Productivity improvement under manufacturing environment using Shainin system and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process: a case study

Abstract

“Productivity is never an accident, it is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused approach,” the phrase by Paul J. Meyer, an American businessman, has everything explained within it. Various quality improvement tools and techniques along with their integration have been attempted in the past for enhancing productivity levels in large-scale organizations across the globe. Similarly, new unification of these techniques can bring positive results even in a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME). Authors, in this case study, use the synergy of two approaches, namely, “Shainin system” and “fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP)” to enhance the productivity of a system. Shainin system stands close to a set of instruments that are clear to understand and easy to be applied, whereas AHP technique has a proven potential in decision-making and evaluation. Results, after successful implementation, indicate a monetary saving of $100,000, which is substantial for a SME. Emphasis is put on a coherent step-wise implementation of both the strategies and linking them together to inculcate the best potential outcomes.