Time is money, as the old proverb goes. Isn’t it true that the more product you can squeeze out in a certain amount of time, the more cash you make? However, if you’ve been having trouble increasing output or even if everything is running smoothly, there are a number of things you can do to boost throughput without losing quality, ranging from removing impediments to restructuring your workflow.
There are some techniques to boost productivity at your manufacturing site, as listed below.
1. Check Your Workflow
You won’t discover what can be changed until you know how things work right now. Three sections include critical information that will aid you in determining whether or not changes are required.
Are you sure you’ve got the appropriate individuals in the right jobs with the right skills? Is someone in charge of making sure the crucial path is visible and on track? Are your objectives well-defined, attainable, and secure?
When was the last time you wrote out your procedures? Have you ever used value stream mapping to evaluate process improvement projects? What are the bottlenecks and stumbling blocks?
Is all of your equipment and technology up to date and functional? Is the tech you’re employing presently adequate for your requirements? How easy is it to make modifications to production?
Before making any changes, learn how everything works today. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” as the saying goes. Consider the worth of the expected outcome unless you have a financial or safety motivation to make a change.
2. Update Your Tech
Start searching for areas where methods and/or technology could be enhanced after you’ve assessed and mapped your present workflow. As new equipment was installed or manufacturing methods changed, workarounds may have been created to procedures that had been in place for a long time.
Automation is a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and eliminating errors. Scheduling, inventory, and workflow monitoring can all benefit from new software solutions such as MLOps systems. Equipment upgrades can boost manufacturing speed and quality.
When selecting new technology and equipment, consider the ownership costs and how they will affect the bottom line. A high initial cost is justifiable if the overall cost is lower than the process or technology you’re replacing, and it solves a problem like clearing a production bottleneck or reducing scrap.
3. Maintain Equipment on a Schedule
Ignoring routine maintenance is the quickest way to slow things down. Maintenance downtime is substantially less expensive than downtime caused by broken or worn equipment. Maintenance can be planned; but, failure always occurs at the most inconvenient time.
All operators should be trained in routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Preventive maintenance should be performed on a regular basis. Use data from the floor and your workflow processes to determine the ideal time for maintenance.
Don’t put off maintenance. Preventive maintenance guarantees that your equipment runs smoothly without experiencing any unplanned downtime or work halts.
4. Make Sure Your Employees Are Trained
Employee education and training is a constant process. Some businesses need certain forms of training, like safety training days for all employees who wear safety gear. You’ll need to spend time in training to get the most out of new technologies and equipment. Employee training is also a smart retention technique because new employees require time to learn the ropes, causing the output to slow down.
When new equipment is installed, schedule training sessions for all operators. Maintain accurate training records and, if necessary, schedule refresher sessions. Employees who want to improve or learn new skills should be given educational chances.
When it comes to training and education, don’t just concentrate on the equipment. Things will go more smoothly in your manufacturing facility if everyone knows your policy on harassment and proper communication.
Increased productivity should be generated through intentional change rather than quick “solutions” that may help in the short term but cause issues in the long run. Increased productivity at the expense of people can lead to staff burnout and attrition, as well as costly safety issues.
