Productivity in Small and Medium Enterprises: Perspective of Brunei Darussalam

Nur Faakhirah Ahmadbi; Mohammad Yeakub Ali; Muataz Al Hazza; Maziri Morsidi; Zunaidi Ibrahim

doi:10.57159/jcmm.5.3.26956

Authors

Nur Faakhirah Ahmadbi Mechanical Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Tungku Highway, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0033-1823
Mohammad Yeakub Ali Mechanical Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Tungku Highway, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1580-033X
Muataz Al Hazza Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Computing, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8056-5156
Maziri Morsidi Mechanical Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Tungku Highway, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9038-2169
Zunaidi Ibrahim Mechanical Engineering Programme Area, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Tungku Highway, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0246-1017

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57159/jcmm.5.3.26956

Keywords:

Small and Medium Enterprises, Line Balancing, Productivity Improvement, Takt Time, ProBalance, Arena Simulation

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Brunei Darussalam have contributed significantly to the national economy for decades. This study focused on one SME, Ori Sdn Bhd, a bottled water manufacturer, where its production systems were analyzed and a balanced production line was recommended to improve productivity. The study was based on actual real-time data collected from the company and then analyzed by simulation using ProBalance and Rockwell Arena. The study identified bottlenecks and wastes in the production lines and proposed adjustments including work reassignment, layout modification, and utilization of idle time. Simulations validated the proposed method and demonstrated an increased output from 5472 to 6033 units per day, with around 10% productivity improvement. The research concluded by quantifying the impact of line balancing on total task time reduction from 28.42 to 25.78 seconds through minimization of waste and proper distribution of tasks. This study emphasized the effectiveness of line balancing in addressing productivity challenges and its ability to reduce bottlenecks and wastes, leading to productivity improvement.

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