Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Design Awareness Programme
(Need Assessment Survey and Design Clinic Workshop)
Checklist for Design Expert(s) to conduct Need Assessment Survey
Name and address of MSME unit: Gargi Dhupkathi Udyog functioning under the Milan SHG
Contact Person with designation and contact details: Ms. Rekha Das, Proprietor. Phone: 88220 65179
Product range: Hand‐rolled raw incense sticks. The proprietor also owns a small handloom for the weaving of 'mekhala chador'
Nature of work: Splitting and sizing of bamboo culm into sticks, hand‐rolling of agarbatti mix onto sticks. Jobworking for BISP as well as retailing to local markets around Tihu
Turnover: Approx. INR 3000/‐ per month x 12 = INR 36,000/‐ annually
Infrastructure set‐up: Micro enterprise
Employee strength: 14, all female, of which around 6‐7 people are working daily
Date of visit: 15‐07‐13, 16‐07‐13
Sl. no. Opportunity areas for design intervention Covered? Remarks
1 Product design, redesign, product development Y Scope for development of better quality scented agarbattis for the local markets
2 Technology, modernisation and collaboration Y
At present, all work is done by hand from cutting of bamboo sections to rolling of the
agarbattis. Collaboration happens in terms of buying raw material such as bamboo culms
from within members of the GDU.
3
Research and development directions for future
initiatives Y Wants to develop a viable packaging for the local market
4
Innovation in process and related areas for design
intervention
Y
They can explore the rolling of agarbattis using a planed piece of wood for more even
thickness of the agarbatti as well as better productivity
5 Workstation and tooling design Y Needs more worktables with better ergonomics
6
Market and competition study for design advantage and
distinction
Y
An attractive packaging in the local language might help as buyers can identify with it.
However, it need to be verified through a survey in the area
7 Training and skill upgradation, if any Y Can do with some training as rolling process is slow.
8 Ergonomic and environment factors Y Needs better designed work tables
9
10
Packaging, logistics and storage related design
opportunities
Y
Not enough storage space. However what is there is well utilized and clean. Packaging
material is in the form of ready made boxes bearing the identity of brands in Bangalore
Infrastructure and capability enhancement from design
perspective Y Needs more workspace and better organized work flow.
11 Exhibition / display design opportunities Y
Can participate in exhibitions of which there are a number every year. Design of
appropriate packaging and aesthetic props for display of the product would help.
12
Visual identity and branding from communication design
point of view Y Covered in point 6
13 Inter cluster communication Y None, apart from the regular social contact
14
To create a visible impact and effectively develop
capabilities of MSME Y Covered in points 4, 6, 10
15
To improve the process of manufacturing and
productivity Y Covered in points 4, 5, 10
16 To increase market share and profitability Y Covered in point 6
17
To reduce rejections, wastages in material, process,
resources and drudgery in labour Y Covered in points 8, 10
18
To improve product manufacturability, servicability,
manufacturing process, packaging, logistics operations
etc. Y Covered in points 6, 10
19
To add value to the product or services concerned and
increase their competitiveness Y Better quality scents and better packaging
20
To create a positive difference to the MSME, either in
absolute revenues (indicating higher profits) or in
percentage terms
Y
Covered in points 1, 4, 6, 10. In addition the unit would greatly profit from a short
indroduction to basic accountkeeping
Remedial design solutions suggested
Research into improving the rolling of agarbattis ‐they are currrrently rolled on a wood table using the flat of the hand. May attempt rolling using a planed piece of wood for
faster, better rolled agarbattis. It is a simple intervention not requiring any investment
Better quality controls and standarisation in size and thickness required.
Need of better, more ergonomic workstations and a larger workspace. Current facility is cramped.
Development of a viable packaging solution