Análise de gargalos de produção em uma indústria de baterias automotivas: um estudo de caso

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze production bottlenecks in an automotive battery manufacturing company located in the southwestern region of Paraná, with a specific focus on the production of plates used in light-duty vehicle batteries. The research is based on the absence of a continuous flow among the company's production processes, which operate under different schedules and methods, making it difficult to identify the points of greatest production constraint. The adopted methodology included process mapping, determination of the lead time for each stage, calculation of demand and production capacity, as well as analysis of the occupancy rates of each workstation. The main bottlenecks identified were the paste mixing and plate pasting processes, both operating at 100% capacity. These sectors were identified as limiting factors of the company's productive capacity. Based on this analysis, an expansion of the paste mixer’s capacity was proposed, considering that the previous processes already have sufficient capacity to meet increased demand. The proposal involves acquiring a new paste mixer or extending the operating time of the existing one, as a way to increase plate production and, consequently, the company’s revenue. Finally, this study highlights the importance of systematic analysis of production processes as a tool for enhancing industrial efficiency.