Fabio Antonio Sartori Piran

Autonomation in broiler production: a comparative analysis

Factors such as quality, health and price have contributed to improving broiler productivity in Brazil. Modernization and the use of instruments, such as a proper management of birds, health, balanced nutrition, genetic improvement and integrated yield have been researched by companies. Partnerships between industry, automatic systems and broiler farmers also contribute to the technical improvement of the broiler production process, resulting in reduced production costs and increased quality of the final product. In this context, this article aims to analyze the possibilities of autonomation in the context of broiler production. We conducted a qualitative, exploratory and comparative analysis by performing a documentary research. Collected data allowed a comparative analysis of the reduction of losses and increasing revenue (gross revenue). The results refer to two scenarios: (1) an aviary without autonomation; and (2) an autonomated aviary. The results point to an improvement in productivity by the autonomation of the broiler production process.

A method for integrated process simulation in the mining industry

This paper proposes a method of Integrated Process Simulation (MIPS), which considers the dynamic, stochastic and systemic characteristics of mining operations to support investment decisions in this industry. This MIPS supports development of a Decision Support System (DSS) that considers product quality, process productivity and production costs. A case study is described that used the MIPS to make better investment decisions. The MIPS has proven, in practice, to be effective in several applications; for example, in defining the maintenance policy for critical equipment in an iron ore concentration plant; the process for removing impurities and simulating the companys budget to evaluate the viability of different business plans.

Do the improvement programs really matter? An analysis using data envelopment analysis

This research aims at analyzing the impact of continuous improvement and learning processes regarding efficiency and production volume in an armament manufacturer. A longitudinal case study comprising a period of six years of analysis in the company production lines was carried out. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) combined ANOVA test and linear regression were used. The survey results show that continuous improvement and learning projects were not enough to increase efficiency in two of the three production lines analyzed. Therefore, the variables related to Kaizen events, hours of training and experience of employees did not increase the efficiency of these lines. Moreover, the study elucidates that the production volume negatively impacts efficiency in one of the lines. With the analysis, it is possible to identify which factors are representative to increase production efficiency. Therefore, it is concluded that technology upgrade, in this context, is an important factor to be considered. The research contributed to analyse the relevance of continuous improvement actions, accumulation of knowledge and learning in an armament manufacturer. In addition, it allows managers of companies to evaluate more effectively the production process and technological evolution with a greater understanding of factors that impact on increased operational efficiency.