The primary aim of manufacturers (aside from providing their customers with good quality products) is to make a profit. To that effect, they employ great manufacturing systems and lean methods that improve productivity. Without a doubt, we know that there’s a correlation between high productivity and making profits. Therefore, manufacturers need to increase productivity to run efficiently. But how can they do this without breaking the bank? Below are four ways to improve your manufacturing operations drastically.
1. Keep up with the technological trends.
There’s a whole lot of innovation and technology in contemporary society. Taking advantage of the present technology involves a lot more than buying the right equipment. As an intelligent manufacturer, you need to know that machines and equipment get obsolete after some time. Hence, it’s essential to follow technology trends. This will help you stay well informed about all new technologies and tools that make your work easier.
As customer demands are constantly changing and turning towards mass customization, you need good software to help you with intelligent manufacturing. Some software comes with customizations that can help you run a smart factory. Some use real-time data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for an efficient manufacturing process.
What’s more, intelligent manufacturing software will monitor the entire supply chain. It’ll equally help to improve your manufacturing methodology and product testing to ensure you’re using just the required quantity of materials. Eventually, you’ll be able to cut costs, increase turnaround time, and improve your overall manufacturing operations.
2. Try to adopt lean production methods.
Lean production is a manufacturing process centered on reducing waste to the bare minimum while still delivering quality products. This should be a top priority for every manufacturer. In fact, cutting out waste from your production process is a significant feat. One way to go about it is by consulting business experts in the field of 5s lean training.
Consulting companies like Incito offer insight on lean production methods and their benefits. They’re committed to transforming your business through creative and innovative solutions. Furthermore, they have quite a lot of practical experience. Getting on board with them ensures a solid education on your 5s workplace organization methodologies.
This particular methodology focuses on eliminating waste by verifying whether a material adds value to a manufactured product. It can help you stabilize and create a sustainable business. Incito’s 5s process includes:
- Sort (Sieri) — remove redundant materials.
- Straighten (seiton) — have a place for everything.
- Shine (seiso) — get rid of sources of waste.
- Standardize (seiketsu) — preserve and observe the first 3s.
- Sustain (shitsuke) — train, educate, and change habits.
All in all, this framework helps to improve production processes.
3. Aim to have good maintenance culture.
The same way humans break down when they’re overly stressed and worn out, machines do too. With that in mind, you need to make sure you have a system and schedule in place for regular maintenance of tools and equipment used daily. It’s best not to wait for a breakdown that’ll leave you looking for ways to salvage the situation. It’s cheaper to practice preventive maintenance culture than to waste money fixing machines. This also saves you time and unnecessary stress.
4. Train and educate your workers on the job.
Employee development is essential. With that in mind, you need to train and educate your employees on the job continually. New technologies and manufacturing processes are introduced every day. As such, it would be best to organize training sessions and workshops to educate and inform your employees about maximizing their workstation. They equally need to be aware of improvements in key technologies and new production methods. This will keep them one step ahead and ensure that you improve your manufacturing process.
Manufacturing operations are always a challenge, and there’s always something to improve, but following these steps will set you well on your way to increased productivity.
