IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRODUCT PACKAGING PROCESS IN THE WATERPIK MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Abstract

This research focuses on improving the product packaging process in the Waterpik manufacturing industry. The objective of this study is to enhance the efficiency of the packaging operation, which has been affected by delays. The main issue was identified at Station 2 of the packaging line, where operators encountered operational difficulties that led to skipped steps and longer processing times before the packaging was completed. These delays subsequently affected Station 3, which had to wait for the completion of tasks from Station 2, resulting in workflow inefficiencies. Data were collected through direct observation and time recording both before and after the implementation of process improvements. To address the problem, the study applied the Fishbone Diagram (Cause-and-Effect Analysis) and the ECRS principle (Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, and Simplify) to analyze and redesign the process in order to reduce delays and improve overall efficiency. The results revealed that the implementation of improvements based on the ECRS principle effectively reduced the working time at Station 2, allowing Station 3 to operate more efficiently. Consequently, the entire packaging process became smoother, faster, and more streamlined. This study demonstrates that systematic process improvement using analytical tools such as ECRS and Fishbone Diagrams can significantly enhance productivity and operational performance in manufacturing environments.