No matter the industry, every business integrates some form of manufacturing into its overall output. In the modern business world, manufacturing is a constantly changing industry in itself, with technological advances dictating workflow and customer expectations. If you’re involved in the manufacturing industry as a business owner, there are many ways to increase your productivity and increase your profits. Here, we will look at just five manufacturing business tips and tricks that can have major benefits when it comes to reaching your financial goals and your company’s overall success.
1. Integrate the latest production equipment.
While there’s no substitute for a great staff of trained, hardworking team members, providing your crew with the latest and most advanced equipment is a major step in the right direction of productivity and efficiency. For example, every manufacturing facility requires multiple conveyors of diverse sizes and shapes, shipping and labeling equipment, and forklifts (which should always be run and maintained by well-trained forklift operators).
However, no matter you’re financial situation, it’s worth the investment to have the latest and greatest when it comes to all of these pieces of equipment, as well as making sure everything is up to code and running smoothly. For example, if it’s time for a lift truck fork replacement or new forklift forks and pallets, don’t wait until something breaks down or goes wrong. Likewise, have your conveyors routinely cleaned and tested. A manufacturing facility should run a well-oiled machine; the best way to make sure it does is for each one of its machines to be well-oiled.
2. Location is crucial for your success.
Your next step is finding the right place to set up your plant. Although you may already have your manufacturing facility up and running if you’re a business owner just starting out or taking steps for turning around your finances, keep in mind that your location is going to play a big part in your daily workflow and delivery turnaround. Aside from dictating the availability of hiring eligible employees and trained, skilled team members, your plant’s zoning and logistics all fall into place if you’re located in the right area. In addition, your delivery turnaround is directly related to where you set up camp, as you’ll be dealing with industrial trucks and delivery companies on an ongoing, regular basis. Try and find an ideal township that’s welcoming to hosting a manufacturing facility and, if you’re bringing your company to a preexisting structure, be sure its size and capacity match your production workflow.
3. Success is a team effort.
While every tip on this list is equally important, the first step in your overall ongoing success is assembling the right staff of dedicated, skilled employees. As stated, success truly is a team effort, and no pieces of high-end manufacturing equipment function correctly without the right set of eyes (or skilled set of hands) overseeing them. You may have invested in a fleet of brand new fork trucks, but that fleet is only as good as the forklift operator. Additionally, keep in mind that team morale can also play an important role in overall productivity. If your financial plan warrants it, offering your dedicated team members incentives such as benefits or a retirement plan is always a good idea.
4. Outsource whenever possible.
In the United States, one of the major concerns for job security is the ongoing trend of outsourcing jobs. However, the very concept of outsourcing can also include sending specialized tasks to other local companies, such as your marketing and advertising needs, internal analytics and financial record-keeping, and all areas of accounting. While it’s always a good idea to keep a hands-on approach to knowing your bank account bottom line, assigning itemized work to different people with the needed expertise can free up your time and focus on getting your manufacturing work done faster and more efficiently. When it comes to diversifying your business’ profits for investment purposes, as many successful business owners tend to do, leaving the tough decisions to experts can pay off.5. Streamline your boxing and shipping.
If you’re manufacturing business is also responsible for delivering product and service on-time, the good news is that technology was evolving by leaps and bounds in new cost-efficient equipment for all your boxing and shipping needs. Consider investing in one or more accessories, such as automated cardboard box-making machines, spiral conveyors, and other similar pieces of equipment to help with load capacity and turnaround time. Upgrading your machinery can take your manufacturing capabilities to the next level and, ultimately, turn your small business into a long-lasting force to be reckoned with.
