, interviews with heads of operations were held, as well as observations of the different lines of productions. Results of the preliminary visits indicated that the line that produces the 1040 mm box (approx.. 41 inches) was the right line to focus the engineers attention on, based on its high demand but also high amount of defects produced daily. After more keen observations of the 1040 mm box line, and interviews with those on the production team, it was decided that the main problem resulting in the defected boxes was the glue, more specifically the amount used, the lack of proper drying, and the form of stacking used. Several different options were tested over a few days and the results of the trials were varied but overall successful. Heating lamps, fans, and blow dryers were used to focus on the wet glue factor and a new stacking system was developed which allowed for the boxes to be exposed for a longer period of time before another box was stacked on.

Kyle Wood Scholarly Article Critique 03/21/13

The use of many different industrial engineering tools and methods proved very fruitful for the small paper box company in Kuantan,From all four options that have been proposed, it is found that the best solution is using three hair dryer which record 6.4 defects in one hour or total defects costs of RM 0.0224 (Salaam, 5). By simply taking the time to investigate and pinpoint a problem, focus industrial engineering skills towards finding solutions, and then comparing results and data, Salaam was able to demonstrate the importance of methods engineering, work measurement, data interpretation, and many other skills that are integral to the success of industrial engineers.

ARTICLE LINK: http://iopscience.iop.org/1757-899X/36/1/012006/pdf/1757899X_36_1_012006.pdf