Unlocking process improvements through data-driven bottleneck analysis

Möbius was brought in to analyze the clients packing process, identify bottlenecks, and provide data-driven recommendations.

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Strategic challenge

A big player in the frozen food industry faced increasing difficulties in monitoring the performance of its packing lines at one of its production facilities. With all packing lines operating simultaneously, the company observed inconsistencies in performance depending on the workload distribution. Unplanned downtime had escalated to unacceptable levels, yet identifying the root cause was hindered by limitations in the existing monitoring systems. Additionally, the complexity of the process and interdependencies made it challenging to analyze performance constraints effectively.

On top, changes in operational setup throughout the years have led to uncertainty regarding theoretical capacity and bottleneck locations. The company sought external expertise to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its packing process, identify existing bottlenecks, and establish clear KPIs to enhance performance monitoring and planning accuracy.

Impressive how Möbius managed to gain such a clear understanding of our process in such a short time, using objective data to provide the right insights and recommendations.

Client's project sponsor

Approach

To address these challenges, Möbius executed the following steps:

  1. Process mapping
    The entire packing process was mapped in detail, capturing all interactions between packing lines, warehouse operations, and material flow constraints.

  2. Data collection & validation
    Existing data was gathered from the company’s SAP system and machine logs. Missing data was supplemented through targeted sampling and observational studies.

  3. Bottleneck identification & simulation
    A stochastic time-based model was developed to simulate the production line under various scenarios. The model allowed dynamic parameter adjustments (e.g. line speed, input distribution, bag sizes). The output of the model was visualized in a clear dashboard to pinpoint possible bottlenecks.

  4. Scenario analysis
    More than 20 different operating scenarios were tested, each analyzing the impact of varying input and output parameters. Key focus areas included warehouse movements, conveyor usage rates, and packing line efficiency. The analysis also provided insights into the realistic capacity of the current setup, offering a clear understanding of operational constraints.

Results

Through the application of advanced simulation techniques and data-driven analysis, our client acquired valuable insights into its packing operations. The project identified critical bottlenecks and their interdependencies while providing actionable recommendations for both short-term improvements and long-term strategic planning.

Key areas of focus included enhancing monitoring capabilities, optimizing production planning, and exploring future investment opportunities. With improved monitoring and optimized workflows, the company is now well-positioned to increase packing line efficiency, minimize downtime, and improve overall supply chain performance.