How to improve productivity in your operations

Last Updated On December 26, 2019

As the world is more globalised by the day, supplying products to consumers in an effective and efficient way is becoming increasingly important. The competition is no longer limited to you and Bob from the around the corner; globalisation has led to consumers choosing between you and any other business across the entire world providing the same service or product.

Resulting from this, increasing productivity and improving processes need to be priorities for any organisation aiming to stay competitive. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to improve productivity.

Why layout matters

Before going into how to boost output rates, it’s important to know why it’s important.

Essentially, a warehouse that isn’t designed to streamline processes and provide a clear task-path for workers will ultimately fail. Time is of the essence in supply chain management, which is why the layout of the entire flow of activities from the arrival of goods to the dispatch station needs to be aligned.

Working in a space that allows for a robust system that directs a product clearly from one work station to another is ultimately an essential pillar for operational success.

Increasing productivity encompasses a range of processes.

Tips to improve productivity

So, now that we know why, let’s talk about the how.

Manufacturing Global highlights not only the importance of meticulously planning designated areas for each action, but also smart storage solutions and the time-saving effect they can have in a warehouse. Particularly when handling large amounts of stock, using quality supplies to organise SKUs into relevant categories can reduce motion and make better use of floor space.

The time savings achieved through this can further be enhanced by taking the following suggestions from Inbound Logistics into consideration: 

• Incorporate TAKT time: By specifying a maximum cycle time, setting targets is not only easier but able to help standardise instructions as well as steady product flows.
• Empower employees: Involving staff in the process of determining how best to improve processes comes with two bonuses: First, engaged workers are inherently more productive and second, the people working on the floor are much more capable at assessing the most effective waste reduction.
• Standardise processes: Streamlining process flows decreases the chance of errors while saving time and money on levelling out variations in productivity. This builds directly on Six Sigma thinking and emphasises stable, predictable workflows.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Eco Pallets today to talk about how we can help your business take success to the next level. We offer high quality plastic pallets that are suitable for almost any use, from food shipment to general export purposes.