Department - Author 1

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Industrial Engineering

Date

12-2014

Primary Advisor

Kurt Colvin

Abstract/Summary

The problems presented by Talley Farms to the team were a lower than desired cilantro harvesting capacity and work health pertaining to lower back problems. The project objectives were to address and improve upon both of these objectives. To increase harvesting capacity, a simulation model was created using standard times from time studies. The simulation model helped to compare the different harvesting methods as well as the effect of the utilization of the on-site manager. The throughputs between each of the models were analyzed. To address ergonomic concerns, a work sampling study was conducted and it was determined that kneeling methods are the most ideal ergonomically as they do not require workers to be in the most strenuous positions as compared to the standing methods.

Several conclusions were made based off of the results: harvesting while standing is faster but worse ergonomically and the utilization of a supervisor will increase throughput.

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