Manufacturing companies that have maximum efficiency enjoy a wide range of benefits over those companies that have inefficient working processes. Not only does output improve, but costs are kept to a minimum. Plus, efficient working is usually a good sign that other key metrics — such as employee engagement — are in a healthy state. Throw in the fact that efficient working brings all these benefits without any loss of quality, and it becomes clear that it can really make a big difference to a manufacturing company’s chances of success. There’s no magic bullet that’ll help maximise efficiency. The process depends on ensuring that a number of different boxes have been ticked. However, we’ll still run through 4 handy strategies that should nudge your manufacturing efficiency in the right direction.
By Team Savant
Image: Faruk Tokluoğlu
Engage the Workforce
A manufacturing company could take every step in the book to help drive efficiency, but ultimately, if the workforce isn’t engaged or is under-trained, then it’s impossible that the company will reach its full output potential.
There are multiple steps required to get a workforce that’s capable of delivering its best. Sufficient training, for example, is paramount. To work efficiently, employees must fully understand the ins and outs of the tools and software they’re using. Plus, this approach will simply reduce the risk of mistakes that lead to do-overs.
Remember that employee engagement goes beyond ensuring they’re well-trained. Ideally, they’ll feel comfortable in their roles, happy with the company, and all-around feel supported and part of a team.
Preventative Maintenance
Even the best-trained employees can’t work efficiently — or at all — if the equipment they’re supposed to be using is damaged and needs repair. While you can’t always prevent tools and machinery from breaking down, manufacturing companies can greatly reduce the chances by investing in proactive preventive maintenance. That’ll help identify any potential problems as early as possible, ensuring you can fix the problem at a time and date that suits you, rather than having to perform emergency repairs when it eventually ceases working.
Utilise the Right Software
Having the right software in place can be a game-changer for manufacturing companies. From tools like NetSuite Manufacturing that can help with supply chain management and demand planning to automation software that can handle those repetitive tasks, there’s no shortage of software tools that can enhance productivity on the market. If you’re having a particular issue that’s hampering your output, then it’s worthwhile looking to see if there’s software that can help — in all likelihood, there will be.
Identify Efficiency-Busters
Finally, remember that the best way to boost efficiency is to eliminate the tasks and processes that are currently holding it back. By taking a close look at your current operations, manufacturing companies can help to identify bottlenecks and time-wasters which, once removed, can make it easier for businesses to get ahead. For example, if your quality control processes aren’t as robust as they could be, then improving them will help to reduce rework and callbacks, boosting your production line’s output.