Regardless of whether your manufacturing facility in Utah is just starting, or have been pumping out products for years now, there’s always the occasional hiccup that can hinder your productivity — resulting in losses in your bottom line.
According to manufacturing improvement firm Vorne Industries Inc., this can come from equipment failure, stopping the assembly line for adjustments, slow cycles, defective parts, and even small stops in your manufacturing process. Here’s what you can do to address productivity issues in your assembly line and get quality products to your clients faster.
Do Your Research
As a manager, it’s your job to make big-picture decisions. When it comes to addressing productivity issues, however, you need to be on the floor and record any inconsistencies or small problems. Go from station to station with a pen and paper in hand. Check for flaws in the process and list down possible ways you can make the quality of the product better and at a faster rate. Collect as many data as you can — from timings to rates of material wastage in the process. Once you have the information you need, you can then bring this up with your partners to come up with a plan to improve parts of your manufacturing facility.
Prevention is Key
While the speed of production and quality of your product is the top priority, you should always keep your tools and facilities appropriately maintained. One breakdown could put your whole system to a halt and cause extended downtime. Enlist the help of an equipment inspector to do scheduled rounds in your factory. It also helps to extensively vet your parts and specialty piping suppliers to make sure you’re getting equipment that lasts.
Upgrade Your Tools
With the fast pace that computer hardware and software are going, it’s baffling to know that companies are still running Windows XP on their computers. Using outdated tools, whether it be digital or analog, comes with safety and productivity risks that far outweigh the savings you’re getting by keeping them. Unless your company prides itself in making handmade goods, automating processes that don’t require much reasoning and logic will reduce human error and lessen reliance in overseas manufacturing.
Reap the Rewards of Regular Training
When you add a new or upgraded piece of equipment on your manufacturing floor, you should provide as much training as you can for employees that will use it. Not only will you make your process more efficient as your workers get acquainted with their new tools, but education also advances your employee’s knowledge about the industry. This sets loyal and hardworking employees up for career advancements like promotions or new positions on the floor. Plus, regular training also motivates employees by reminding them how important their jobs are to the company.
Running a manufacturing facility is a lot of work, especially during peak production seasons. Make sure your floor is at its best by addressing problems early, maintaining and upgrading equipment, and giving your employees the training they need. The money and effort that you’ll invest will be worth its weight in gold when you’re pushing out better products at a faster rate.
