Running a metal machining business is not easy these days. You have to keep up with competitors while maintaining high-quality work and materials. You need a highly efficient shop and here are four important tips to help you increase and maintain efficiency.
1. Value Stream Mapping
Lean organizations utilize value stream mapping. It analyzes a production method like metal machining from raw materials, all the way to the customer. You can download free software and templates to help you with this task. Once you see how everything moves, you are in a position to make changes to improve efficiency.
2. Improve Tool Organization and Storage
Many shops lose a lot of time because machinists have to look for tools. It’s up to the shop supervisor to go over each work area. If necessary, give workers extra time before and after shifts, to get everything together and in place. Over the course of the workday, this can save a lot of valuable production time.
3. Encourage Continued Education
Some of your employees may want to upgrade their metal machining skills but they don’t have the time or money. When a business owner works with the employees to help with tuition and other factors for education, everyone stands to win. You receive more qualified workers and you won’t have to hire experienced help for skilled tasks. You can promote in-house and this limits employee turnover rates.
4. Don’t Worry about the Small Jobs
If you shop takes small orders from time to time, it’s best to send them to a trusted shop. This way, your people do not spend a lot of time setting up machines for small runs. Also, a contract manufacturing shop can handle any size order and perform precision CNC work too. This is a good way to increase metal machining efficiency and your customer base.
