The contemporary manufacturing industry has to deal with multiple challenges ranging from market pressure to increasingly growing demand for accuracy and precision. Traditional metal fabrication companies, for example, were large operations with hundreds of employees. However, they develop significantly by adopting automation technology and self-purpose equipment such as welding robots, automated material handling and intelligent machines.
Lean manufacturing
The term lean manufacturing refers to a systematic method of waste elimination within a manufacturing process while maintaining the higher level of productivity. The lean management philosophy seeks to implement production processes that achieve precision, high-quality work, safety, and sustainability while reducing production cost and lead times. It focuses largely on eliminating all kind of wastes from all processes. This is what sets lean management apart and makes it very effective.
Waste elimination
Newly developed technologies have always helped companies fix their complex production problems. Lean manufacturing, as a source to achieve sustainable growth, drive companies to develop and implement low-cost improvements into their existing production infrastructure. As mentioned earlier, lean manufacturing is about eliminating all the inefficiencies in forms of waste from a process. Following are some of the major wastes:
- Unnecessary transportation
- Waiting time of machines and operators
- Excess stock of material and equipment
- Over processing wastes
- Defects in products
Investing in new technologies
The manufacturing, cutting, and machining industry constantly adopting technological developments promising to make manufacturing floors more efficient than ever. The first step should be to highlight the pain points in your current workflow. Advanced machines such as automated robotic welding and cutting, CNC mills, intelligent sensing devices, etc. can be costly in terms of initial setup and training. However, advanced equipment offers positive long-term effect.
Related: The role of robots in creating more efficient manufacturing operations
Maintenance is essential
Innovative and modern manufacturing solutions can certainly boost productivity. However, automated machines require regular maintenance in order to ensure that they keep working up to expectations. Skilled employees can quickly troubleshoot operational issues and suggest whether or not a machine needs maintenance or repair. You should also consult your equipment manufacturer in order to get technical assistance.
Training and educating employees
Continuously evolving manufacturing technology demands skilled labor. You cannot implement a highly sophisticated production process or technology into your factory or fabrication shop unless you have skilled operators who can run that system. Therefore, it is essential to develop a learning-friendly environment where workers can help you create a more advanced manufacturing process.
Our process
It can be difficult for you to figure out reliable, affordable, and profitable ways to improve the quality of your products and eliminate inefficiencies from your existing manufacturing system. We provide easy-to-understand information, prototype development expertise, and cost-effective automation solutions for helping you to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of your manufacturing operations. Feel free to schedule a free consultation!
