Improving Business Efficiency Through Modernization at the Berkey Creamery
Open Access
Author:
Hoffman, Matthew Alexander
Area of Honors:
Industrial Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Catherine Mary Harmonosky, Thesis Honors Advisor Vittaldas V Prabhu, Thesis Supervisor
Keywords:
ERP Small Business ERPNext Optimization MILP Profitability
Abstract:
It is often considered a difficult task for small businesses to acquire and implement the right information systems which improve efficiency and further profits due to the high cost and high variation of modern software. However, this should not deter business owners as affordable software and simple self-built programs can be utilized to help businesses grow. This paper examines a real-world business in the Pennsylvania State University Berkey Creamery and evaluates potential solutions to help the Creamery improve efficiency and further profits. Specifically, this paper analyzes why ERPNext, an innovative and modern open-source ERP software alternative for small businesses, is a feasible solution for the Creamery due to its low cost and basic functionality. Additionally, this paper examines a MS Excel solver-based program that solves the allergen constraint sequence optimization problem to help improve manufacturing efficiency.
