You spent the time, money, and resources to open your own metal fabrication shop. Now the fun part begins: time to run it. To create the best business and to optimize the work, there are five different ways to ensure that your fab shop thrives.
- Invest in Advanced Machinery
It’s always going to be a good idea to select the best quality items for any business. But especially when operating heavy machinery, you want to be sure that you have products that are durable and will last your business a long time. A good strategy is to invest in modern technology, like fiber laser cutting or automated press brakes to improve the quality of your products and the safety of your shop. Finding a company with quality machinery, like Sanson Machinery Group, will help you to obtain the highest quality tools.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing
Another way to optimize your shop is through lean manufacturing, which is based on the principle of eliminating waste through continuous improvement. This helps efficiency of the process, while maintaining smooth work flow and customer satisfaction. Identify if there are any unregulated areas that could be costing you, like transportation, overproduction, waiting, overprocessing, defects, excess inventory, or unused talent. By continually working to improve the process of production and quickly deliver quality products, you increase customer loyalty, improve business, and decrease production costs.
- Prioritize Regular Maintenance
Nothing will stop production faster than a broken machine. Not only does broken equipment risk harm and the safety of fabricators, but it also can result in expensive repairs and loss of money from production. To prevent problems like this, ensure you stay on top of the maintenance by training your employees to identify and flag any machinery concerns and hire professionals to regularly look at the machines. Professional maintenance is more likely to identify bigger problems that can otherwise slip notice. It’s vital to your business to stay on top of the quality and health of your equipment.
- Enhance Employee Training
Since your business is based on selling quality products, optimize your shop by prioritizing the training of your employees. They should not only know basic workshop procedures and safety, but be able to confidently and consistently handle the equipment. Dedicate ample training time to ensure they know each machine’s function and safety and emergency protocol. They should also all have the right certifications to comply with OSHA standards and other requirements.
You can also improve business by cross-training to minimize costs while still maintaining quality work. For instance, putting more experienced employees together with new hires will allow for the new employees to have on-the-job training experience and have an expert nearby in case of questions or emergencies. Having employees with experience and expertise leads to a safe work environment and quality production.
- Optimize Material Handling
Handling the materials in your fabrication shop in the optimal way makes the most of the materials, streamlines production, and maintains an organized workshop. Set up your shop in a way that makes sense for flow of production and prioritizes safety and organization. Designate specific storage areas for materials with correct labeling to minimize waste and optimize efficiency. Using smart ways to transport materials, like overhead cranes or hydraulic lifts, can also positively impact the layout of the workshop and keep floors clean and clear. If your workshop is laid out in the best way, this keeps the space clean and functional.
Since your fabrication shop is your place of business, it is best to dedicate thought and energy to improve and optimize the space and work. Having good quality materials, processes, employees, and space will all help your fab shop thrive and flourish. Reach out to Sanson Machinery Group to help get the machinery you need to run the best fabrication business.