Manufacturing Competitiveness
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12475/52
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Item Optimizing Product Integrity: Implementing a Strategic Approach to Quality Control in Frozen Food Manufacturing(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Garcés Ortega, Jesús G.This research investigates the optimization of a manual artisanal production line for turnovers, focusing on key quality parameters such as dough weight, filling weight, sealing efficiency, and braiding consistency. Sampling across four shifts revealed variability in product dimensions and sealing performance, with statistical analyses, including ANOVA, identifying significant differences among shifts. Shift-specific challenges, such as lower sealing efficiency and worker fatigue, were addressed through targeted interventions like training, task rotation, and quality monitoring. Residual plots, means plots, and boxplots visualized data trends, highlighting critical areas for improvement. Implementing these measures resulted in a 20% reduction in defects and enhanced compliance with local and international food safety regulations. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of systematic quality control in manual production, offering a scalable framework for artisanal frozen food processes. Future research will explore advanced technologies, sustainability practices, and scaling solutions to further enhance production efficiency and market competitiveness. Keywords - Artisanal Production, Quality Control, Quality Parameter, Sealing Efficiency.Item Traditional to Agile Program Management Transition Challenges(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Rodríguez Alicea, NoralizThis research project explores the challenges organizations face when transitioning from traditional project management to Agile Program Management (APM). It aims to identify common challenges, provide insights for successful adoption, and compare risk management approaches between Agile and traditional methodologies, ultimately contributing to the improvement of project management practices and organizational effectiveness. Keywords - Agile Program Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Traditional Project Management, Transition Challenges.Item Discontinuation of LpH and Vesphene Sanitization Agents and Implementation of Vesta Syde SQ 128 RTU Disinfectant Agent(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Torres López, Rafael AndrésDisinfectants play a critical role in our daily lives and are particularly crucial in pharmaceutical industries due to the importance of maintaining high cleanliness levels and preventing the spread of contaminants. These substances or solutions are designed to kill or inactivate microorganisms on surfaces or in the environment. They are used in various settings such as homes, hospitals, schools, public spaces, and industries to maintain a safe and healthy environment. STERIS communicated in 2022 that LpH and Vesphene phenolic disinfectants will be discontinued in July 2023. Many sites across the Merck network are impacted; this is a Global situation: LpH and Vesphene are the LPO-qualified disinfectant agents for walls and ceilings; A new disinfectant must be qualified for sanitizing at LPO. Keywords - Disinfectant, LPO, Merck, Sanitize.Item Reduction of the Excessive Use of RODAC and STA Plates in Pharmaceutical Industries(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Arroyo Garcia, Stephanie Marie; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.This project aims to solve the problem of the pharmaceutical companies' excessive use of RODAC and STA plates, which increases waste production and negatively affects the environment. The study uses a thorough methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative research to find the causes of these plates' excessive use and suggests waste reduction techniques. The technique consists of data gathering to estimate plate usage and related expenses, interviews to understand the current usage, and a literature review to investigate current practices. The results will be used to modify and intervene in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes to minimize plate usage and increase efficiency and sustainability. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly methods in the pharmaceutical sector, which will enhance resource management and lessen environmental impact. Key Terms - Continuous Improvement, Process Optimization, Sustainability, Waste Reduction.Item Effective Management Models of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Rivera Encarnación, Liz Y.; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.Through thoroughly examining the literature, this research investigates the potential and problems of managing the pharmaceutical supply chain. By examining current studies, the paper explores how cutting-edge technology, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, might improve inventory management procedures. The results show how crucial it is to embrace technology, work together, and strategically prepare to overcome inventory management obstacles. Blockchain technology is promising for improving transparency and trust; it also highlights revolutionary forecasting techniques and supply chain agility. Furthermore, recent studies underscore the necessity of collaboration and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency. In the end, a comprehensive strategy is put out, focusing on the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and stakeholder cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical supply chain and guarantee prompt access to life-saving drugs. Key Terms - Blockchain Technologies, Development Models, Inventory Management, Pharmaceutical Industry.Item Improving Product Changeover in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Through Lean Six Sigma(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Barreto Feliciano, Kelly M.; Morales Morales, José A.Pharmaceutical bulk manufacturing is essential for producing important lifesaving drugs, but often faces significant challenges during changeovers that can lead to production delays and increased costs for the company. This study focuses on applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline complex changeover processes within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. With tools such as fishbone diagrams and Pareto analysis, root causes were identified, and solutions were implemented to reduce changeover delays. An Andon board was implemented which reduced operator response times to alarms by 39%, helping to mitigate delays caused by equipment malfunctions. Standardized flowcharts provided consistency which helps in reducing human error and confusion during the process. The 5S initiative reduced wasted time and unnecessary movement during changeovers. The successful application of these methodologies in this study highlights the potential for Lean Six Sigma to drive significant operational improvements in highly regulated environments like pharmaceutical manufacturing. Key Terms - Changeover, Continuous Improvement, DMAIC, Lean Six Sigma, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.Item Challenges and Effectiveness of Lean Management Implementation in the Manufacturing Sector(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Mestey Rivera, Keisha; Nieves Castro, RafaelThe aim of Lean practices is to improve the performance of processes by taking away wastage. However, adoption may differ due to management involvement, type of tools, and organizational culture. Consequently, this research employs a case study and literature review in combination. The outcome of the literature review suggests that tools such as JIT, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and 5S give great benefits to the organization, but there are hindrances in culture and resources. Quantitative case studies indicate that the adoption of Lean will yield notable improvements in productivity by 15%, Quality by 20%, a reduction in lead-time by 25%, and cost savings by 10%. However, Lean is not implemented in a vacuum, and other factors, such as the commitment to sustain the drive towards continuous improvement or the strategic fit, impact factors like change management. It is recommended in this research that Lean should be implemented strategically within the organization and makes deems appropriate further studies for Lean integration within automation and artificial intelligence technology and investigation of Lean approach’s viability in the future by longitudinal approach research. Key Terms - Continuous Improvement, Lean Management, Organizational Culture, Toyota Production System.Item Navigating Training Needs: A Study of Medical Devices Industry Laboratories(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Rivera Jaime, Yaira N.; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.Imparting effective training for laboratory personnel in the medical device industry is crucial for ensuring operational excellence and reducing quality-related incidents. This article, therefore, explores the relationship between the adequacy of training for laboratory personnel and the frequency of quality-related incidents affecting operational excellence. The goal is to identify gaps in existing training programs and propose solutions to enhance them. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews to assess current training practices. The results indicate that, although training is generally perceived as effective, recurring incidents-such as documentation errors and testing inaccuracies reveal gaps in the depth of the training. This research highlights the need for tailored training solutions that address technical and soft skills, fostering continuous improvement and minimizing costly quality-related errors. Future work will focus on refining training programs and assessing their effectiveness in reducing incidents and improving overall operational performance. Key Terms - ISO 17025, Laboratory Personnel, Medical Device Industry Quality Assurance, Training Program.Item Optimizing the Engineering Configuration Control Board Process(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2024) Rosado Cardona, Angeliz; Morales Morales, José A.This article provides a detailed review and improvement of a missiles and defense company’s Engineering Configuration Control Board (CCB) process. This project was intended to study and explore the main bottlenecks in the CN processing system that slow down engineering processes and may affect contractual delivery dates. Utilizing a business process improvement approach that encompasses process mapping, identification of stakeholders, data gathering, analysis, and the application of corrective actions, the project successfully achieved efficiency enhancements. The derived outcomes include a 39% reduction in check review time, a 67% reduction in CC time, a 37% reduction in Concept Screening Board time, and a 43% reduction in the average time spent on the CCB cycle. Key Terms - change notice, change request, configuration control board, process optimization.