Richard AgamaMost manufacturers turn toward making cuts when attempting to cut costs. This thinking could mean laying off employees or slowing down on updating technology. There are ways your business can thrive and save money that don’t require letting go of workers. These are a few other ways manufacturing companies can save money.
Perform a Complete Assessment
The first step when tackling any problem in a manufacturing facility is to conduct a realistic and thorough assessment of the facility. At the top of the list regarding procurement and supply chain management should be cost reduction, spending analytics, and cost-efficiency.
Manufacturers set themselves up for success when they understand the entire picture and make objective assessments for each component. It’s ideal to hire a third-party consultant when conducting this assessment.
Seek Improvement Within
Manufacturers will be losing many employees to retirement within the next few years, making it crucial to capture their experiences and knowledge to pass along to the next generation of workers. Reach out to your employees to find that next big idea. The ones down in the trenches day in and out are proven sources for generating ideas to improve processes.
Pro Tip
Reward employees with a percentage of savings their idea conducted. This reward is a fantastic way to get workers to find additional ways to save money.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Second to labor for manufacturing expenses is energy consumption. Begin making production decisions based on demand. Doing this will save energy costs without sacrificing customer satisfaction or output. A few ways to reduce costs include:
- Updating old HVAC systems
- Implementing a continuous improvement strategy
- Fixing and optimizing air compressors
- Installing energy-efficient lighting
- Create an energy management team
The benefits of reducing energy consumption? You’re making a greener company, which will attract new team members and customers.
Work Smarter Through Automation
Automation and robotics have advanced since being introduced to the factory floors. Robots are more versatile, intelligent, flexible, and steadily falling in costs due to their machine learning and sensing advancements. Employees can safely interact and work alongside machines that take on hazardous, repetitive, and ergonomically challenging tasks.
3D printing is also changing up the manufacturing game. It’s saving time, speeding up the prototype process, comparing projects, and more.
Implementing even a few ways manufacturing companies can save money will help your business become more profitable. It’s essential not to sacrifice the quality of your services or products.
