Efficiency is ever elusive but there are steps you can take to get your business closer to reaching that abstract maximum efficiency concept.
Businesses thrive on efficiency, and that includes metal fabrication shops. Without everything in the shop being incredibly productive, the shop ends up behind schedule. Read on to learn some metal fabrication efficiency tips so your shop is never behind schedule again.
Redesign Your Shop’s Floor Layout
If you’ve been on the floor of a metal fabrication shop, it’s clear that there is a lot of stuff everywhere. It’s hard to find what you’re looking for, and with these giant machines, it’s hard to get anywhere. To ensure everyone gets where they want to go knows where equipment is and reduces wasted time and potential accidents, you should redesign your layout.
It may stop production for a day or two, but an optimal design where everyone can get to where they need to be in a timely and safe manner does great things for your shop’s efficiency.
Invest in the Proper Machines
One of the best things you can do for your metal fabrication shop is invest in quality machines. For example, many metal fabrication shops use manual press brakes to get the job done, but overall, they could be limiting your productivity.
These machines can only do so much, whereas their automatic or electric metal press counterparts can do a much better job. Additionally, metal shops work with many kinds of metal in different shapes and sizes.
Some press brakes struggle to work with some materials, while others thrive, and you should always ensure your shop uses the machines that best suit the products you’re sending out.
Invest in Automation
In today’s modern technological age, it’s not enough to just have the proper machinery. You might also need to look into automation, as robotics can simplify your production process and allow human operators to devote their time to more technical tasks.
For example, automated robots can bend, cut, drill, and shape all kinds of metal pieces and do so without the risk of hurting anyone. Additionally, robots will not get tired or need a coffee break, like their human counterparts often require.
These tips for improving metal fabrication efficiency go a long way in turning your shop into a well-oiled machine capable of creating products quickly and of superior quality. Increased efficiency may take an initial time and financial investment, but you will soon reward your business by meeting timetables and exceeding them.