Impact of Productivity of Dried Chillies Using Semi-Automatic Cleaning and Straining Machine

Abstract

The Small and Medium Industries (SME) sector is witnessing rapid economic growth and gaining competitiveness, making it crucial for the country's income and local communities. In this context, the ground chili production industry operated by Syarikat Hijrah Dagang Enterprise in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, faces challenges in the manual cleaning and evaporation of dry chili, impacting productivity in terms of time and workforce. The primary issue lies in the labour-intensive process of manually preparing ground chili, involving soaking 20kg of dry chilies for 6 to 12 hours, followed by high-pressure water cleaning to separate seeds and impurities. The cleaning process demands considerable time and effort until the water turns clear. Subsequently, grinding the chili takes additional time, requiring 2 hours to clean and steam 20kg of chili with a workforce of 5 people. To address these challenges, a solution is proposed in the form of a machine that utilizes rotation and high-pressure water jets for cleaning dry chilies. Additionally, the machine facilitates the subsequent evaporation process and the transfer of chili to the grinder through a specially designed door. By implementing this semi-automatic dry chili cleaning and evaporating machine, the study resulted in significant improvements. Specifically, there was a 75% reduction in processing time and a 40% decrease in required manpower, effectively cutting down the overall work process by 67%. This innovative approach brings considerable efficiency gains, streamlining the ground chili production process and positively impacting the company's financials by reducing labour costs and boosting productivity.