Search results

1 – 2 of 2
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 February 2019

Laith A. Hadidi, Ahmet Kolus and Mohammed AlKhamis

This paper aims to focus on ergonomics intervention and quality implementation at a chemical manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia that is prone to increased number of quality…

420

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on ergonomics intervention and quality implementation at a chemical manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia that is prone to increased number of quality defects and shutdowns.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the quality improvement through ergonomics (QUITE) methodology as a solution to improve the level of plants quality and reliability. The QUITE implementation relies on a great amount of human participation and constant check of quality results. The study is conducted to solve two main problems in the plant under study, namely, degradation in the products quality and unsolved frequent shutdowns in the production line

Findings

The study findings suggested to automate the inspection process through “User Alert” system to stimulate the operator attention who triggers a corrective action to avoid any possible process upset of plant shutdown. The implementation increased productivity from 280 to 310 ton; quality conformance from 91.7 to 96.80 per cent; and reduced shutdown from 1.26 days to almost zero downtime.

Originality/value

The work shed the light on the effect of ergonomics on the quality of finished products. Usually, ergonomics is related to the work environment. However, ergonomics initiatives can spearhead improvement in production quality.

Details

Facilities, vol. 37 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 24 April 2020

Ahmet Kolus, Ahmed El-Khalifa, Umar M. Al-Turki and Salih Osman Duffuaa

The integration between production scheduling and maintenance planning is attracting the attention of planners in the manufacturing sector with the increase in global…

532

Abstract

Purpose

The integration between production scheduling and maintenance planning is attracting the attention of planners in the manufacturing sector with the increase in global competitiveness. Researchers have developed various methodologies to optimize integrated decisions in planning and scheduling, including mathematical modeling under different conditions. This paper considers the simultaneous scheduling of production and maintenance activities with the objective of minimizing the expected total tardiness cost on a single machine (production line).

Design/methodology/approach

Scheduling in these two types of activities, production and maintenance, are traditionally done independently, causing conflicts between the two functional areas. To eliminate or at least reduce conflicts, the scheduling of both activities can be done simultaneously with the objective of meeting due dates and maintaining maximum machine availability. In this paper, a mathematical model for an integrated problem is developed and demonstrated by an example.

Findings

The proposed integrated model shows a high potential for significant improvements in performance with respect to the cost of tardiness in delivery and machine availability. This is demonstrated by an example showing an average savings of approximately 40%.

Originality/value

This substantial saving is owed to the integration of two important decision-making processes in manufacturing systems. Although the integrated problem is complex and difficult to solve, the fact that it is savings driven makes the problem of interest to researchers and practitioners in manufacturing.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 37 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

1 – 2 of 2
Per page
102050