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http://www.production.periodikos.com.br/article/doi/10.14488/1980-5411.20250105
Production
Research Article

Efficiency management and control in production system support areas: an approach utilizing the directional distance function and internal benchmarking

Bianca Fogaça Moretto; Gabriel Motta Luft; Yuri Dias Hamdan; Maria Isabel Wolf Motta Morandi; Aline Dresch; Fabio Antonio Sartori Piran

http://dx.doi.org/10.14488/1980-5411.20250105 Production, vol.36, e20250105, 2026
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Abstract

Paper aims: This study proposes an approach for continuous and longitudinal analysis and efficiency monitoring in support areas of production systems.

Originality: The study's originality lies in the proposed conceptual model for efficiency assessment and in validating the applicability of DDF as a continuous efficiency monitoring indicator. Furthermore, it includes an empirical discussion on the effect of adding new Decision-Making Units (DMUs) and its impact on shifting the efficient frontier.

Research method: A case-based modeling was conducted in a multinational company in the metal-mechanical sector. The approach applies the Directional Distance Function (DDF) combined with an internal benchmarking procedure.

Main findings: A conceptual model was developed to define system variables, offering potential replication across various support areas. In addition to the conceptual framework, this study presents a practical application and suggests a strategy for communicating efficiency metrics and performance of support areas at all organizational levels through a dashboard designed for continuous efficiency monitoring.

Implications for theory and practice: This research advances existing performance measurement practices by introducing a method to assess the efficiency of support areas. It offers organizations an alternative to the commonly used effectiveness indicators, thereby expanding the scope of performance evaluation.

Keywords

Directional Distance Function, Data envelopment analysis, Efficiency, Support areas of production systems

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Submitted date:
11/05/2025

Accepted date:
08/31/2026

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