4 Tips To Improve Manufacturing Processes For Your Business

When you’re running a business, it’s vital to pay close attention to your manufacturing processes. There are so many aspects of quality control when it comes to manufacturing. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the various organizational aspects. The good news is that improving your manufacturing processes doesn’t have to be hard work. Simply follow these five tips to make a great start.

1. Lean Principles

Lean manufacturing is a strategy that is designed to reduce waste. According to lean manufacturing, waste can occur at several different levels, including defects, overproduction, waiting, motion, overprocessing, inventory, or transportation. By adopting lean manufacturing principles, you’ll help your business to reduce waste across your entire operation. You might be able to reduce waste in many different ways, whether it’s re-assessing your production line or using JIT methods.

2. Manufacturing Software 

To help you to improve your manufacturing processes, there are various software options which you can use to help you:

• Fishbowl Manufacturing: Fishbowl Manufacturing is an inventory management platform, providing options for inventory control, shop floor management, and manufacturing execution. Using this software, you can automate the process of quotes, orders, and purchasing.
• E2 by Shoptech: This manufacturing software offers scheduling, shipping, and purchasing options. It’s the perfect tool for ‘made-to-order’ manufacturers. With the contact management module, you can ensure that everyone involved in the manufacturing processes is kept up to date.

There are plenty of other software solutions out there which can help you to streamline your processes. Software such as Pipefly allows you to improve your lean manufacturing processes specifically. With the right tech solutions you’ll save both time and money!

3. Set Goals

To improve any business process, you’ve got to set goals to determine where you are headed. To help yourself to set goals, it can be useful to use the SMART Framework.

Specific: Any goal should be clearly detailed and defined; vague goals are not helpful to reach your desired end-game.

Measurable: Your goals need to be measurable so that you can track your progress. Include dates, amounts, and so on.

Attainable: Goals should be realistic, setting unattainable goals is simply demotivating.

Relevant: Your goals must be highly relevant to your long-term manufacturing needs and principles.

Time-Bound: All goals need a deadline to keep you on the right track. Deadlines can help to motivate you by adding an element of urgency.

4. Devise A Maintenance Plan

To keep your production machinery in great condition, it’s important to devise a maintenance plan. Your staff will likely be able to handle some maintenance; however, specialist tasks should be conducted by a trained professional. With the proper care of all your machinery and equipment, you’ll have less downtime and higher productivity levels.

Above all, it’s important to assess your performance continually. To support this process, it can be useful to gain feedback from staff members. With a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be able to raise your performance levels and boost the success of your business.