By: Akeem Aliyu

In many manufacturing industries, efficiency and productivity are driven by established best practices, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

However, non-conventional manufacturing processes, such as poultry processing, often lag in adopting these advancements due to structural inefficiencies, workforce limitations, and outdated production methods. As demand for sustainable and cost-effective food production grows, addressing these challenges requires a new approach—one that integrates continuous process improvement with cutting-edge industrial engineering techniques.

For Esther Akinrinde, an expert in industrial process optimization, these inefficiencies present an opportunity for transformation. Akinrinde’s work focuses on optimizing non-conventional manufacturing by introducing advanced methodologies such as Kaizen, Six Sigma, and lean process strategies. Her research seeks to establish new performance benchmarks, improve production workflows, and enhance decision-making processes for businesses operating in this sector.

“Non-conventional manufacturing, particularly in the poultry industry, lacks structured efficiency models,” Akinrinde explains.

“By integrating engineering-driven solutions, we can significantly improve operational performance, reduce waste, and create more sustainable production systems.”

A key aspect of her research is the application of emerging technologies, including automated controls, IoT, data analytics, robotics, and machine learning.

These innovations enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent process adjustments, leading to higher efficiency and lower costs. The implementation of these tools is particularly vital for industries facing labor shortages, as automation can enhance productivity while ensuring job roles evolve toward skilled labor rather than repetitive, manual tasks.

Akinrinde’s expertise is not just theoretical. She has worked as a continuous improvement engineer at Minth Plastic Trims Inc., where she successfully designed an inventory tracking system and conducted comprehensive time studies to streamline production operations. At Auburn University, she also assists students in engineering management and operations planning, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry application.

Beyond efficiency gains, Akinrinde emphasizes the broader impact of her research. By refining manufacturing processes, her work contributes to rural economic development, promotes sustainable industrial growth, and supports the transition to more environmentally responsible production methods. These improvements are crucial for industries in Nigeria, the U.S., and beyond, where traditional production models struggle to keep pace with modern demands.

As industries seek to evolve, research like Akinrinde’s offers a roadmap for change—one that not only enhances productivity but also fosters long-term resilience in manufacturing. By rethinking how non-conventional industries operate, she is helping to shape a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced future for global food production.