Process and technology update

The moment a manufacturing company has reviewed and organized its current workflow, it can begin to identify areas where processes / technology need to be updated or changed. Processes that have been in use for quite some time have been covered with workarounds by adding new equipment and changing production methods.

• Automation is a powerful way to increase efficiency and reduce errors.

• New software solutions help with inventory scheduling and monitoring workflow.

• Equipment upgrades can improve quality, speed, and production.

When finding new equipment and technology, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership and how it will affect the bottom line. Although the initial investment comes at a high price, it is worth it as it is less than technology / process replacement and solves problems such as minimizing waste and eliminating a production bottleneck.

Follow scheduled maintenance

When machinery and equipment are not maintained on a regular basis, production slows down. Downtime costs due to maintenance are much lower than costs due to worn / broken equipment. Companies can schedule their maintenance. These must be followed as breakage occurs at the worst time.

All operators should be trained in troubleshooting procedures and regular maintenance.

• Preventive maintenance should be scheduled at regular intervals.

• They must determine the best time to schedule maintenance with the help of floor information and workflow processes.

• Maintenance should be done in time.

Preventive maintenance ensures that equipment runs smoothly without unplanned downtime or work interruption.

Educate and train employees

Learning and training is an ongoing process, especially when it comes to the workplace. Training is mandatory in various industries, such as safety training for personnel wearing safety equipment. People need training when there is new equipment and technology. Educating employees is also an effective way to make them stay with a company longer. It takes time for new hires to become proficient, slowing down production.

Once the new equipment is installed, all operators must receive training.

• Companies must keep accurate training records and schedule updates when necessary.

• They can provide educational opportunities for employees who like to develop new skills.

Education and training should not be limited to teams. A manufacturing plant will perform better if its employees understand its policies regarding proper communication and harassment in the workplace.

Organize the workplace

You save more time with less movement and clutter.

• Movement should be minimized to maximize the efficiency of the task.

• They should create the design of materials and tools for the job / process.

• Unnecessary / unused materials and tools should be removed from the workplace.

• Storage should be organized to minimize search time for documents, materials, and equipment.

• To maximize efficiency, they must lay out the shop floor.

• Travel time and distance should be reduced whenever possible. When products need to be moved to the next step in the process, they need to find the shortest distance, the fastest time, and the safest way to do it. They can also find a software solution to improve scheduling.

Unnecessary movement in the workplace means a poorly organized company. This can cost them a lot in terms of production time. They may consider using techniques like Kanban (just-in-time production) to minimize delays and increase efficiency.