When it comes to maximizing factory productivity, many business owners and managers focus on complex solutions. However, many strategies for increasing production are not as complicated or expensive as one might think. Here are 10 simple ways to boost factory productivity. Implementing just a few of these techniques can help your business achieve significant results.
How To Calculate Manufacturing Productivity
The first step is to understand what your factory’s current productivity levels are. To do this, you’ll need to calculate your factory’s output per hour. Output can be measured in several ways, such as the number of units produced or the value of goods produced. Once you have this figure, divide it by the number of factory workers you have. This will give you your factory’s productivity per hour.
For example, if your factory produces 100 widgets per hour and you have 10 workers, your productivity is 10 widgets per worker per hour. Here’s a list to consider when calculating manufacturing productivity:
- Understand what you’re trying to measure.
- Define and track the appropriate factory productivity metrics.
- Analyze factory productivity data.
- Set achievable goals.
- Create a plan to improve factory productivity.
- Implement changes and monitor results.
- Repeat steps 4 to 6, as necessary.
10 Strategies To Increase Factory Productivity
Factory owners and managers are always looking for new and innovative ways to increase productivity. But with so many factors to consider, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some tried and tested strategies for boosting production.
1. Have the right skilled workers on the team.
One of the most important factors in factory productivity is having a team of workers with the right skills for the job. When hiring, take the time to find candidates with the appropriate skills and experience. Once you have your team in place, provide them with ongoing training to ensure they stay up-to-date on the latest factory processes and procedures.
2. Implement lean manufacturing techniques.
Lean manufacturing is a set of principles and practices used to streamline factory operations. By eliminating waste and increasing efficiency, lean manufacturing can help businesses boost productivity and improve profitability. There are many different techniques that can be implemented, such as value stream mapping, 5S, and Kanban.
3. Automate processes.
Automating factory processes can help businesses increase production while reducing costs. By investing in factory automation equipment, businesses can improve efficiency and output volumes.
4. Improve factory layout and design.
The layout of your factory can have a big impact on productivity. An efficient factory layout minimizes the need for workers to travel long distances to perform their tasks. When designing or redesigning your factory, the goal is to establish a way to get tasks done in the least amount of time and effort possible.
5. Implement just-in-time manufacturing.
Just-in-time manufacturing is a production methodology in which goods are produced only as needed, rather than being produced in advance and stored until they are ordered or distributed. This approach can help businesses reduce inventory costs.
6. Use factory data to improve decision-making.
Factory data can be a valuable tool for improving decision-making. By tracking key factory metrics, such as output per hour, businesses can identify areas of opportunity and take steps to increase production.
7. Increase communication and collaboration.
Improving communication and collaboration among factory workers can help boost productivity. When workers are able to easily share information and work together on tasks, they can get more done in less time.
8. Encourage employee input.
Encouraging employees to provide input on factory operations can help you identify potential improvements that could be made. Many employees have ideas for how to increase productivity, but they may not feel comfortable sharing them with their managers. Encouraging employee input can help you tap into this valuable source of ideas.
9. Offer incentives for increased productivity.
Offering incentives for increased productivity can be an effective way to boost factory output. By offering bonuses or other rewards for meeting productivity goals, you can motivate employees to work harder and perform better.
10. Invest in factory maintenance.
Investing in factory maintenance can help businesses keep their facilities running smoothly and avoid costly downtime. When factory equipment is well-maintained, it is more likely to operate at peak efficiency, which can help boost manufacturing productivity.
By following these tips, you can enhance factory productivity and strengthen your bottom line.
Why Factory Efficiency Is Important
In a manufacturing setting, it’s not enough that you meet the volume of needs; you need to make sure that the cost of operating is low so that the business can keep more revenue. All factories need to monitor their efficiency procedures from time to time:
- To stay competitive – In today’s global economy, businesses must continuously strive to improve efficiency to remain competitive. Otherwise, they risk being outdone by businesses that are able to produce the same products or services at a lower cost.
- To improve profitability – Improving factory efficiency can help businesses boost their profits by reducing costs and increasing production.
- To reduce environmental impact – Factories have a large impact on the environment due to the emissions they produce. By becoming more efficient, factories can reduce their environmental impact and help create a sustainable future.
If you’re looking for ways to improve factory productivity by hiring the right staff, contact TruPath today. We specialize in manufacturing recruitment and can help you find the best-skilled workers for your team. Hire manufacturing workers and specialists through TruPath today.