Thai Industrial Engineering Network Journal

Challenges and Critical Success Factors in 5S System Implementation in Selected Manufacturing Companies in Thailand

Norman Alcoba, Rowena Alcoba — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

Although the five S (5S) methodology may appear to be an uncomplicated, systematic approach for workplace organization, literatures show that many organizations struggle in implementing it successfully and sustainably. The study aims to develop a better understanding of the constraints and challenges, as well as the critical factors for success from the lived experiences and perspectives of 5S implementers. A qualitative approach was utilized in which primary data were collected from research participants from different manufacturing companies in Thailand. Findings showed that human-related, and material and immaterial factors stall 5S efforts. Based on these findings, a multi-dimensional approach for developing 5S culture in the organization is recommended to control, connect and move resources and people towards action to achieve an organized workplace through 5S.

Quality Function Deployment (QFD Designing an Egg Incubator Using Quality Function Deployment Technique

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The popularity of raising native chicken breeds in Thailand is increasing. The use of egg incubators helps reduce problems arising from natural egg hatching and shortens the incubation period for hens. This contributes to increased overall productivity. However, there is no information available on whether the egg incubators available in the market are specifically designed to meet the needs of the target users in this research. To design egg incubators considering the needs of the users, this study proposes an approach utilizing Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to transform quality-related functions into engineering planning. Additionally, the House of Quality (HOQ) is used to link quality characteristic data and technical requirements. The analysis results indicate that the design direction of the egg incubator should strongly emphasize technical requirements related to usability, including: 1. Design for ease of use and easy operation control, incorporating bright lights to facilitate machine observation during operation. 2. Implement a safety system to enhance machine safety during use, including status lights to indicate abnormal operations and the ability to cut power in case of malfunctions. 3. Incorporate an automatic control system covering temperature, humidity, and egg turning. Comparing the performance with competitors, the proposed egg incubator design differs from those available in the market by incorporating an automated water refilling system, resulting in enhanced automation during operation.

Applying the Silver-Meal Method to Enhance Efficiency in Raw Materials Procurement with Joint Orders: A Case Study

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of inventory management in a case study company. The Silver-Meal method is applied to determine the appropriate order quantity and to consider the quantity of multiple items in the joint order. This method has been developed for ease of use, using Visual Basic for Applications on Microsoft Excel. Analysis was performed using data from the company's purchasing and inventory usage over a four-month period in 2022, from a total of 14 companies regularly supplying the case study company. The total cost of inventory control was compared between the case study method and the proposed method. It was found that the percentage improvement in total cost of inventory control of the proposed method compared to the case study method decreased monthly between 2,189 and 4,412 baht, averaging 3,529 baht per month. This equates to an average percentage improvement of 9.47.

Artificial Neural Network Model Development for Predicting Uniform Suspension Speed in Solid-Liquid Suspension: A Case Study Designing in Tapioca Starch Industry

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The important factors in controlling the quality of the solid-liquid mixing process in a mixing tank for solid-liquid suspension are the optimum and sufficient rotational speed that can induce a uniform suspension of solids in the liquid. To design an optimum rotational speed, one must understand the deep understanding theory of liquid mixing technology and utilize complex mathematical equations for calculation. Designers need practical experience in real-world testing to analyze and predict accurately, reducing the complexity while maintaining the practical validity of the design. The objective of this research is to develop an artificial neural network model in the form of variable relationships for screening suitable factors and predicting the rotational speed to determine uniform suspension speed in the mixing tank. The research consists of two steps: Step 1: Developing an artificial neural network to analyze 8 relevant factors and identify suitable factors for design. Step 2: Developing an artificial neural network to predict the rotational speed for achieving uniform suspension speed in the mixing tank. The research utilizes data from the actual design and operation of a solid-liquid mixing tank in the industrial sector. This involves 1440 data points for Step 1 and 630 data points for Step 2. The results showed that the developed artificial neural network model employs backpropagation learning. In Step 1, the neural network model can accurately analyze and decide on suitable factors with an R² value of 1.0 and an error of 0%. For Step 2, the neural network model can accurately predict the rotational speed with an R² value of 0.91 and MAPE of 4.47%. Therefore, utilizing the artificial neural network as a model for designing the mixing process that aims to achieve uniform suspension of solid powder in a liquid can be as effective as designs created by professionals specializing in fluid mixing system design.

