Six Sigma's DOE application on the mechanical effects of apple quality in industrial-level storage operations
by Nikolaos P. Gkionis, Andreas S. Souliotis, George J. Besseris
International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA), Vol. 6, No. 3, 2011

Abstract: The apple fruit is an important dietary product while it is one of the most consumed products around the world. Hence, improving apple quality and appearance is one of the most crucial challenges that the fruit industry is engaged on. A Six Sigma study has been deployed in a large storage facility targeting apple quality enhancement. During the 'improve' phase of a Six Sigma's DMAIC cycle, design of experiments is employed with the end in mind to maximise return on investment. In this project, centre stage took key apple quality responses such as the radius of the impact, the bruise volume and the appearance of the apple. These characteristics were thought to play a critical role in the apple quality appreciated by the consumer. Desirability analysis is further utilised to achieve simultaneous quality maximisation for all three characteristics. The desirability analysis results are tabulated according to seven modulated controlling factors: 1) the impact material; 2) the impact height; 3) the apple curvature impacted; 4) the apple size; 5) the apple storage status; 6) the apple condition; 7) the inspector. It was found that only the impact height was significant in detailing new preventive procedures that would minimise quality losses.

Online publication date: Fri, 15-Apr-2011

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