Projects

Students conduct projects for QRM member companies in multi-disciplinary teams as part of the capstone class -- ISyE 641: Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems -- or as independent study projects. They make multiple visits to a company over a 3-4 month period, investigating elements of a selected process or area determined by the company. Using their classroom training in QRM principles, the students gather data, then conduct detailed analysis using sophisticated computer programs to formulate and present recommendations to companies to help them achieve their lead time reduction goals. All projects are conducted under faculty guidance, and students commonly draw upon the wide expertise of UW-faculty in addition to their own prior experiences in developing solutions to company problems. The QRM Center has engaged in almost 200 projects with industry over the past 15 years. The following are recently completed projects:

Reducing Lead Times for Medical Diagnostic Imaging Products
Dielectric Corporation (Menomonee Falls, Wis.)

MCT Analysis to Improve Supply Chain Performance of Ovens and Heavy-Duty Lights
Phoenix Products Company (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Reducing Cost and Lead Times for Consoles and LED Fixtures
Electronic Theatre Controls (Middleton, Wis.)

Improving Product Flow and Capacity Management Using POLCA
Milwaukee Gear Company (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Implementing Cells for Faster Delivery of Transmission Components
P&H Mining (Milwaukee, Wis.)

Industry Feedback

"Working with the QRM student team was a very positive experience for all of the P&H team members. The students were able to establish credibility with shop personnel as a result of their quick grasp of product and production information and the level of understanding they demonstrated through their questions. Investigations into current operations resulted in positive challenges to existing manufacturing practices and prompted creative thinking across the entire team. Recommendations resulting from the project have provided P&H with a number of ideas which can be incorporated into future lead time reduction initiatives."
—Brenda Hanamann, Manufacturing Product Manager, P&H Minning

Projects Archive

Students of ISyE641 Spring 2011 class

If you have questions, contact us at (608) 262-4709 or qrm@engr.wisc.edu
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