5 Ways To Improve Productivity In Your Manufacturing Facility

Introduction

Do you know how to increase production and bring efficiency to your manufacturing facility?

Are you struggling to streamline operations, manage employees, and continue using substandard machinery?

Have you tried working with great servicing vendors who can take care of the machinery and help you concentrate on other aspects?

Manufacturing in Mexico offers a strategic advantage for businesses seeking cost-effective production and streamlined operations, as highlighted by TACNA's comprehensive support services.

No matter the scale of your business operation, you are losing money if you are not paying attention to your manufacturing. Improving productivity can help you and your company in many ways. It can-

• Increase revenue generation and profit margins
• Improve employee morale
• Create a leaner and fitter organization
• Help you offer better products to your consumers
• Improve your branding and exposure

Many manufacturing businesses cannot take their interests to the next level. This article will look at five ways industries and factories can improve productivity. 

1. Focus on the maintenance of your heavy equipment and machines-

Many industrialists and factory owners tend to neglect looking after their machines. While this should be on top of the priority list, it is often mentioned when there is a huge problem. For example, it is not given attention unless a machine or equipment breaks down completely. 

If you are looking at enhanced productivity levels, you need to engage in servicing and maintenance. Common issues in factories, including boiler repair & retubing service need attention, as do periodic oiling, greasing and other service-related ones. 

Maintain Equipment Proactively

• Preventive Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
• Predictive Maintenance: Use data analytics to predict and prevent equipment failures

Utilize Advanced Technologies

• Automation and Robotics: Automate repetitive tasks to increase speed and accuracy.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Use sensors and connected devices to monitor and optimize processes.
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Implement software for planning, managing, and controlling production.

2. Ensure high levels of employee satisfaction-

If your employees are unhappy with their jobs, you can rest assured that their productivity levels will decline. Because of this factor, 90% of all manufacturing facilities suffer from productivity issues. 

Hence, it is essential to have a good working environment, cafeteria facilities, good industry wages and flexibility in emergencies. Happy employees are the very foundation of any thriving industry. 

 Employee Engagement and Motivation

• Incentive Programs: Implement reward systems for achieving productivity goals.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly gather and act on employee feedback to improve the work environment.

Enhance Workforce Training

• Regular Training Programs: Keep the workforce updated with the latest technologies and best practices.
• Cross-Training: Train employees to perform multiple roles, increasing flexibility and reducing downtime.

3. Reducing overhead costs on the factory floor and production-

Most factories tend to follow outmoded methods of production. They don’t realize that there are more economical ways of doing so. Bad policies and processes help in increasing manufacturing overheads. 

Factories need to realise that every penny saved on overheads contributes to revenues. Cutting down on costs is a bad business practice and leads to inefficiency in the organization. Cutting costs should be a top priority for any business owner or entrepreneur. 

Quality Control

• Statistical Process Control (SPC): Monitor production processes to detect and correct deviations.
• Quality Circles: Small groups of employees who regularly meet to discuss and improve quality.

4. Set the right expectations and goals-

You will not be a good employer if you push your employees towards unrealistic targets. As discussed before, this will lead to employee dissatisfaction. Poor productivity, additional stresses on machinery, and confusion are some significant side effects of setting unrealistic expectations. 

You need to manage your customer expectations with your own processes. You must strive towards a delicate, reasonable balance for your employees and clients/consumers. 

Implement Lean Manufacturing Principles

Lean manufacturing focuses on minimizing waste without sacrificing productivity. Key principles include:

• 5S System: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.
• Value Stream Mapping: Identify and eliminate non-value-added steps.
• Just-In-Time Production: Produce only what is needed, when it is needed.

Supply Chain Management

• Supplier Relationships: Build strong relationships with suppliers for reliable and quality materials.
• Logistics Optimization: Streamline logistics to ensure timely delivery of materials and products.

Implementing ERP Systems

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Integrate all facets of an operation, including planning, purchasing, inventory, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources.

Sustainability Practices

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Implement practices to reduce waste and recycle materials.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Source materials sustainably to ensure long-term supply chain stability.

5. Set up proper structures and work processes-

Time, efficiency, and the right employee are necessary at every point of your production process. This means that planning, formulations, and processes are needed to promote productivity. 

A streamlined process on the factory floor helps execute work according to everyone’s abilities. This helps keep the workers motivated, enhances their skills, improves the quality of the product, and reduces wastage and additional costs. 

Optimize Production Processes

• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Encourage small, incremental changes that improve processes.
• Six Sigma: Utilize data-driven approaches to eliminate defects and improve quality.
• Total Quality Management (TQM): Focus on long-term success through customer satisfaction.

Utilise Advanced Technologies

• Automation and Robotics: Automate repetitive tasks to increase speed and accuracy.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Use sensors and connected devices to monitor and optimize processes.
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Implement software for planning, managing, and controlling production.

Optimise Layout and Workflow

• Efficient Facility Layout: Design the workspace to minimize movement and handling.
• Workflow Analysis: Continuously analyze and adjust workflows for optimal efficiency.

Related

• Six Easy Ways To Improve Performance At Your Company
• Crush Your Business Goals with Employee Productivity Tracking
• Ten Reasons Why Monitoring Employees Is Beneficial To Your Business
• A Look at How Motivation Affects Productivity
• Here is why a virtual workspace is more productive than an office cubicle

Conclusion

Many manufacturers believe that efficiency can only increase by cutting costs. However, that is not the case. Cutting costs can reduce the quality of your final product. There are other highly effective ways to improve productivity in your manufacturing facility.