Communities in PRCR
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Colecciones de la Albizu University
- Colecciones digitales de Atenas College
- Colecciones de los Centros Sor Isolina Ferré
- Materiales utilizados para la certificación.
Recent Submissions
Developing a Tool to Identify At-Risk Tasks and Critical Decisions Points During Product or Process Introduction
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2026) González Sánchez, Antoniella; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.
Process and product introduction are essential aspects of a company's product list. Many steps are involved in performing a successful introduction or transfer. But some steps include some tasks that can be underestimated. The issue with these tasks is that, even when they are simple tasks, they can affect the whole project. Among the potential effects are budget or timeline impacts, delays, and unnecessary expenses. The tool's use aims to improve planning and readiness and minimize issues by providing clear, organized information for decision-making, requests for additional support, and project tracking. The tool to identify high-risk tasks during process and product introduction was developed using “Excel” by using dropdowns and formulas. The task is identified, and different impacts are evaluated to determine the risk level and suggested action. A real scenario was used to test the tool once implemented. The testing results confirmed that the tool can identify high-risk tasks, assess potential impacts, and suggest actions.
Optimizing Component Preparation Area’s PTS Visualization Tools for Enhanced Manufacturing Performance
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2026) Gómez Rivera, Christian; Morales Morales, José Alberto
This Design Project presents the development and optimization of a Performance-to-Standard dashboard for monitoring manufacturing process performance. Traditional spreadsheet-based dashboards relied on manual data entry, lacked real-time integration, limiting the ability to identify process variability effectively. The proposed solution integrates data from multiple operational systems into a Power BI platform, enabling automated monitoring of key performance indicators such as Cycle Time Performance and Pass/Failed Cycles. The system enhances data visualization and supports real-time analysis of process efficiency across equipment, loads and production steps. Results demonstrate improved operational visibility, enhanced identification of variability and strong stakeholder acceptance. The implementation supports continuous improvement initiatives and establishes a scalable framework for data-driven monitoring in manufacturing environments.
Understanding Genomic Sequencing Workflows Through Data-Driven Analysis and Pilot Design
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2026) Rodríguez Rosario, Claudia A.; Pabón González, Miriam
This study developed and designed a data-driven process improvement pilot for COVID-19 genomic sequencing at the Research Institute of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, based on workflow mapping and analysis. The workflow includes key stages such as RNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis, where variability can propagate across interconnected processes and impact overall performance. A data-driven case study approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate operational performance over a three-month period. Key metrics analyzed included first-pass yield, rework rates, and turnaround time, providing visibility into workflow inefficiencies and performance gaps. Based on this analysis, the study develops a structured framework to identify sources of variability and proposes a data-driven pilot design to evaluate potential process improvements in a controlled environment. This work bridges the gap between process analysis and implementation planning in laboratory environments.
Implementation of a Visual Scheduling and Booking System for a Shared Recipe Development Unit Using Lean Methodology
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2026) Rivera Mercado, Keyshla M.; Morales Morales, José Alberto
This project focuses on improving the management of shared laboratory resources in Lab 1701 of a biopharmaceutical manufacturing site through the implementation of a visual scheduling and booking system. The objective was to increase visibility, reduce administrative burden, and improve coordination for the use of the Recipe Development Unit and sample management activities. Lean methodology was applied, including Voice of the Customer analysis and Value Stream Mapping, to evaluate the current state and design a future-state process supported by visual management and standardized work. A Smartsheet-based booking dashboard was developed and piloted with 40 laboratory users. Survey results demonstrated improved user satisfaction. Administrative processing time was reduced by approximately 60%. Statistical validation showed that, at a significance level of α = 0.05, the observed reduction was not significant due to limited sample size and high process variability, indicating the need for additional data collection to confirm long-term process improvement.
Optimización del Proceso Analítico en el Laboratorio Ambiental X para el Equipo Mufla: Reducción de Tiempo y Controles de Seguridad
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2026) Díaz Torres, Lariann M.; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.
El laboratorio ambiental X enfrenta retrasos en los resultados analíticos de los procedimientos que requieren la prueba de combustión, ya que la mufla opera fuera del horario laboral. Además, existe el riesgo de exposiciones a gases nocivos como CO entre otros, al personal, debido a que son liberados en un sistema de ventilación cerrado. Para solucionar este evento, se desarrolló el proyecto con el objetivo de implementar un sistema de extracción eficiente que transfiera los gases liberados al exterior del laboratorio. El método DMADV se aplicó para seleccionar un extractor apropiado. La implementación de un ventilador dedicado a la mufla que extrae los gases de combustión durante las horas laborables acorta los periodos laborales y restablece la salud del personal. También, cumple con las regulaciones estatales y federales. Valorando tres cotizaciones, se sugirió el Hood Sentry Air System por su eficiencia en calidad, capacidad, costo y seguridad laboral.