Innovating Dust Collection Technology Through Dmaic Approaches: A Process-Oriented Study

Dust exposure in workshop environments poses significant occupational health risks and reduces productivity, particularly in small-scale educational and technical laboratories where conventional dust collection systems are often bulky, costly, and not user-friendly. This study aimed to innovate and optimize a dust collector machine through the application of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approaches, providing a process-oriented framework for improving functionality, ergonomics, and safety. The study employed a process-oriented experimental design conducted at Cebu Technological University – Pinamungajan Campus, involving 135 respondents, including Industrial Drafting Technology (IDT) and Civil Technology students, faculty members, and industry experts. Data were collected using dust measurement devices, usability evaluation questionnaires, and observation checklists, and analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic evaluation. The DMAIC methodology guided the design and development process, ensuring that workshop-specific challenges were defined, baseline performance measured, key inefficiencies analyzed, improvements implemented, and long-term performance controlled. Findings indicate that the innovated dust collector machine achieved very high ratings in dust collection efficiency, mobility, ergonomic usability, and overall operational performance compared to conventional systems. The design incorporated mobility features such as four casters, a retractable height adjustment mechanism, and user-friendly controls, while safety elements included protective guards, proper ventilation, and fail-safes. Respondents consistently recognized the machine’s significant contribution to occupational health, environmental safety, and productivity. The study demonstrates that integrating process-oriented methodologies such as DMAIC in equipment innovation can effectively address technical and ergonomic limitations, providing a replicable model for sustainable and efficient workshop technology solutions. This research contributes to the advancement of process-driven design, emphasizing practical innovation, user-centered ergonomics, and health-conscious technological solutions for educational and professional workshop settings.