https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/2925 Thu, 14 May 2026 08:52:08 GMT 2026-05-14T08:52:08Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31402 An investigation into stock capacity utilization of a manufacturing line at a catalyst manufacturer Munilal, Joel Jeremy ; Ndou, Ndivhuwo; Ramdass, Kemlall Bottlenecks in a manufacturing line are the fundamental reason that obstructs productivity.Accurately and effectively recognizing bottleneck areas, can improve the use of limitedassembling resources, increment the framework throughput, and limit the complete expenseof production. This article focuses on improving the throughput of a manufacturing line in anautomotive component supplier plant. The project aims to develop a solution to increase thecapacity of the production system by following an adapted design thinking method to approachthe problem. The first step in the process is to Underline (Emphasize), followed by Define,Research, Analyse, Ideate, and Conclude with Testing and Verification. Tools used in thisproject are Process mapping, Genchi Gembutsu, Time studies, Ishikawa diagrams (Root causeanalysis), and five why analysis. Insight was gained in the Emphasize phase using Gemba walksand observation. Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31402 2022-10-03T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31401 Using lean management to advance supply chain efficiency Mncwango, Bongumenzi Talent; Ramdass, Kemlall; Ndou, Ndivhuwo Lean management has been traditionally used in the manufacturing world but recently there has been a move to apply lean manufacturing principles in the supply chain management. There is an ever-growing pressure for organisations to achieve shorter lead times, lower costs and better quality. Lean provides a systematic approach to optimize value stream from suppliers to consumers through elimination of non-value adding activities. This paper looks at the benefits of implementing lean in supply chain, supply chain performance review tools, evolution of lean in other sectors out of manufacturing and how it can be implemented in an integrative manner with other approaches such as Industry 4.0. It further reviews the peer reviewed case studies where lean has been implemented successfully and how can the results be amplified further. Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31401 2022-10-03T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31400 Applying lean to the supply chain in the railway industry Ramdass, Kemlall; Phuluwa, Humbulani Simon; Ndou, Ndivhuwo The railroad sector, a crucial part of contemporary transportation systems, is required to meet rising demands for effectiveness, economy, and sustainability. This study investigates how to apply lean principles to improve supply chain efficiency that is impacted by the railroad industry. According to the analysis, using lean approaches can result in significant gains in customer satisfaction, cost control, and output. It also reveals significant issues with material accessibility, quality assurance, payment conditions, and supplier inspection procedures. For the supply chain to fully benefit from lean principles, several issues must be resolved. This study intends to offer useful insights for industry stakeholders by looking at case studies, identifying problems, and making recommendations. It provides a road map for organisations to enhance their supply chains, achieve operational excellence, and satisfy changing market needs through thorough analysis and strategic recommendations. This study emphasizes how crucial it is to use lean principles to the railway sector to make it a more effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly method of transportation. Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/31400 2024-04-23T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/29652 An overview of torrefied bioresource briquettes: quality-influencing parameters, enhancement through torrefaction and applications Waheed, M. A.; Akogun, O. A.; Enweremadu, C. C. Abstract In recent years, the need for clean, viable and sustainable source of alternative fuel is on the rampage in the global space due to the challenges posed by human factors including fossil induced emissions, fuel shortage and its ever-rising prices. These challenges are the major reason to utilize alternative source of energy such as lignocellulosic biomass as domestic and industrial feedstock. However, biomass in their raw form is problematic for application, hence, a dire need for torrefaction pre-treatment is required. The torrefaction option could ameliorate biomass limitations such as low heating value, high volatile matter, low bulk density, hygroscopic and combustion behaviour, low energy density and its fibrous nature. The torrefied product in powder form could cause air pollution and make utilization, handling, transportation, and storage challenging, hence, densification into product of higher density briquettes. This paper therefore provides an overview on the performance of torrefied briquettes from agricultural wastes. The review discusses biomass and their constituents, torrefaction pre-treatment, briquetting of torrefied biomass, the parameters influencing the quality, behaviour and applications of torrefied briquettes, and way forward in the briquetting sector in the developing world. Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/29652 2022-11-28T00:00:00Z