How to improve your manufacturing business' productivity

Top tips to increase your company's yield

Through the last century, manufacturing processes were transformed with the rise of the factory and, in particular, machine production facilities. Now, as we near the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, manufacturing and production are again being overhauled, this time through the rise of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Nonetheless, while computers and autonomous production systems are making a significant impact on companies' output, there are still some basic rules you should follow to maintain the highest levels of efficiency in your manufacturing business. Here are just a few ideas to improve your company's productivity.

Start at the beginning and review your processes 

Time is money, and the more products you can produce in a given time, the greater your efficiency will be. Rather than just assuming your current processes are the best they can be, take some time out to review them.

A great way to do this is by speaking to the employees on the ground to pick their brains and get ideas where they might see room for improvement. After all, as a manager/business owner, you likely don't spend much time actually on the work-floor, so be sure to listen to your staff's ideas – the ones actually doing the job. Alternatively, if you don't have time, consider bringing in a warehouse consulting firm to liaise with your staff and identify potential problem areas. Common points of concern include:

·       Staff: Are you using the best skills of your staff in the best places?

·       Equipment: Do you need to update or replace tools of equipment used by your team?

·       Processes: Are there areas where you could improve efficiency and reduce waste/downtime?

Integrate more with technology 

If you haven't already, look at integrating more technology into your facilities. AI and automation are revolutionizing manufacturing and can massively reduce your overhead. Any time-consuming, repetitive tasks currently handled manually by humans could be automated to reduce errors and production time. Also, think about using software for similar repetitive tasks in the office environment to free up both time and resources.

Check staff training and education

It is vital your staff fully understand what's expected of them – both from a safety and manufacturing point of view – so be sure that all workers are adequately trained. When hiring new employees, put them on a training course to bring them up to speed and check existing personnel's knowledge of procedures. Also, if you install new equipment, ensure your entire workforce is appropriately trained in its use.

Establish a maintenance schedule

Downtime, through maintenance, may seem like a huge waste of time, but it is considerably easier to fix small errors as they occur than wait for the machinery to develop a fatal fault. Agree on a regular maintenance schedule with your staff to stay on top of any developing issues and avoid a complete shutdown. There is a reason people say, "A stitch in time saves nine," – commit to regular care and upkeep of your equipment and machinery.

Business Improvements Start With You

As a successful business owner, you are always looking to take your venture to the next level. While you regularly look for external opportunities, the truth of the matter is that the transformation should start with you. After all, it's your actions that will ultimately direct the company to success or failure. 

Your first challenge, then, is to build a winning strategy that focuses on the aspects of the business that will generate the biggest upgrades. Here's all you need to know.

Team Productivity

A successful team of employees is the most valuable asset you'll ever possess. However, it's your job to unlock their full potential. It's a process that starts with smart recruitment processes.

Productivity also relies heavily on motivation and engagement. You can take proactive steps by completing leadership development programs. A better understanding of how to communicate with different teams on their level will spark an upturn across the business.

On a separate note, you should also introduce the best communication and collaboration systems. When teams can work together, their hopes of achieving optimal output are greatly increased. Perfect.

Marketing

The business has very little chance of succeeding if its branding and marketing aspects aren't under control. You'll probably have a team to do most of the work. But the process still starts with you.

Nobody knows the company better than you do. Moreover, you have the best understanding of its audience and history. This information should be made clear in a brand booklet. This information will go a long way to directing marketing teams (in-house or outsourced) to success.

Most importantly, your active role in overseeing things ensures that consistency is used across all ad campaigns. It also extends to future customer interactions.

Financial Control

Sales revenue is the lifeblood of any business. However, profit is a two-way street that is equally dependent on the company's overhead. Only you can ensure that they will stay under control.

It's true that you may hire an accountant or use accounting software. Nonetheless, it's your role to implement the analytical tools that will identify whether money is being wasted. Only then can your company learn to trim the fat and make its capital work harder on supplies, stock, and order fulfillment.

The employees will look towards your direction for inspiration. So, if you are guilty of wasting money on major investments or in daily activities, now is the time to make a change.

Protection

Building a profitable business in the modern era is hard work. Therefore, any entrepreneur that achieves this goal must go the extra mile to protect it. Only 360° coverage will work.

The need for CCTV cameras and digital protection is well known. But, you should also think about copyright infringement and the use of non-disclosure agreements. Intellectual property is more valuable than a few boxes of stock. For the sake of your reputation and appeal to clients, get this right.

Even with basic ideas like using advanced password protection, it's your job to put staff guidelines in place. If you do not guide people to the right answers, you can't expect them to succeed.