Title: Quality assurance of product sorting and packaging: a project-based approach to mitigate errors and enhance accuracy

Authors: António Rocha; Ana Sousa; Catarina Pereira; Cecília Faria; Liliana Furtado; Fernando Romero

Addresses: 2Ai – Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Portugal ' ALGORITMI Research Centre, University of Minho, Portugal

Abstract: Achieving operational excellence, reliably meeting customer demands, accurate product sorting and packaging processes, this entails implementing robust quality control and assurance measures, automated sorting systems, and comprehensive checks. Our research-study focuses on addressing sorting and packaging errors in a manufacturing company through a project-based approach. The current sorting machine's sole reliance on reading product labels leads to mixing and exchanging errors. To overcome this challenge, we propose developing a software solution with a new feature: the ability to read labels and detect box colours. This enhancement significantly improves reliability and accuracy in product identification and sorting. Introducing colour-coded boxes enables the machine to easily differentiate between products, reducing incorrect sorting and ensuring precision. This approach creates a seamless system that streamlines operations, enhances quality, prevents customer returns, and maximises customer satisfaction.

Keywords: quality assurance; product sorting; product packaging; quality improvement; project planning; logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2025.148012

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2025 Vol.45 No.4, pp.401 - 419

Received: 15 Jul 2023
Accepted: 19 Jul 2023
Published online: 14 Aug 2025 *

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