Track: Case Studies

Abstract

A time study project is conducted to analyze the effects of a canning factory's production floor designs. Several factors are considered in this study, including production times, safety, and financial aspects. Four team members observed the process of conducting the time study using the "Stopwatch Method" and the "Real-Time Camera." Both methods were used independently to ensure higher accuracy. The original floor plan was used to calculate the production times while considering the losses from machine downtime. Then, the times are compared to a newly designed floor plan. With the stopwatch, the team collected data times implemented into the mathematical equations to determine digital evidence without peripheral distractions. After the mathematic calculations were completed, the team moved to the video of the entire process during an actual production time during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts. The video showed the amount of time wasted when employees and maintenance. It is also seen several risks of losing workers due to forklift traffic. The team brainstormed a new floor plan to be implemented. After calculating and comparing the two floorplans, the new floor plan indicated that rerouting the walkway allowed for less downtime, a shorter distance between work areas, and a higher level of safety and production. The new design would enable machine operators to move faster between locations and reduce the number of cans lost.