The importance of using quality tools as a support for the improvement of the process in the metalworking industry - a case study

Abstract

The constant search to assist and meet the needs of customers means that companies have to find alternatives in their production processes, with clear objectives of continuous improvement, and consequently cost reduction. Having well-defined production processes is a path to the pursuit of efficiency. Processes must always be in continuous improvement in order to minimize processing time, increase efficiency, and thus reduce costs and meet the needs of customers and the company. The present work will deal with the assembly and internal movement of part kits that are sent to the welding process in a metal mechanic company located in the north of Rio Grande do Sul state. Its objectives are to demonstrate the reduction of the waiting time in the assembly of the kits as well as suggest improvements for the process optimization and demonstrate the importance of using quality tools. It was followed by the process of assembly of the kits, the identification and analysis of waiting time failures using quality tools and finally suggested improvements from the data collected. It was demonstrated that from the elaboration of a new workflow and the inclusion of a visual management system, the waiting time was significantly reduced, evidencing the importance of using adequate methodology to solve problems.