How Can Manufacturers Increase Productivity? – 6 Top Tips

Manufacturing is a competitive industry, with UK manufacturing worth an estimated at £380.7 billion in 2017. In such a fast paced and demanding sector, it’s important that you’re performing to the best of your ability. Any lull in productivity or workflow can have serious implications not only on overall profit, but also on employee satisfaction.

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase efficiency and put your foot forward…

1. Stay organised

One great way to increase productivity is by keeping the workplace organised. Whether it’s decluttering, changing the layout or removing unnecessary machinery, there is always room for improvement.

Organising the layout of a manufacturing floor is particularly important as this can cut down work time, streamline the production line and simplify processes for your employees. 

2. Update technology

Along the same lines, manufacturers can increase productivity levels by updating, or even completely changing, the technological process they use.

The first step is reviewing your existing workflow, closely analysing the processes, procedures and production you require. Once you have identified any glaring issues, you need to make significant changes to see improvements in productive output.

One great solution is ERP software for manufacturing. Digital software can help you update your schedule and monitor your workflow in one easy place. Whether it’s tracking your products’ life span or every day operational tasks, there’s technology which can help make it quicker, faster and smarter. 

3. Employee training

Training is obviously an initial requirement for new employees, but how often do your staff update this training?

To increase productivity, it is crucial that all employees, new and old, receive continued education and training. It should be an ongoing obligation for everyone in the business, not merely a once in a blue moon occurrence.

Whether it’s training for new equipment or updating safety procedures, you have a duty to ensure all employees are in the best possible position.

4. Check in

Not only should you value employee training, but you should also value your employees’ needs. Ensuring every team member feels supported and motivated can go a long way in increasing overall productivity.

Achieve this rapport with your staff by checking in. Take time to note down any grievances, issues or questions and respond accordingly. This makes people feel valued and appreciated, meaning they’ll be more inclined to boost business.

5. Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance and examinations are important to maintain safe and successful procedures. They are also a requirement under law, with HSE making recommendations for the types of examinations you need for machinery such as lifting equipment.

Following these requirements may seem like a burden to productivity, but in actual fact they are important to remain productive for longer. The downtime of broken and unsafe equipment is far worse than the downtime of regular maintenance.

6. Smarter equipment

With technology advancing at a rapid rate, manufacturing equipment is improving constantly. To increase your productivity, it’s crucial you take advantage of smarter tools. After all, employees are only as productive as they equipment you provide them with.

New innovations can help you stay ahead in a competitive market and can have a positive impact on workflow and output.

Maintaining productivity

To achieve overall success in manufacturing it’s important you regularly monitor your business and employees. Checking in and updating processes can not only boost business, but it can save you time and money.