Yakult Case Study AOS3

Question 1

4 Yakult Inputs

Answer 1

1. Naturaw Resources and Materials:
   - Bacteria, Milk, Packaging
2. Physical Resources:
   - Machinery
3. Human resources
   - Staff
4. Time

Question 2

4 Transformation Process of Yakult

Answer 2

1. Fermenting
2. Mixing
3. Packaging
4. Quality checks

Question 3

2 Outputs of Yakult

Answer 3

1. Yakult original/ light
2. Yakult plastic bottle

Question 4

Yakult 4 Automated Production Lines

Answer 4

1. Measure and mix the ingredients
2. Sterilise the mixture
3. Cool it down to the required temperature
4. Add the Lactobacillus (LCSS) bacteria

Question 5

Yakult 3 Uses of Robotics

Answer 5

1. Move and transport materials and ingredients between different parts of the production line
2. Sterilise equipment and containers, to ensure that the finished product is safe for consumption.
3. Used to fill, cap, and label bottles, as well as to package the finished product for distribution.

Question 6

Yakult 3 Uses of Computer Aided Manufacturing CAM

Answer 6

1. Used to program and control the various machines and equipment used in the production line
2. Used to monitor and control the fermentation process ensuring conditions are optimal for the growth of the LCSS bacteria
3. Used to automate quality control and testing tasks such as checking the pH level of the finished product or testing for the presence of harmful bacteria.

Question 6

Yakult 4 Uses of AI

Answer 6

1. Quality control:
   - Used to detect patterns or anomalies that indicate a problem with the Yakult formula or the production line in real time
2. Predictive maintenance:
   - By analysing data from sensors or historical records, AI algorithms identify patterns that indicate equipment failure, allowing maintenance to be scheduled proactively
3. Optimization of production processes:
   - By analysing data from sensors, AI algorithms can identify optimal settings for various aspects of the production process (fermentation times, ingredient proportions, and environmental conditions)
4. Health analytics:
   - AI algorithms can recommend a specific strain or dose of probiotics that may be most beneficial for people

Question 7

Yakult 2 Use of Forecasting

Answer 7

1. Allows Yakult to avoid stockouts (no product available to meet customer demand) or excessive inventory (product levels too far above quantity demanded
2. Minimises inventory carrying costs while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of Yakult beverage

Question 8

Yakult Qaulity Control
Stringent Testing Procedures:

Answer 8

• Yakult testing involves more than 120 samples per production run, which more than 120 tests are conducted, to determine the product meet the company’s quality standards
• These determine Lactobacillus (LCSS) case numbers, check for potential contaminants, acidity, physical attributes and taste.

Question 9

Yakult Qaulity Control
Quality Assurance:

Answer 9

Through the use of external standards outlined by International Standards Organisation (ISO 9001) and HACCP

Question 10

Yakult 2 Waste Minimisation Strategies

Answer 10

1. Treating of the water used in cleaning:
   - Water is returned to the correct PH level and sterilised to reduce impact, then disposed of safely
2. Recycling of Bottles:
   - Bottles are crushed and mixed with other resin to be made into a variety of plastic products, such as chairs and tables

Question 11

Yakult 3 CSR

Answer 11

1. The environmental sustainability of inputs:
   - Locally sourced inputs – more expensive but deemed to be important by Yakult
2. Reducing the waste generated from processs:
   - Water used in cleaning is treated - returning it to the correct PH level and sterilised to reduce impact, then disposed of safely
3. Reducing waste generated from the production of outputs:
   - Bottles can be collected for recycling and mixed with other resin to create repurposed products, such as furniture.

Question 12

Yakult Global sourcing of inputs

Answer 12

• Bacteria sourced from Japan, allowing Yakult Australia to produce probiotic drinks with the same high-quality standards as other Yakult products globally.
• Other ingredients are generally sourced locally to assist with CSR considerations

Question 13

Yakult Overseas manufacture

Answer 13

• Yakult for Australia and NZ is produced at Dandenong.
• Yakult offers a broader product range in Japan – including 11 different Yakult flavours and a body care range