Keeping a manufacturing-based business functional can be extremely challenging at times. Businesses that operate in the product manufacturing sector typically rely on machines and manpower to get the job done. This means keeping equipment functional and employees efficient is essential when trying to have continued success in this industry.
The last thing any business owner wants is to let their productivity levels suffer as a result of negligence. This is why devising a plan that puts increased productivity high on the list of priorities is vital.
Trying to find a way to make a factory-based business more efficient? If so, check out the helpful tips below.
Creating a Detailed Preventative Maintenance Plan
Waiting until the machines in a factory breakdown to focus on maintenance is a bad idea. This is why creating a detailed preventative maintenance plan for each of the machines in a factory is a must. Inspecting a machine’s ball screw assembly and engine components can give you a heads up on any issues that may be present.
Finding out about these problems early on can help to reduce the amount of damage they cause. With the right amount of preventative maintenance, a business owner can reduce the amount of downtime that occurs as a result of damaged machinery. The time and money invested in this preventative maintenance will be well worth it in the long run.
Find and Reclaim Non-Productive Warehouse Storage Space
Making sure every square inch of warehouse space is used correctly is something a business owner should view as a priority. Often times, there will be a lot of unclaimed and non-productive space in a warehouse, which can lead to efficiency problems.
The best way to find this space is by doing an inventory audit on a regular basis. These audits will provide you with information about whether or not certain products can be consolidated into one space rather than being spread out across various areas in a warehouse. With the help of a few hard-working employees, getting these audits done will be far less challenging.
Provide Employees With Checklists
Trying to take on all of the maintenance needs a factory has alone can lead to lots of mistakes being made. This is why delegating some of these tasks is such a good idea. The employees who work on a machine each day should be provided a checklist.
This checklist should feature a list of things an employee should inspect before getting to work. For instance, forklift drivers will need to inspect things like the tires and forks on their machine before operating it. Getting your team in the habit of inspecting their machines on a daily basis can reduce downtime substantially.
Focus on Workplace Safety
Decreasing the number of workplace accidents can also make a business more efficient. The machinery a factory-based business uses on a daily basis can create lots of hazardous situations. This is why educating employees about these dangers and how to avoid them is crucial.
Focusing on safety will not only reduce workplace accidents, it can help you avoid expensive insurance claims as well. Working with safety training professionals can help you provide helpful information to your employees in an effective way.
Keep an Eye Out For Problems
Becoming detached from your business will make it hard to spot efficiency issues. This is why keeping a close eye on the work going on in a factory is so important.