Use of Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) in a printing factory

Vilchez-Torres M.; Rojas-Elescano E.; Sanchez-Alvarado M. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1956

Resumen

This research was carried out in a printing company classified as a small enterprise (SME), which specializes in the production of office supplies, among which desktop calendars are the most in demand by its clients. The study's primary objective was to reduce transport distances and eliminate unnecessary movement times within the manufacturing process of these calendars. The entire production process takes place within a single designated area containing eight workstations and two storage facilities. The methodology applied was Systematic Layout Planning (SLP), a structured approach that facilitates the analysis of material flow within a process. By evaluating the intensity of interrelationships among workstations, SLP enables the development of a layout redesign that corrects inefficient transport routes, commonly referred to as the "spaghetti phenomenon," where unnecessary movements that do not add value are concealed. The results demonstrate a successful transition from a disorganized, chaotic movement pattern between workstations to a more streamlined layout, as illustrated by the travel path diagram. Furthermore, the Process Analysis Diagram (PAD) indicated a reduction in travel distance from 92.7 meters to 35.5 meters, equivalent to a 38% improvement compared to the original configuration. Additionally, the production time per calendar was reduced by 157 seconds, increasing 4.7 calendars produced per batch.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte