An Asset Tracking System for Manufacturing Laboratory Applications
Author: Kiany Lee Vargas Bonilla
Advisor: José A. Morales
Master in Manufacturing Competitiveness
Abstract Background Con’t Results and Discussion Conclusions Con’t
The researcher proposes the implementation of a tool that would
Globalization and technological advances had made industries to After completing each stage presented the methodology section, Within the contributions provided by the research and project are
help into monitoring and communicating laboratory equipment
implement systems in which the outcome could be reflected in the reduction of equipment problems, testing delays and the following:
information from and to team members. In a globalized world, malfunction prior to maintenance were reduced and/or eliminated.
their competitiveness. Most of the industries incorporates
These was achieved by implementing the Equipment Tracking • Reduce the cycle time of testing per month.where communication and technology are interconnected, it is
laboratories within their structure to serve as research, developers, System, specifically for laboratories in the manufacturing • Create awareness of equipment functionality, maintenance, and
important to use resources considering use complexity and most
design, non-compliance testing and analysis; along with all the industries, in which an organize, remote, and communicative changes.
importantly the alignment with the desirable outcomes. Selecting a
work required to perform successful testing and analysis, comes platform was used. The platform was used to share information • Promote a culture focused on teamwork.
proper tool for the laboratory asset tracking system required about assets within all team members, to visualize, track and
the proper use, maintenance, and record of laboratory equipment
various research so the objectives of this proposal could be met. create awareness of equipment malfunction, calibration, and
• Facilitate calibration information to use action plan when
or assets. This research intents to improve laboratory efficiency by maintenance and most important to improve peer communication equipment cannot be in use.
The expected outcomes of the proposal are determined by the
reducing and eliminating problems/situations caused by the to commit the reduction of testing delays due to situations with the • Reduce testing failure.
objectives proposed and how they were met by implementing a
improper record of laboratory assets and lack of team equipment. The management application selected was “ProofHub” • Create accountability for team members (lab technicians).
laboratory equipment system. which allowed multiple activities needed to perform a functional
communication. This was achieved using a software called
and reliable system. Along with the presented results, statistical • Track the years of service left for each asset.
“ProofHub”. ProofHub is a useful management tool that provides analysis was performed to determine if testing cycle time could be • Enhance commitment in the workplace.
powerful features offered under one platform. A statistical analysis Problem reduced due to the system implementation (Refer to Figure 2). It
was performed using Minitab Software to prove that the testing was successfully proved that the objectives of the project were
accomplished. With the Hypothesis Test results, it was concluded
cycle time was reduced with the system implementation; The overall goal of these research was to reduce and eliminate Future Work
that for t-test, with a resulting p-value of p=0.001; since the p-
additional outcomes were also achieved such as improved problems that arise for lacking on an equipment monitoring value resulted lower than the alpha level of 0.05, the null
communication, effectiveness, and productivity. system between team members of an organization. With “The hypothesis is rejected. The alternate hypothesis is accepted, which For future research, an upgrade version could be obtained with
Implementation of an Asset Tracking System for Manufacturing establishes that the testing cycle time is less than 20 hours per day more research and data for an even better outcome. Additionally,
with 95% confidence level (Refer to Figure 3). It is important to
Introduction inter-lab and/or intra-lab comparisons could be useful to collectLaboratory Applications” researcher expect to improve laboratory understand that the less testing cycle time, the more quickly a comparative data in which the impact of having or not an
equipment monitoring to promote efficiency. At the same time, team can complete the test for one item. Equipment Tracking System could be observed and analyzed. The
In the manufacturing industry, it is important to measure enhancing team communication related to equipment tracking and Figure 2. comparison will lead to improvement areas and to more
Asset Management System Active Platform View.
components precisely to ensure product/service quality [1]. Most monitoring. The solutions of problems with the implementation laboratories adapting this powerful tool. Each organization has
their own needs and could adapt the systems performing some
of the time, laboratories consist in a significant quantity of are:
modifications that would be useful for the type of industry and
equipment which requires constant attention of functionality and • Testing cycle time reduction – Promoted communication and work done in each laboratory scenario.
performance. An additional task to all laboratory personnel is to knowledge between laboratory team members and reduce
keep up equipment information and to share it with all the team delayed testing.
members. The intent of this investigation is to develop a tool that • Equipment Failure Reduction – Achieved due to on-time
Acknowledgements
helps keep track of lab equipment assets; and relate it to how does calibration and equipment maintenance.
a tracking stage reduces equipment problems, testing delays and • Test Failure Reduction – Improved team communication,
malfunction prior to maintenance stage. This investigation failure could be avoided with known maintenance dates, I would like to extend my gratitude to my advisor Dr. José A.
proposes to reduce and eliminate the problems and/or situations requirements and years of asset left.
Morales. Specifically for his persistent help, recommendations,
Figure 3. and motivation for the completion of this research and proposal.
that arise with the lack of team communication and traceability of Statistical Analysis Results using Minitab Software. Additionally, I would like to thank my family for collaborating by
laboratory equipment. When time, productivity, conformance, and Methodology reviewing the work performed.
earnings are at stake, assessments and action plans must be
prepared and planted like the intention of this proposal. The design and implementation of the equipment tracking system
is the basis to accomplish the established project objectives. These
will be categorized into three project stages following the flow
chart presented in Figure 1. The stages represent the structure and Conclusions References
design of the equipment tracking system and how it would be
Background implemented (Refer to Table 1).
Team Member Asset Designation
Industrial research has grown throughout the years, and the [1] A. Kumar, “How Equipment Calibration Contributes to
Figure 1 • Microscope importance of it relays from selecting the best materials to Quality Management,” Qualityze., Nov. 4, 2020
Methodology Flow Chart. - Z00 Lens
Any industry will benefit from implementing a laboratory asset Team Member 1 - Z20 Lens determine and discover all the hidden factors that determine [Online]. Available:https://www.qualityze.com/equipment-- Z100 Lens
tracking system which could be tracked and monitored by each material behaviors [2]. Manufacturing industries would be calibration- contributes-to-quality-management/
• Analytical Balance
Team Member 2 - Weight Set 1 impacted and benefit with an implementation of the Equipment [Accessed: Sept. 14, 2022].team member of the specific organization. From researcher - Weight Set 2
Tracking System. Research results has provided a more complete [2] H. Kerzner, “Understanding Participant Roles,” Project
experience, have witnessed how and why the situations presented • Mechanical Properties TesterTeam Member 3 - Weight Set
- Load Cells understanding on how the effect of the tracking system will reduce Management: A Systems Approach to Planning,
in the problem statement occurred; all is due to deficiencies in
Table 1 cycle-time, improve communication, and promote continuous Scheduling, and Controlling, 8
th ed., John Wiley & Sons,
equipment monitoring and in team communication. Asset Distribution Example. improvement. Inc., Hoboken, 2003, 386-387.