Six Sigma Approach for Material Handling System for a Tobacco Threshing Plant

Abstract

Abstract The prevailing global market which is competitive and fierce demands superior quality and high flexibility of production with shorter lead times. In order to stay competitive in the market, companies need to attain both customer satisfaction and cost reductions in production operations. Material Handling Systems (MHS) is the place to accomplish this goal, since they have direct impact on production. Material handling and its storage are features of all the companies although they are unexplored areas. Significant contribution made in the material handling area will go a long way in reducing the cost of production and improving profitability and rate of return. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyze how an in house MHS that could be efficient for the production it serves. With this intention, a case study has been conducted in A.S.KRISHNA&COMPANY PVT.LTD. Guntur. During the information is gathered through various sources, interviews, observations and measurements. Gathered data is further evaluated according to theoretical framework. By analyzing the findings from literature review and study, first problems and challenges related to present MHS’s are identified. Thereafter, possible features that the system should possess are drawn out and a design is built out of selected features with a compatible plant layout.