5 Ways To Streamline Manufacturing Processes

When it comes to improving a business (especially an industrial business such as a manufacturing facility), a key objective for all owners is to improve efficiency. One of the most all-encompassing ways to achieve this goal is to streamline manufacturing processes. Better teamwork, reduced waste, improved product quality, and decreased labor and material costs are all incredible benefits.
 
While many manufacturers earnestly wish they could streamline long-standing (and terribly outdated) processes and reap said benefits, some are overwhelmed at the thought. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When taken step by step, there are several effective ways to streamline manufacturing processes.
 
Prioritize Quality Control
 
Implementing a new quality control process or refreshing an old one is key. Establishing a QMS (quality management system) at every step along the production process will ensure compliance and quality. With a QMS in place, you will significantly reduce the chances of slowdowns due to errors and non-compliance.
 
Reconsider Perfectionism
 
While the idea of a perfect production environment, perfect employee performance, and a perfect product is appealing (and not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself), perfectionism can slow processes down greatly. Determine which factors really do require perfection and which areas can still flourish under a relaxed standard.
 
Refresh Communication Skills and Strategies
 
Communication is key to a streamlined manufacturing process. In an industrial setting, different departments are often spread out or focused on their particular tasks, thus missing opportunities to share important information. Bridge this gap by encouraging communication between employees, strictly enforcing lunch and break times, and including employees in important meetings. 
 
Invest in the Latest Technologies 
 
One of the best ways to streamline manufacturing processes is to invest in the latest technologies. If you are producing sensitive components such as antennas or batteries, utilizing low-pressure overmolding may prove much more efficient than outdated processes. Other ways to incorporate new technologies into manufacturing processes include:
 

Installing and utilizing a software system that captures pertinent data every step along the way, from the moment an order is placed to the moment it is delivered.

Ensuring QMS software is also mobile-friendly. This allows supervisors and employees to receive pertinent information or be notified of any issues the moment they occur.

Moving your industrial network over to the cloud rather than a facility’s server. This also safeguards data against hacking and viruses.

 
Go Green
 
Sorting through endless piles of papers, finding handwritten notes (some of which are illegible), and tracking down documentation are incredibly time-consuming tasks. Reduce the time it takes to find what you need by going paperless as much as possible. This way, employees can also log in to the system and quickly access the documents or data they need.