5 Ways To Increase Productivity At Your Manufacturing Site

Manufacturing Site

As the saying goes, time is money. Accordingly, the more manufacturing you can perform in a shorter period, the more money you will earn. However, if you struggle with how to manage the improvement of your production processes or even if everything is operating smoothly, there are many things you can do to increase production capacity without sacrificing quality. 

Nevertheless, you can begin by removing obstacles followed by reorganizing your whole workflow. Increased productivity in manufacturing facilities should always be governed by intended change instead of just quick fixes. Quick solutions may help in the short run but cause issues in the long run. 

You should make a thorough review of your current manufacturing processes and equipment to uncover any concealed bottlenecks that you can easily fix by a change in the process itself or by utilizing modern technology. 

Whether it’s a CNC machine or EDM sinker, maintaining your equipment in good shape reduces the possibility of an unexpected cessation of work or daily operation. Continuous training of your employees and maintaining your facility well organized can provide a safer workspace. It might even result in suggestions from the workers themselves about resolving the problems they notice.

Below, we give you five ways how you can increase productivity at your manufacturing site. So, read ahead to find out more about these helpful ways that can be beneficial for your overall production, as well as your production’s profitability. 

Update Your Current Processes And Technology

After you have gone through your current workflow and mapped everything, start identifying areas where technology or processes may use some changes and updates. Manufacturing processes that have been in place for an extended period can be filled with alternative solutions once new equipment is added or production techniques are changed.

Automation is an effective tool for an increase in efficiency and reduces the chance for errors. Furthermore, you can utilize new software solutions that will help with inventory, scheduling, and monitoring work performance. Improvements in machinery can enhance manufacturing quality and speed. For example, you can invest in equipment so that you can provide precision CNC machining services to your clients, including grinding, milling, and turning. When selecting new technology and machinery, bear in mind the overall cost of ownership and how the outcome will be affected. Speaking of which, you may also invest in used CNC machineries. You can visit Revelation Machinery here to help you find what you need.

A high initial price is worth it only if the entire cost of ownership is lower than the process or technology you are substituting. Or if it fixes a problem like clearing a manufacturing bottleneck or reducing junk. Currently, equipment and machinery, such as the Deutz 04297148, is not as expensive as it used to be, so consider updating your current manufacturing processes and technology to differentiate your company from your fierce competitors. 

Review Your Ongoing Execution Of The Tasks

You can’t know what needs to be changed before you examine how everything works currently. Three areas hold vital information to help you with identifying the changes you need to do, so pay attention to:

  • Employees – You need to have the people with the proper skill set in the right spot. Also, you must have a project owner to maintain the path visible and according to plan. Ultimately, ask yourself if the objectives are identified, reasonable, and safe;
  • Processes – You have to map your processes from time to time using value stream mapping to evaluate process advancement projects. Furthermore, always check for pressure points and bottlenecks;
  • Equipment and technology – Check if all your machinery is in good shape and if the technology you depend on is ideal for your actual needs. Evaluate how easy it will be to make changes in your production processes.

Before you start making changes, understand how everything exactly functions. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. So, unless you can recognize an economic or safety motive for making some changes, take your time and think hard about the worth of the anticipated results.

Maintaining An Optimal Inventory Is Imperative

If you have excess inventory, you need to have a place to store it and hope to use it all. On the contrary, if you have insufficient, you take the risk of a work cessation as you wait for more inventory. So, optimal inventory is especially significant if you are following some of the principles of lean manufacturing.

Utilize a software system to track inventory and generate automatic notifications of shortages. You can allow suppliers to have direct access to your inventory and automatically fulfill required supplies. Make forecasts about the impact of specific shortages and set up processes to reduce production delays.

Keep a record of rejection rates, reduction in quality, and late delivery so you can correct them with your supplier or search for a new one. In addition, if you know one of your suppliers is going through a radical change, demand assurances or guarantees that your supplies will remain the same.

Organize Your Workspace For Maximum Optimality

Reducing clutter and movement can save precious time. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary movement in the facility for optimal task performance is really important. Establish an optimal arrangement of your tools and materials needed for the working processes. Remove any unused tools or materials from the workspace. Set up organized storage to decrease the time for finding materials and gear. Additionally, lay out the manufacturing floor for maximum efficiency.

Decrease travel time and distance anytime possible. If an item needs to be moved from one machine to another, find a way to reduce that distance and move the item faster but safely toward the next step in the production process. Every excess movement is an example of poor organization and may cost you a lot of production time. 

Training Your Employees Constantly Will Boost Your Overall Workflow

Employee training is a never-ending process. In some industry sectors, specific types of training are mandatory, as the safety training for all workers that use safety gear. Plus, new machinery and technology need the training to get the maximum value. 

Schedule training sessions for all the employees once new equipment is employed. Hold records of training and plan refresher courses if required. You can also offer educational opportunities for workers that wish to advance their skills or gain new ones.

However, you must not restrict training or education to equipment. Your manufacturing site will run even smoother if all employees understand the policies on staff like mobbing or proper communication.

Final Words

Finally, increasing productivity leads to revenue growth and the chance to expand your business. You will be able to engage in more work, increase salaries or acquire new equipment. Make it a rule to examine your processes routinely. New manufacturing machinery, materials, and methods show up on the horizon constantly. So, prepare to embrace those that make the most value for your business.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The World Financial Review.