The on-time delivery rate in a metalworking company is a key indicator because it reflects operational efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction in an environment that requires strict adherence to manufacturing deadlines. In this type of company, delayed orders generate cost overruns, contractual penalties, and a gradual loss of competitiveness. The objective of this research was to increase the on-time delivery rate through the DMAIC methodology, implementing two industrial engineering tools: work standardization and the 5S methodology. To achieve this, an applied improvement design was developed, incorporating a computer simulation using Arena software and a controlled pilot test. The results showed that the on-time delivery rate increased from 36.7% to 73.3%, closing 62.8% of the technical gap relative to the sector. This improvement generated key benefits, such as reduced cycle time and rework, lower operating costs, better work organization, and enhanced process sustainability. The contribution of this research lies in providing a low-cost and highly applicable improvement model for small companies in the sector. Future research may replicate the model in other areas of the production process, assess the consolidation of the results, and further analyze the interaction among standardization, workplace organization, and operational performance in metalworking workshops with similar characteristics.

Keywords

On-time delivery, DMAIC methodology, Work standardization, 5s methodology, metalworking.