Project Details
Description
The proposed research project aims to optimize the efficiency and productivity of a Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC) dedicated to processing agricultural products, specifically cocoa nibs, corn kernels, and orange juice. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on three key areas: defining a production sequence in the FMC, designing a system to measure Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and evaluating the impact of improvements on the OEE.
The first specific objective is to define an efficient production sequence in the FMC. This involves developing and validating an optimal workflow that encompasses all stages of the process: production, packaging, and storage. The goal is to configure and program the devices within the FMC, such as robots, conveyors, and control systems, ensuring full integration and synchronization of the equipment. Additionally, a detailed production schedule will be designed, taking into account demand and the cell's capacity, ensuring that agricultural products are processed efficiently.
The second specific objective is to design a robust system to measure Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) within the FMC context. Key variables will be identified and selected that reflect availability, performance, and quality in production. To facilitate data collection, forms or recording systems will be developed to capture critical information such as operation times, downtime, production rates, and product quality. An analysis of historical data will identify performance patterns and areas with improvement potential, laying the foundation for optimizing FMC operations.
Finally, the third specific objective focuses on evaluating the impact of improvements implemented in OEE. Through a root cause analysis, critical factors affecting OEE in agricultural product production will be identified. With this information, improvement proposals will be developed using the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), focusing on reducing downtime, optimizing equipment performance, and improving product quality. Continuous monitoring of results will evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements, ensuring a constant and sustainable improvement cycle within the FMC.
This project not only seeks to increase operational efficiency but also aims to provide a replicable optimization model for other flexible manufacturing cells dedicated to processing agricultural products.
The first specific objective is to define an efficient production sequence in the FMC. This involves developing and validating an optimal workflow that encompasses all stages of the process: production, packaging, and storage. The goal is to configure and program the devices within the FMC, such as robots, conveyors, and control systems, ensuring full integration and synchronization of the equipment. Additionally, a detailed production schedule will be designed, taking into account demand and the cell's capacity, ensuring that agricultural products are processed efficiently.
The second specific objective is to design a robust system to measure Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) within the FMC context. Key variables will be identified and selected that reflect availability, performance, and quality in production. To facilitate data collection, forms or recording systems will be developed to capture critical information such as operation times, downtime, production rates, and product quality. An analysis of historical data will identify performance patterns and areas with improvement potential, laying the foundation for optimizing FMC operations.
Finally, the third specific objective focuses on evaluating the impact of improvements implemented in OEE. Through a root cause analysis, critical factors affecting OEE in agricultural product production will be identified. With this information, improvement proposals will be developed using the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), focusing on reducing downtime, optimizing equipment performance, and improving product quality. Continuous monitoring of results will evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements, ensuring a constant and sustainable improvement cycle within the FMC.
This project not only seeks to increase operational efficiency but also aims to provide a replicable optimization model for other flexible manufacturing cells dedicated to processing agricultural products.
General Objective
Investigar los factores clave que afectan la Eficiencia General de Equipos (OEE) en una Celda de Manufactura Flexible (CMF) en la elaboración de productos agrícola
Research Lines
1. Gestión de Operaciones y Sostenibilidad.
2. Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación.
3. Estadística Aplicada y Gestión de la Calidad.
2. Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación.
3. Estadística Aplicada y Gestión de la Calidad.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/01/25 → 31/12/26 |
Collaborative partners
- Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (lead)
- Unviersidad de Extremadura
- Universidad UNIMINUTO
Keywords
- OEE
- flexible manufacturing cell
- automation
- process improvement
- productivity
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