Article

Starch Production Performance and KPI

The cassava starch production process has evolved from a labor-intensive, rudimentary method to a modern, machinery-driven operation, improving efficiency since 1997. However, persistent challenges include inadequate data collection and a historical focus on capacity rather than efficiency. Efforts now concentrate on assessing efficiency by considering factors like yield, resource use, and waste management. Stakeholders collaborate to establish a comprehensive database using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This initiative aims to optimize resources, enhance efficiency, and promote collaboration within the cassava starch community. The database creation involves three phases: data collection, processing, and sharing. Ultimately, it will play a critical role in addressing production challenges and shaping cassava starch industry policies.

Benchmarking is a strategic method where organizations compare their operations with industry peers to improve performance. It involves systematic data collection, goal setting, and defining key performance indicators (KPIs). This approach helps organizations assess their position, learn from leaders, and develop better practices. In the cassava starch industry, collaborative efforts from organizations like GIZ, KMUTT, and NSTDA have resulted in seven effective KPIs that enhance production efficiency, covering various aspects of the process.

Figure 1.0 The KPIs for the cassava starch production process

The cassava starch industry employs seven Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess and enhance production efficiency:

1. KPI 1: Overall production efficiency and the percentage of starch lost in pulp and wastewater (%) evaluates the efficiency of starch granule extraction from cassava roots and the proportion of starch lost during production. Starch loss is categorized as within cassava pulp (KPI 1.1) and in wastewater (KPI 1.2).
2. KPI 2: Volume of biogas utilized in the process (m³ biogas/ton starch) measures the utilization of produced biogas for heat and electricity generation in the manufacturing process, including surplus electricity sold to the grid.
3. KPI 3: Biogas production rate to COD removal (m³ biogas/kg COD_removal) is quantifies biogas production efficiency by calculating the rate of biogas production per unit of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal, with optimal values falling within a range of 0.4 to 0.6 m³ biogas/kg COD removal.
4. KPI 4: Electricity consumption in the production process (kWh/ton starch) indicates the electricity consumed in starch production relative to the total amount of starch produced.
5. KPI 5: Water consumption in the production process (m³/ton dry starch) assesses water usage in starch production, calculated as the ratio of total water volume to starch output.
6. KPI 6: Thermal energy consumption of the drying unit (MJ/ton starch) measures the proportion of thermal energy (from sources like biogas, steam, and fuel oil) used in the drying process relative to starch production.
7. KPI 7: Thermal energy consumption of the drying unit (MJ/ton starch) assesses chemical consumption in starch production, calculated as the ratio of total chemical weight to starch output.

These KPIs provide insights into various aspects of the production process, enabling stakeholders to monitor efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and optimize production practices.