Follow these tips on factory layout and other factors to help improve productivity in your facility
Tip No. 1: Take a look at your current workflow.
The first step of any 12-step program is admitting you have a problem. It’s the same when it comes to workflow. A careful examination of your facility’s operations can identify pain points and areas in need of improvement.
Tip No. 2: Collaborate and listen.
When developing a new layout for your facility, discuss your findings with employees who work on the floor, and get their input. Because they deal with the workflow every day, they may have insights that can help develop a more efficient flow.
Tip No. 3: Make preventative maintenance a priority.
Equipment that breaks down puts a serious hitch into a facility’s workflow. It’s essential to invest in preventative maintenance so there is as little downtime as possible.
Tip No. 4: Keep everything in its place.
A major factor in inefficiency is time lost due to disorganization. When items workers need aren’t where they expect to find them, it takes more time to retrieve those items. Make sure your facility is organized so that vital components and supplies are kept as close as possible to where they are most needed.
Tip No. 5: Invest in continuing employee education.
Introducing new processes may not make anything more efficient if employees don’t follow them. It’s crucial to invest in continual education programs to reinforce best practices and ensure everyone on the floor does his or her part.
Tip No. 6: Encourage accountability.
When employees are empowered to speak up when they see infractions of procedures or inefficient behavior, it creates an environment in which efficiency and safety are everyone’s responsibility.
Tip No. 7: Utilize technology.
Computer-controlled machining tools and other advanced equipment may be costly at first to install and learn how to use, but they can bring significantly greater efficiencies to many facilities. If your facility has the resources, it can be well worth the expense and effort.
Tip No. 8: Keep your expectations within reason.
Streamlining a facility is a process, not a product. Setting unrealistic goals for improving efficiency can lead to discouragement and frustration. Set realistic goals as you begin the process and seek incremental improvements with each phase of the optimization process.
BRANDING
PACK’R
Provided by IBC filling equipment provider, PACK’R
