Owning a manufacturing facility requires owners to stay on top of various productivity tasks. Human error is one of the leading problems facing the manufacturing industry. Absenteeism, illness, and mistakes cost over $260 billion yearly in lost productivity costs. How can you combat some of these expensive costs? Use these tips to improve productivity and reduce expenses in the workplace.
Workplace Organization
Creating an organized workplace environment allows workers to perform their work effectively without needing constantly move around to grab tools and equipment needed to do their job. Are there specific tasks that could be automated? Automating some small tasks reduces the error ratio and it prevents downtime, something all humans require to be productive. If the work cannot be completely automated, bringing organization to the company is the best solution. Consider implementing a program that works like Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing. Both systems have been proven to reduce errors, save money, and improve productivity.
Most people that become injured on the work floor is due to improper workplace organization. A disorganized workstation can cause a person to move in the wrong way, which could lead to a strain or something worse. When you are designing a work floor, look for the tools the employees use the most and place them in areas that are easy for them to obtain and replace. Employees must have easy access to power outlets to use with various power tools.
Software and Picking
Based on the specific industry you are in, using the right software can make a drastic difference in work performance. For example, companies that manufacture doors and cabinets will benefit from fenestration software to aid streamlining the entire process to reduce errors. Picking methods are one of the most commonly used methods with software. Common picking techniques include:
- Piece picking – There is a storage area and picking area where companies can select the items they need, moving them back and forth with a forklift.
- Zone picking – Managers will designate pickers based on work zone areas. Typically, the zone picking assignments are based on if a person can drive a forklift and others that can handle lighter loads.
- Wave picking – Using wave picking gives a company control over inventory by designating zones for the various items. Companies using SKUs often find wave picking to be an effective way to organize inventory.
- Batch picking – A batch picking method is when an individual is assigned a list of items to obtain and they will go through the warehouse to pull each item from the floor. Batch picking works for some smaller companies but it can be time consuming for larger organizations with large batch orders to fill.
- Barcode scanners – Barcode scanning is a faster way to obtain data as it reduces the risk of human error. When humans record numbers by hand, the rate of error drastically increases.
Proper Product Manufacturing
While manufacturing can be a challenging industry, it can be rewarding. By implementing the right system for product manufacturing, companies will be able to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve overall productivity as well as improving employee retention and overall job satisfaction.
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