Operation and Supply Chain Management

Entree 26

Group 1:
Abirackshaan Wirajaya (29323351)
Keizia Vitradijane Darmawan (29323345)
Muhammad Haikal Mahdi (29323347)
Ammar Pasha (29323568)
Rangga Pijar Adhyaksa (29323544)
Fira Silvany R. (29323352)

Germagic: Six Sigma Quality in the Making Case

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The case details Daniel Lau's summer 2021 internship experience at Germagic Biochemical
Technology (GBT) as he works with Operations Manager John Chan on a quality improvement
initiative. Daniel, a third-year undergraduate focusing on operations management, sees an
opportunity to utilize his educational background and contribute value.

GBT, a joint venture created through Chiaphua Industries Ltd. and Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology's School of Engineering, focuses on developing antimicrobial
Germagic products. Their line includes spray solutions, hand sanitizer gel, and air filters sold to
both consumers and businesses.

The case overview explains GBT's manufacturing process blending raw materials—thyme
essential oil, polymers, purified water—to produce Germagic. Thymol, the active compound in
thyme oil, effectively kills viruses such as COVID-19. The pandemic challenged GBT with
sourced component and packaging supply disruptions.

Specialized blending equipment and proprietary MAP-1 technology integrate raw materials into
Germagic's unique formulation. Confidentiality protects the intellectual property as finished
goods ship to distributor warehouses then client stores or stockrooms, typically a two to three
month cycle.

John and Daniel discuss quality improvement needs, prioritizing monitoring filled hand sanitizer
volumes. Daniel proposes using statistical process control tools, like control charts, to catch
filling issues early. Upon approval, Daniel collects data to build control charts tracking sample
means and variation.

Daniel's plan involves designing control charts, accumulating data, confirming process stability,
computing process capability indexes to achieve six sigma quality standards. He aims to teach
frontline workers quality concepts and strengthen GBT's quality control processes.

The case underscores that quality management, process enhancement, and applying Six Sigma
principles enhances product quality and operational efficiency for GBT.
The Problem Identification

After read the whole case, The identification By analyzing these potential root causes using a
fishbone diagram, GBT can identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions to
ensure consistent and accurate filling of hand sanitizer bottles within the specified range.

In conclusion, the fishbone diagram analysis and ensure consistent and accurate filling of hand
sanitizer bottles within the specified range, Germagic Biochemical Technology (GBT) can take
the following direct solutions:

● Train staff and provide supervision.

● Maintain and upgrade equipment.
● Control raw material quality.
● Standardize procedures and conduct audits.
● Monitor environmental factors.
● Enhance quality control measures.
● Build strong supplier relationships.

Implementing these steps will improve filling accuracy and product quality at GBT.

Statistics (Minitab)
The Cpk could be determined by assessing the consistency of the production process that
meets specific requirements. Through process capability analysis it could be derived from the
value to build up the low and up control limit. Daniel determines the limit is higher than 2. The
result shows that the process is capable of producing. Daniel also created X-bar and R charts
(control charts) to evaluate sample averages. In these charts, the standard deviation is utilized
to measure process variability, or the spread of data around the mean. The control graph shows
that the Cpk range is mostly at 1.28, while Cpk 2 and Cpk 5 have values that are outside the
limit. Six sigma quality represents a broader quality management approach with minimal defect
tolerance. Daniel can use an approach based on this control chart to improve the quality in Cpk
2 and Cpk 5 because in the control group there are deviations in variation.

Exhibit 1. Process Capability Report

Exhibit 2. Control Chart