Diego Fernando Manotas

Self-generation of Electricity, Assessment and Optimization Under the New Support Schemes in Colombia

This paper propose a method to evaluate a electricity project self-generation with renewable energy sources under the new Colombian normative framework and it includes the uncertainty than characterized this type of projects. An economic optimization model was designed to evaluate the self-generation project management; the cash discount flow method is implemented with Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). A Radial Basis Function Network with causal variables (historic and forecast) was used for modeling the forward price and MCS for the system generation and the output of the economic model. The case study that was developed in shopping centers considering the possibilities of electricity generation surplus export and, response demand programs. The applicability of the proposed economic model is shown, through which the scenarios in which the project is viable are determined.

How to Foresee and Measure the Real Economic Impact of a Lean Manufacturing Implementation

The academic and industrial worlds seem to agree in the convenience of implementing Lean Manufacturing. Arguments to highlight the benefits of implementing Lean usually include testimonials from successful companies, published case studies, even conference presentations, plant tours, and television programs. It is not easy to foresee the impact of a Lean implementation in strictly monetary terms. Lean is an operational philosophy that does more than saving money; it prepares companies for sustained improvement and creates disciplines and operational capabilities, yet it could be argued that these capabilities are hard to value and quantify. In this paper, we propose a flowchart-type methodology to decide if a change in a procedure, in the use of tangible resources or in the use of time brought about by the implementation of a Lean Manufacturing technique will have a measurable economic impact. The decision maker will need to know the specific circumstances of the production system, but we believe he will be able to predict the economic impact of a Lean implementation (or to evaluate the results of an ongoing Lean project) with more precision, to build a stronger and more comprehensible business case and convince upper management of the real benefits of Lean.

Priorización de Riesgos Operacionales para un Proveedor de Tercera Parte Logística - 3PL

espanolSe presenta una metodologia para la gestion de los riesgos operacionales en una compania proveedora de servicios logisticos, particularmente para los servicios de transporte y almacenamiento. Segun informes nacionales e internacionales, estos servicios son los que mas se subcontratan en la actualidad. La metodologia desarrollada utiliza una lista de chequeo para la identificacion de los riesgos, y la matriz de probabilidad e impacto, ademas del analisis jerarquico difuso (fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, AHP) para la priorizacion de los mismos. La metodologia ha sido validada en una empresa 3PL colombiana (servicios de logistica tercerizados) encontrandose que los riesgos mas relevantes son delitos como robos y actos terroristas. Tambien aparecen otros problemas tales como las huelgas y los defectos tecnicos en el transporte terrestre de las mercancias y el robo de la mercancia, desastres naturales y deterioro en el almacenamiento. Esta metodologia le permite a la organizacion emprender acciones para minimizar los riesgos que mayor impacto tienen en los resultados globales de la organizacion. EnglishA methodology for managing operational risks in a company that provides transportation services, specifically for its transportation and warehousing services is presented. According to domestic and international reports these are currently the most commonly outsourced services. The proposed methodology uses a checklist for the identification of risks, and the probability-impact matrix, besides the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, AHP for their prioritization. The methodology was applied in a Colombian 3PL company (Third-Party Logistics) finding that the most relevant risks were crimes such as thefts and terrorist acts. It also appears other problems such as road blockages caused by protests, technical problems in ground transportation operations, product thefts, natural disasters, and product deterioration during storage. This methodology allows the organization to direct their actions to minimize risks that have higher global impact on the organization.

Performance Measurement in Lean Manufacturing Environments

This chapter presents the main metrics suggested for a lean manufacturing environment, as well as their use and application. The selection of metrics arises from a process that starts with the examination of a lean implementation, followed by the dimensions of improvement that will be examined. Then we suggest a set of metrics for each of the improvement dimensions, and we characterize the a priori impact that tools considered typical of lean manufacturing might have on the metrics. Based on this characterization we perform two types of analyses: A horizontal analysis to uncover the most critical performance indicators and a vertical analysis to present the lean tools that are most influential on the manufacturing system. We then propose different ways to use the indicators, based on their focus (results-oriented or process-oriented) and based on their scope (organizational scope and time scope). Finally, we propose future work to evaluate the impact and cost of implementing and operating a performance measurement system based on the metrics and their application we propose.