Best Practices in Separation: Innovation in Device for Productivity Increase Focused on Error Reduction

Abstract

The State Center for the Storage and Distribution of Health Supplies of São Paulo (Centro Estadual de Armazenamento e Distribuição de Insumos de Saúde de São Paulo) is responsible for the daily storage, distribution, and supply of approximately 4,000 orders of medicines and health supplies to 15 healthcare units. The logistics operation faces challenges, especially in material separation, due to the wide variation in quantities ordered and the use of inadequate carts, which hinder the process and lead to errors. This study addresses innovation in the development of an ergonomic device, called "Cegonha," aimed at improving material separation, focusing on reducing errors and increasing productivity. The methodology involved the creation of a prototype with features that meet ergonomic and operational needs. After implementation, a 45% reduction in separation errors and a significant improvement in process agility were observed, without the need for increased labor.