Vehicle Routing by Using a Saving Algorithm: Community Drinking Water Factory

Thipsuda Kumphan, Thanyaret Sriyonyot, Arisa Boonwan, Ubolwan Chantem — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research titled vehicle routing by using a saving algorithm: a case study of community drinking water factory of Khok Chan Subdistrict, Utumpornpisai District, Sisaket Province was to compare the current vehicle routing with vehicle routing by using a saving algorithm (SA). The problems found in this factory were a lack of full vehicle capacity and the experience of staffs was the main decision to choose the transport routes. As a result, there is a lack of transportation efficiency. In this study, capacity constraints of transport vehicles had been taken into consideration. The result found that using Saving Algorithm (SA) method could reduce the distance by 14.1 kilometers (total distance from 118.7 kilometers to 104.6 kilometers) or 11.88%. As a result, fuel costs were decreased by 47.94 baht per day. This represented a fuel cost savings of 1,438.2 baht per month. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that the saving algorithm method makes this transportation more efficient.

Using RPN to Identify and Reduce Defects in Packing Machine: Case Study

Amnaht Amaluk — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to examine and control the factors affecting the overall efficiency of horizontal packaging machines. The study focuses on the KM1200 RB horizontal packaging machine and applies principles of overall machine efficiency. It involves analyzing defects and their impact and addressing identified issues to enhance the efficiency of the horizontal packaging machine. The current machine operates at 77.30% efficiency. Data analysis revealed that the main problems are blade wear on the End Cutter Sealer, broken notches that secure the sealing face, and cracked sealing faces, all stemming from the inability of the End Cutter Sealer to cut the pouches. To address these issues, two main improvements were implemented. Firstly, recommendations and knowledge sharing about blade maintenance for the End Cutter Sealer were introduced. Secondly, a self-maintenance plan was enhanced to check the blade level and provide knowledge to employees about blade maintenance. After these improvements, the efficiency of the horizontal packaging machine increased to 82.32%, indicating a 5.02% improvement in machine efficiency. This discovery provides valuable insights into enhancing the efficiency of horizontal packaging machines and highlights the effectiveness of defect analysis and impact assessment in identifying critical factors affecting machine efficiency.

Experimental Design Using the Taguchi Method for Determining the Optimal Parameters of the Cutting Process by Wire Cutting Machine

Alongkorn Chatmuangpak, Chalalai Wongwian, Suparat Kangsantia — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this research is to study the surface roughness values obtained by adjusting the parameters of a wire-edged metal cutting machine by using the Taguchi experimental design method to analyze the parameters in cutting influences roughness and the material used in the experiment was SKD 11 mold steel. The workpiece was cut using the Wire Cutting Machine method. using electronic wire Brass rod size 0.25 mm. The workpiece was cut to a thickness of 10 mm. Experiments were conducted using the Taguchi method of cross-variables according to the experimental table . For the control factors studied there were 3. Factors include voltage, 2. IP-on-time electric current (On Time), 3. Wire speed. The results of the experiment found that the discharge current There is a significant influence on the surface roughness value for the discharge voltage and feed rate. It did not affect the surface roughness in this experiment and the experimental conditions that gave the lowest surface roughness values from this study were the voltage at 50 volts, the IP current value. On Time (On Time) at 12 amperes, wire speed at 6 mm./minute, which obtained the best surface roughness value at 3.346 micrometers (μm) from the experiment in increasing the electric current. A higher charge rate will result in an increase in the formation of a small surface roughness layer.

Simulation and Analysis of a Queueing System in a Pharmacy Division: A Case Study of a Private Hospital in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province

Noppadol Chaiyakul , Panitporn Engchuan , Makusee Masae — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research studies a queuing system in a pharmacy division of a private hospital in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, to improve the efficiency of the service system. This pharmacy division is a place where there are many visitors because it has to provide both inpatient and outpatient services, including payment services for those who need to receive medicine so that the patients spend a long time waiting to receive services. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the service even further. This research applies simulation using Arena software. According to the simulation of the service system (1) inside the pharmacy room and (2) outside the pharmacy room, the results showed that increasing the number of staffs and pharmacists was able to reduce the average total amount of time and waiting time the patients spent in the system. In case of the inside the pharmacy room, the scenario 3 (adding two pharmacists at the prescription verification point during 9.00-14.00) could reduce the average total amount of time from 19.01 minutes to 10.03 minutes, counted for 47.49% reduction. Similarly, the outside the pharmacy room, the scenario 3 (adding a staff at the payment point and a pharmacist at the receiving a medicine point during 9.00-14.00) could reduce the average amount of waiting time from 12.51 minutes to 3.80 minutes, counted for 69.62% reduction.