Diseño y simulación del proceso de una planta de manufactura para optimizar la producción de chips de banano

Abstract

Ecuador is an important producer of bananas and the world's largest exporter, showing significant growth of 7.03% in 2023. Similarly, the production of banana chips is also growing, with exports exceeding $67 million. Another important aspect to consider within Ecuador is the growth of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), especially those focused on manufacturing. These backgrounds provide a great overview of the extensive field of study focused on bananas, specifically the production of banana chips. Since the manufacturing companies who are responsible for the production of chips are of medium and small size, their plant designs are neither correct nor optimal, while their processes are largely artisanal, with little or no technology, and lack of controls and standards. The design of a manufacturing plant aims to find the best layout to ensure the flow of materials and similarly to avoid unnecessary movements of operators. Simulation allows us to evaluate possible scenarios of a production process, which through different Lean Manufacturing tools, can optimize each of the processes in order to maximize production. Through financial analysis, we will be able to demonstrate the case for investment in technological machinery, and in what time we will recover such investment, which will reduce processing times for certain processes and, in other cases, unify two processes into one.