Maintenance technology tools to improve plant availability for dairy industry : case study

This research study investigates some industrial maintenance, and respective technologies that can be employed at a dairy products processing plant. Qualitative as well as quantitative techniques are considered. Plant availability has been identified as a major contributor in benchmarking areas at the company to avoid possible huge costs associated with loss of production and efficiency resulting from poor utilization of resources. The use of tools that aid maintenance is emphasized in particular to identify critical plant equipment that requires greater attention

Use of six-sigma concept in discrete manufacturing industry

Efficiency in manufacturing is critical in raising the value of exports so as to gainfully trade on the regional and international markets. There seems to be increasing popularity of continuous improvement strategies availed to manufacturing entities, but this research study established that there has not been a similar popularity accorded to the Six Sigma methodology. Thus this work was conducted to investigate the applicability, effectiveness, usefulness, application and suitability of the Six Sigma methodology as a competitiveness option for discrete manufacturing entity. Development of Six-sigma center in the country with continuous improvement information would go a long way in benefiting the entire industry

Investigation of waste management practices and cleaner production application in a tannery : case study

This research study investigated ways of rationalizing chemical water and energy consumption usage and reducing waste discharge in a tannery. The work was motivated by the need to achieve sustainable development through the use of best practices to achieve compliance with environmental regulations through the application of Cleaner Production initiatives. The processes involved stripping of over 70% of animal skin wet mass, to retain a refined product. It is this non-useable material which is contaminated with process chemicals that is a cause for environmental concern. Effort was made to explore areas that consumed the most resources, and had the most emissions, with a view to recover, reuse and recycle or substitute waste material generated in the tannery

Implementing successful total productive maintenance (TPM) in a manufacturing plant

This study examines the impact of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation on an organization in terms of productivity and quality levels. The human resource aspect was investigated to assess motivation of operators through training to reduce set up times, change over stoppages, defects rate and resource wastage on the shop floor. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation case study was evaluated in addressing these short comings in a confectionary manufacturing plant

Application of JIT as a TQM Tool: The Case of an Aluminium Foundary Manufacturing

Abstract: This research work investigates the use of Just in time (JIT) as a TQM tool for the aluminium foundary industry. It explores the adaptation of the manufacturing approach to metal foundry, where raw materials are imported in a highly unstable economy. JIT is applied to improve cost effectiveness of operations, quality and to achieve world class benchmarks on all facets of the engineering entity as competitiveness in product delivery is getting to be mandatory for business survival

Aggregate production planning framework in a multi-product factory

The study investigates the best model of aggregate planning activity in a manufacturing operation. Trial and error method spread sheets were used to solve aggregate production planning problems. Linear programming model was introduced to optimize the aggregate production planning decisions. Case study application of the models in a furniture production firm was evaluated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the models

Enhancing cleaner production practices in downstream petroleum lubricants industry

This work highlights Cleaner Production (CP) opportunities available in Downstream Petroleum Lubricants Industry with view to reduce negative environmental impacts of lubricants throughout the value chain. Effort was made to investigate existing cleaner production practices by manufacturers and users. Options were generated to improve on the current practices. Base oil substitution, minimizing oil losses during and after manufacturing, raw material and energy consumption reduction, and environmentally friendly used oil disposal were considered for effectiveness

Energy management options in a fertilizer manufacturing plant

This study highlights energy savings that could be realized in a fertilizer plant through application of various energy management options to reduce energy expenditure through efficient use of available energy resources. Energy audits were done as reference point for monitoring progress of measures put in place. It also revealed many opportunities for savings in coal usage, steam utilization and correction of electrical power factor. At the same time preserving the environment, by reducing emission of greenhouse gases which pollute the atmosphere

Cleaner production to optimize resource consumption and reduce effluent waste in a beverage plant

Abstract: The study investigated the Cleaner Production (CP) concept in reducing waste generation, operating costs as well as resource consumption in a beverage manufacturing plant. CP assessments were done on respective key processes in the plant to optimize input resource and minimize waste at source. A number of implementable options were recommended for them to be effected in the beverage plant to improve on the cost effectiveness of the plan, and for environmental friendly complying operations

Application of total quality management (TQM) and statistical process control (SPC) in improving business competitiveness for manufacturing organizations

The success of TQM and SPC as a boost to business competitiveness has had its own share of controversies. Many organizations all over the world have embarked on the TQM journey, with their process under statistical control, to achieve increased competitiveness, some recorded success while others regretted ever embarking on such a journey. The purpose of this research study is to determine if the myth of TQM and SPC in enhancing business competitiveness is true for Zimbabwean manufacturing organizations