Improving efficiency on surgical device’s manufacturing process

Abstract

A global medical device company is suffering a significant efficiency decrease in one of their most important manufacturing processes. The purpose of this project was to improve this line efficiency by a minimum of 10%. The implementation of the following actions was completed: cross training between different shifts to discuss critical manual tasks, creation of Autonomous Maintenance Checklists for Welder and Insulation Tester equipment, re-schedule of quality technicians breaks to avoid downtime related to quality, vacuums implementation, and meetings with supplier to discuss major offender defects and rewards program. The line efficiency increased from 74% in February 2022 to 87% in May 2022. Therefore, the combination of all actions provided an increase of 13% of efficiency to this process. Key Terms ⎯ Downtime, Efficiency, Preventive Maintenance, Quality.