13 Ways to Increase Manufacturing Productivity

In the realm of manufacturing, productivity is the cornerstone of success, dictating efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability. As we navigate the post-COVID landscape, the imperative to enhance productivity becomes even more crucial. This article delves into the pivotal role of digital transformation and effective leadership in achieving this goal.

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any manufacturing operation. Communication apps serve as catalysts for improved connectivity, streamlined collaboration, and efficient problem-solving within manufacturing teams. By providing a centralised platform for communication, these apps reduce delays, enhance clarity, and foster a collaborative environment essential for productivity.

Top Strategies for Increasing Productivity in Manufacturing

1. Provide Easy Access to Digital Communication Tools

Accessibility for Off-site and Non-Desk Workers: Ensuring easy access to digital communication tools is instrumental in including off-site and non-desk workers in the communication loop. This inclusivity optimises coordination, reduces misunderstandings, and boosts overall productivity.

Integrating Cloud Services and Mobile Solutions: The integration of cloud services and mobile solutions provides real-time access to critical information. This not only accelerates decision-making processes but also facilitates adaptability, a crucial component in the dynamic manufacturing landscape.

2. Embrace AI

Real-time Analytics for Production Optimisation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing enables real-time analytics, offering insights that optimise production processes. By identifying inefficiencies and suggesting improvements, AI contributes to heightened efficiency and, consequently, increased productivity.

Empowering Workers through Automation: AI's capacity to automate repetitive tasks empowers workers by freeing up time for more complex, value-added activities. This reduction in time-wasting actions contributes to a streamlined workflow and heightened productivity.

3. Mobile Operational Communication Strategy

Building Trust and Community: A mobile operational communication strategy fosters trust and community within the workforce. By providing a platform for transparent and inclusive communication, it enhances the sense of belonging and collaboration, ultimately boosting productivity.

Fluid Collaboration and Problem-Solving: Mobile communication tools facilitate fluid collaboration, allowing teams to address challenges in real-time. Quick and effective problem-solving is integral to maintaining operational efficiency and sustaining productivity levels.

4. Real-time Collaboration

Immediate Issue Resolution: Real-time collaboration tools enable immediate issue resolution. Quick identification and resolution of issues prevent delays in production, contributing to a more efficient workflow and higher productivity.

Cross-Department Collaboration: Breaking down silos through real-time collaboration enhances communication between departments. This cross-departmental collaboration ensures that different facets of the manufacturing process align seamlessly, reducing bottlenecks and optimising productivity.

5. Continued Manufacturing Workforce Education

Adapting to Industry 4.0: The evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 demands a skilled and adaptable workforce. Investing in ongoing education ensures that employees stay abreast of technological advancements, fostering a culture of innovation and heightened productivity.

Deeper Engagement Through Education: Continuous learning not only equips employees with the necessary skills but also creates a sense of engagement and loyalty. A workforce deeply engaged in their roles is inherently more productive.

6. Make Safety a Comm's Priority

Transitioning Safety Messaging: Prioritising safety through digital platforms allows for the seamless transition of safety messaging. This ensures that safety protocols are communicated effectively, minimising the risk of accidents and disruptions to workflows.

Reducing Workplace Incidents: A focus on safety directly contributes to reducing workplace incidents. Fewer accidents mean less downtime, translating to continuous and uninterrupted workflows, a critical factor in maintaining productivity.

7. Newsfeeds and Alerts

Timely Announcements: Utilising newsfeeds and alerts keeps employees informed of important announcements in a timely manner. This transparency fosters a sense of trust and reduces uncertainty, contributing to a positive and productive work environment.

Emergency Notifications: In times of crisis, timely emergency notifications are crucial for ensuring employee safety and business continuity. The ability to convey critical information swiftly contributes to a proactive response, minimizing disruptions and maintaining productivity.

8. Recruit and Build a Diverse Workforce

Addressing Labor Shortages and Skills Gap: The recruitment and cultivation of a diverse workforce are strategic responses to the prevailing labor shortages and skills gaps. A diverse team brings a spectrum of skills and perspectives, fostering innovation and increasing the company's adaptability.

Fostering Innovation Through Diversity: Diversity isn't just about representation; it's a catalyst for innovation. A workforce with diverse experiences and backgrounds brings fresh ideas to the table, enhancing problem-solving and overall productivity.

9. Use Digital Tools To Store Institutional Knowledge

Preventing Brain Drain: Digital tools play a vital role in capturing and preserving institutional knowledge, preventing the loss of expertise due to retirements. This ensures that critical knowledge is retained within the organisation, supporting business continuity and productivity.

Ensuring Business Continuity: Storing institutional knowledge digitally safeguards against disruptions during workforce transitions. This continuity is paramount in maintaining productivity levels during periods of change.

10. Efficient Training Modules

Onboarding and Skill Enhancement: Efficient training modules play a pivotal role in onboarding new employees seamlessly. They also contribute to continuous skill enhancement, ensuring that the workforce remains competent and adaptable to evolving technologies.

Task Management for Streamlined Workflows: Effective task management tools streamline workflows by helping teams prioritise tasks, set deadlines, and allocate resources efficiently. This leads to smoother operations and increased overall productivity.

11. Have a Crisis Communication Strategy Ready

Lessons from COVID-19 Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of having a robust crisis communication strategy. Learning from past disruptions, manufacturers can develop proactive approaches to crises, minimising their impact on productivity.

Digital Tools for Crisis Management: Implementing digital tools in crisis management ensures that communication remains efficient, and operations can continue even during challenging times. This preparedness is critical for maintaining productivity in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

12. Go Lean

Adopting Lean Operations for Efficiency: Lean operations involve eliminating waste and optimising processes for efficiency. By adopting lean principles, manufacturing companies can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency, leading to increased productivity.

Creating an Agile and Resilient Organisation: A lean approach fosters organisational agility, making the company more resilient to external disruptions. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining productivity in the face of changing market conditions and unforeseen challenges.

13. Effective File Sharing and Library Access

Central Repository for Documents: Establishing a central repository for documents ensures easy access to critical information. This minimises time spent searching for essential resources, improving efficiency and productivity.

Surveys for Continuous Improvement: Regular surveys that gather employee feedback are instrumental in identifying areas for improvement. This continuous improvement cycle, facilitated by effective file sharing and library access, ensures that operations align with evolving workforce needs and expectations.